Perfect hair, perfect makeup, perfect dress. Are you going to cover up all of that bridal beauty with a veil? For many women, deciding whether or not to wear a veil is a huge strain - a woman must decide whether she wants to follow wedding tradition or not. It's a no-lose situation, really, but that's what can make the veil decision so difficult: there are pros and cons to either approach.
Why Do Women Wear Wedding Veils?
The first recorded wedding veil features a duplicitous approach to wedded bliss. In the Old Testament's Book of Genesis, Leah uses a wedding veil to trick Jacob into marrying her. The groom thought he was marrying Leah's sister, Rachel, but could not see the face of the woman to whom he was pledging his devotion.
Veils later took on a much more pleasant connotation - a sign of a bride's virtue and modesty. When a groom lifted his bride's veil, he is symbolically showing her face and opening her eyes for the first time. The lifting of the veil also can be seen as a gesture of presenting the bride's face to the groom's family for the first time.
To Veil: Continuing a Beautiful Tradition
A wedding veil can serve as the final detail that completes the image of a beautiful blushing bride. Think about the moment all eyes turn to you during your wedding processional - the flowing lines of your wedding gown will be matched by the way your veil flows over your face. The stunning white-on-white of veil and dress makes the bride a true vision for the guests, and such an image is perhaps most striking for the groom awaiting her arrival at the end of the aisle.
If you do elect to wear a veil, start your search process early. You might not think that a veil makes that much of a difference in your wedding planning, but your veil must suit the hairstyle you plan to wear that day and the formality of the event. A long veil is perfect for a black tie wedding, for instance, while a shorter veil is more appropriate and practical for a more casual outdoor ceremony.
Not to Veil: Why Cover Up?
You've spent all this time coming up with your perfect bridal look, so why are you going to hide all of your efforts beneath a veil? Besides, you want your groom to see how happy you are as you walk down the aisle towards him. Many women now elect to forgo a wedding veil, choosing instead to wear flowers in their hair or keep their look more informal.
In some cases, the decision is also based in practicality. If you are planning to be married on a seashore, for instance, where there will be strong breezes, a veil is simply asking to be whipped around by the wind.
If you decide not to wear a veil, find a way to play up your bridal look. Even if you plan to keep your hair long and loose, a single flower behind an ear can provide that little dash of style that emphasizes the fact that it is your special day.
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