Should I wear a veil on my wedding day?

Veil or No Veil?

This is a question we are asked all the time here at Paddington Weddings, “Should I wear a veil on my Wedding day?” If we go back to many years ago and look at the symbolic meaning behind the ‘Veil’ it was a tradition that the father of the bride would ‘unveil’ his daughter and present her to the groom, a sign of purity! It all sounds pretty old fashioned in this day and age of equality doesn’t it!

In todays world a veil is mostly worn just at the back, not over the face and really it is about the look and style rather than any tradition or symbol. Veils are VERY on trend at the moment, especially the long flowing Cathedral length veil or the modern pearl and lace feature veils.

The right veil can take your gown to the next level and enhance the look of your dress. Here are a few veil options that we especially love with our Bertossi Brides gowns.

Should I wear a veil on my wedding day? Paddington Weddings Brisbane

 

 

A feature ‘Pearl veil‘ is a great addition to our crepe gowns such as the ‘Nicole’ or the ‘Louisa’, they are generally very long and we have a few options with the size of pearls used. They look especially fabulous with your hair down as the pearls look like they are floating!

Should I wear a veil on my wedding day? Paddington Weddings Brisbane

Our feature ‘Lace Veil‘ is a modern version of the Mantilla veil. A traditional Mantilla sat at around ankle length and was cut in an oval with the lace going all the way around the outside. With the longer veils being on trend now this has evolved into a long full, gathered veil with the lace detailing being only on the bottom of the veil. It looks fabulous with wedding dresses that have plain skirts both full and straight when it flows past the train.

Should I wear a veil on my wedding day? Paddington Weddings Brisbane

How about our detachable ‘Wings Veil‘ option? This is modern take on the traditional veil where you attach two separate veils to the shoulders of your dress, it looks VERY dramatic and gives such an ethereal vibe to your bridal gown. A lot of brides love this option when they want to wear their hair down and showcase fabulous waves and hair extensions. We ensure the wings are detachable to make life easier for you when the party starts.

Should I wear a veil on my wedding day? Paddington Weddings Brisbane

Nothing is more romantic than the simple ‘Long single Veil‘, created in the softest English tulle, this veil will billow in the wind and enhance the look of your dress rather than taking over. This can be cut full Cathedral length which means it flows way past the end of your train or Chapel length where it sits just past the train, both look amazing.

Sometimes less is more ladies….

Should I wear a veil on my wedding day? Paddington Weddings Brisbane

The ‘Cape Veil‘ also attaches onto the shoulders of your dress, just like the wings but it is created in a soft silky tulle, it drapes in one piece and is generally not as long a the wing veil option. It gives a stunning ‘Cowl’ effect at the back of your dress and can have veil jewellery added as an option.

Should I wear a veil on my wedding day? Paddington Weddings Brisbane

The ‘Shorter cut Veil‘ is sometimes picked so the bride can keep it on for her entire day, it can be single or double layered and can look especially lovely with a fuller wedding dress. It is a more traditional look that many brides love when they are getting married in a church.

Should I wear a veil on my wedding day? Paddington Weddings Brisbane

 

Top tips when deciding on a veil:

  • Generally pick your gown first and then add a veil that compliments it’s style. For example you very rarely wear a lace detailed veil with a full lace gown, this can be too much!
  • Make sure the veil is the right colour for the dress, there is nothing worse than a pure white veil with an Ivory dress!
  • If you have your heart on wearing the family heirloom veil make sure you pick a dress that compliments it, again with colour and style. We often adapt these veils for our brides, maybe taking off some of the layers (there were a lot of layers in the 80’s) and turning it into a single veil or taking off head dresses that used to be attached in the 60’s and 70’s. It’s amazing how you can modernise the look but still have the tradition of wearing your mum or nana’s veil.
  • Also keep in mind a veil is not for everyone and that is just fine, the joy of getting married today is that there are no rules any more and what you wear is up to you. Do what feels right for you, even if all your family love the idea of you wearing a veil it doesn’t mean you have to if you don’t like it.

Should I wear a veil on my wedding day? Paddington Weddings Brisbane

For some brides putting on a veil is the moment everything comes together and they finally feel like they are getting married. It can be a very emotional moment and mum’s especially love to have a little cry (and we often have to join in!) Other times a bride will be very definite that they don’t want to wear a veil but on their final fitting with us will try one on and fall in love. Just go with the flow and talk to your hairdresser to ensure that the veil can be easily taken off when the time is right for you.

Should I wear a veil on my wedding day? Paddington Weddings Brisbane

At Paddington Wedding we have a beautiful selection of Australian made veils to make sure everyone can find the perfect veil, even if you have purchased your gown elsewhere you are welcome to come in and view the collection in our studio in Paddington, no appointment is needed and our friendly team are always there to give advice.

All gowns and veils available at Paddington Weddings

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