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The History of the Bridal Veil: A Guest Post by Lucy Hayes
(Veil by Lucy Hayes)
The night before Jane’s wedding to Mr Rochester in Charlotte Bronte’s ‘Jane Eyre’, Jane’s wedding veil iory s ‘rent in two parts’ and flung on the floor and trampled on by the insane Bertha. Jane states, “….there, on the carpet I saw the veil, torn from top to bottom in two halves”. The passage goes on to read: ‘I felt Mr Rochester start and shudder; he hastily flung his arms round me. “Thank God!” he exclaimed, “that if anything malignant did come near you last night, it was only the veil that was harmed”. Thus we are introduced to the concept of evil intent and the protective association of the wedding veil.
(Veil by Lucy Hayes)
The word veil means to obscure, shroud, mask or cover. From earliest medieval times the bridal veil has been a symbol of purity, chastity, and modesty, however the origin of the wedding veil can be traced back centuries, predating the wedding gown by many hundreds of years.
(Veil by Lucy Hayes)
The people of ancient Rome believed that evil spirits would be attracted to the bride, so they covered her face with a veil in order to conceal her face and confuse the spirits, and thus protect her. The veil worn by brides in ancient Rome would have been floor length and a flame red, those worn in ancient Greece, yellow. Today veils are more traditionally white or ivory. They continue to be associated with purity.
(Veil by Lucy Hayes)
Early tradition also believes that the veil’s origins come from the ritual of a groom throwing a blanket over the head of the woman of his choice when he captured her and carted her off; others believe that the veil was due to the circumstances of an arranged marriage whereupon the veil was used to obscure the lady’s features, only being lifted after the marriage ceremony was completed; this was to keep the groom from backing out from the deal if he didn’t like what he saw.
(Veil by Lucy Hayes)
Today we use the wedding veil not only to enhance the bridal gown, but also as a symbolic way to hide the bride’s features from the groom until he becomes her husband and is ‘permitted’ to see her. The veil may be lifted by the bride’s father as he presents her to the groom at the altar, thus offering his daughter to the groom. Alternatively the groom may choose to lift the veil himself after the ceremony to signify his dominance in the marriage. If the bride chooses to lift the veil she is showing independence.
(Veil by Lucy Hayes)
Whatever the origins, the veil is a fundamental part of the traditional bridal attire. Cathedral length veils are formal long veils covering the train of the gown, once only worn in cathedrals. Chapel length veils fall only to the floor. Waltz, fingertip, elbow and shoulder lengths all see the veils become progressively shorter. They are traditionally made from a fine silk or cotton tulle which is either left plain or can be embellished with beads, crystals, pearls and lace edging. Alternatively, many brides will choose to wear a treasured family heirloom made from the finest Honiton or Brussels lace.
About the Author
Lucy Hayes works in Sherborne, Dorset, specialising in creating custom made bridal veils using silk tulle and the finest French and English lace, both contemporary and antique. Each veil is exclusively designed with the specific requirements of each individual bride in mind and Lucy guarantees that each one will be absolutely unique, an Heirloom to be passed down to future generations. The veils may be embellished with Swarovski crystal, pearls, and minute and intricate beading. The laces used range from the finest ‘Chantilly’ to heavier corded laces; from delicate antique panels to the meticulous appliqué or repair of a much loved family piece.
The styles may range from Classic, Vintage, Decade or Retro; the choice is yours!
Upon completion each veil is presented in a beautiful archival quality box and packed in layers of acid free tissue for safe long term storage. Coordinating boxes for the bridal gown are also available.
If you are interested in discussing your requirements, please call Lucy on 01935 389400 or [email protected]. She deals strictly on a personal call basis only and is happy to receive swatches of your bridal fabric in order to coordinate the veil design to that of the bridal gown. Alternatively she may travel to the chosen bridal salon during the early stages of fittings in order to accurately assess the overall design.
A minimum of four months notice prior to the wedding date is requested.
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Click here to read the History of the Bridal Gown by Lucy Hayes
Veils are mystical and mysterious! Adds to the wedding drama!
They really do, we are so grateful to Lucy for sharing her beautiful creations as well as her knowledge x
This is great information about the veil. I’ll be using it to give guest at a 50th Anniversary Party . Thanks for sharing.
Howdy just wanted to give you a brief heads up and
let you know a few of the images aren’t loading properly. I’m not sure why
but I think its a linking issue. I’ve tried it in two different browsers and both show the same results.
I am having a 50th Wedding Celebration for couples who have been married 50 years. I am trying to get the
History of the Wedding Veil as well as the History of the Wedding dress. Hopefully you have it and can send it to me.
I would be forever grateful.
Thanks,
Angie