Varying in style and length almost as much as the dress, the history of wedding veils is as long as the institution of marriage itself. A recap of the most popular looks in the last century inspires the style that suits best.
A history of wedding veils
The history of wedding veils began in ancient Greece - as a way to protect the bride from evil spirits. In Medieval times it was worn as a symbol of purity and chastity. Today it is still seen as a formal wedding accessory and thanks to the royal wedding, and re-emerged back as a fashionable accessory.
In the 1920s brides favoured lace cloche headdresses, some encircled with flowers. Veils were usually made of silk materials and decorated with flowers and leaves that matched the blooms in her bouquet.
Veils started to make a simpler statement in the 1930s when brides wore them loosely over their heads to compliment sleek form-fitting gowns.
In the post-wear years of the 1940s, small, birdcage veils became popular – a wedding trend that is coming back into fashion! In the 1950s, it was the turn of the tight-fitting skullcap veil.
This fashion-forward look mellowed in the 60s and 70s with veils of a more modern, bohemian vibe. Long, floaty styles became popular inspired by the ‘flower-power’ of the time.
By the 1980s, bigger was better and Princess Diana’s mammoth veil set the trend for a generation of brides. Her amazing veil was 24 feet long but the perfect length for a dramatic statement as she entered St Paul’s cathedral – the longest, most recognizable style in the history of wedding veils!
Modern age
In 2011 and Kate Middleton’s 72-inch ivory silk veil also made a dramatic entrance at Westminster. “Kate went for the ‘celestial halo’ effect,” says designer Kelly from Richard Designs.
“Unlike most veils, this one appeared to be without a comb and was instead skilfully pinned behind the halo tiara, resting on her ‘Demi Chignon’ styled hair. The soft veiling has been positioned precisely on to the comb to allow the correct amount of blusher to fall when it is worn forward, and the hand applied French Chantilly lace is delicate, and organically weaves along the edge with very slight scallops. An ode to Catherine, this veil is timeless and ethereal!”
Many real brides disregard veils at the start of dress shopping, seeing them as old fashioned but soon include a veil to finish their look!
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