It's the ultimate bridal accessory. A quintessential element of the wedding fairytale, that dreamy cloud of tulle evokes a breathtaking air of romance, effortlessly fusing an air of innocence with womanly allure. As iconic bridal designer Vera Wang describes it: 'The wedding veil is at once sacred and seductive'.


Alfred Angelo, The Wedding Company

The prospect of wearing a veil, however, tends to divide opinion. Perhaps you've always fostered visions of flowing tulle edged with lace or embellished with diamante trailing behind you as you shimmy down the aisle. Or maybe you deem a veil fussy and archaic. As many a bridal boutique owner will testify, even the most adamant anti-veil protests often diminish when a bride-to-be claps eyes on it in the mirror - it's the finishing piece to the perfect picture.


San Patrick, Amanda K

One thing is for sure - the wedding veil shows no sign of going out of fashion. Whether it's Kate Middleton's perfectly pitched silk tulle number, Lily Allen's sublime 1920s' style or the comeback of the birdcage design, the veil is big news in bridal wear right now.


Delphine Manivet, photo Elizabeth Messina

Ode to the veil
This rather significant piece of fabric is steeped in social, religious and historic meaning. Roman brides wore a flame-coloured veil called the flammeum, which was believed to protect them from evil spirits on their wedding day. In medieval times, the veil was perceived as a symbol of purity. The lifting of the veil by the groom symbolised the offering of the bride from father to future husband and the taking of the bride as a lover and companion. In modern times, the lifting of the veil by the bride signifies her equality in the marriage.


Dornellie

There are, of course, a plethora of other meanings and superstitions - one of the most enduring being the superstition that an old veil is lucky, particularly if it is borrowed from someone who has been happily married. Personally, I quite like the line of thought that the veil signifies the groom is marrying his bride for her inner beauty and the everlasting nature of his love, unaffected by the passage of time.


Joyce Jackson

A question of style
Your veil should make a statement of individuality. It might signify a playful element of your personality or your love of sparkle. It might reflect your wedding theme: for example, a chapel length veil might spell a sophisticated celebration in a grand manor house, while a short veil is perfect for a funky contemporary party.


Joyce Jackson

Your veil might echo your sense of style or your passion for vintage fashion. It may be the roaring '20s vibe of a lace cloche headdress encircled with flowers and sweeping full-length veil, the chic simplicity of a '40s veil which were worn loosely to balance the silhouettes of the era, or the chic '50s appeal of a skullcap headpiece with a birdcage veil. For a fashion-forward statement, consider a mantilla veil to frame your face. You could even have your mother's veil reworked into your perfect style for a veil imbued with personal significance.

Take inspiration from some of our favourite veil outings:

The Grace Kelly
The quintessential classic bride, Grace Kelly's 1956 wedding to Prince Rainier of Monaco illustrated the simply stunning impact a veil can have. She wore a Juliet cap encrusted with seed pearls and orange blossoms, and the veil itself was covered in applique lace lovebirds and thousands of seed pearls - the fabulous finishing touch to her dress designed by Helen Rose, wardrobe designer at MGM.


San Patrick, Amanda K

The Princess Diana
Lady Diana Spencer wore a 25-foot cathedral length silk tulle veil with a full blusher to cover her face. Accessorised with the Spencer family diamond tiara, the veil had tiny mother of pearl, sequins and pearls hand woven into it. A statement veil was necessary to match the sheer drama of the billowing dress, designed by Elizabeth and David Emanuel, with its puffball sleeves and huge train. It was the '80s after all.


The Couture Veil

The Kate Middleton
Kate's single layered elbow-length silk ivory tulle veil with hand-embroidered lace flowers was the perfect accompaniment to her Alexander McQueen gown - a master class in synthesising personal style with a statement befitting the occasion. The length was just the right side of demure and, worn with the Queen's 'Halo' tiara by Cartier, her headwear conveyed a regal look fit for a modern princess.


The Couture Veil

The Lily Allen
Lily's love of vintage was showcased in beautiful style at her nuptials in Gloucestershire this summer. Her full-length 1920s' inspired veil, worn with an elaborate floral headdress, was a soft and elegant salute to the prettiness of the past - and the perfect finishing touch to her handmade lace gown by Delphine Manivet.


The Couture Veil

Headwear hints

Location location location. Consider the setting of the ceremony and the length of the aisle. A grand place of worship begs for the drama of a chapel or cathedral veil, while a contemporary venue will work beautifully with a chic chin-skimming design.


Joyce Jackson

The fabric factor. Tulle is a veil staple. Silk tulle gives a gorgeous flowing and draping effect for longer veils but it comes with a hefty price tag. Manmade fabrics work better with shorter styles.


Rainbow Club

In the shade. Ensure you have a swatch of your dress to hand when choosing your veil to allow for a perfect colour match.


Kathy Ireland 2Be Bride, Lavender Rose

Fabulous finish. The impact of a highly adorned dress might be lost when worn with a veil dripping with pearls and crystals. Some exquisite embellishments, however, can look stunning with a more simple gown. Consider embroidery, crystals, rhinestones, pearls, sequins, beads, diamante, flowers or bows. Then there's the trim: whether it's lace, satin or ribbon, make sure it complements your gown. You might even decide to customise a plain veil yourself.


Rainbow Club

I dos. Remember to take your veil, as well as any other hair accessories, to your hair trial so your stylist can ensure your hair do perfectly complements the adornments.


Rainbow Club

Picture perfect. A veil can make for some stunning wedding photos. Ask your photographer about incorporating your veil into your photos, whether it's a dramatic collection of images of your veil catching the breeze on the beach or some cosy couple shots taken beneath it.


Rainbow Club

The long and the short of it
Confusing your blusher with your cathedral? Get clued up with our lowdown on veil lengths.

Blusher: A short layer of veiling traditionally worn over the face, usually falling below the chin for a dreamy look during the ceremony.
Shoulder: A simple and effortlessly chic length that brushes the shoulders. Team it with a simple sheath, mini or knee-skimming wedding dress for a pretty and playful vibe.
Elbow: This elegant elbow-sweeping length makes for a classic aesthetic that works with most styles, particularly a full skirt à la Kate Middleton.
Fingertip: This veil falls to your fingertips for a stunning statement without the high drama of longer styles.
Waltz: This graceful length falls just below your knees.
Chapel: We're well into dramatic territory now. This flowing veil reaches to the floor in a show of pure romance.
Cathedral: The cathedral length veil is a real showstopper. Trailing along the aisle behind you, this fairytale look suits a formal wedding and a long aisle - just be careful the veil doesn't steal the limelight from your dress. And remember: a conscientious bridesmaid will be compulsory.


Richard Designs

STOCKISTS
The Couture Veil: Kate Walker Bridal www.katewalkerbridal.com
Delphine Manivet www.delphinemanivet.com
Dornellie www.dornellie.com
Heading Up: The Ivory Tower
Joyce Jackson www.joyce-jackson.co.uk
Rainbow Club: The Ivory Secret www.theivorysecret.co.uk
Richards Designs:
The Bridal Box
Pirouette www.pirouettethecollection.com
Frilly Frocks


words Rebecca Matthews

Copyright WED Magazine 2011