May 263 min read

The History of Bridal Veils

Ever wondered where the practice of wearing a veil began? The bridal veil has deep historical roots that span various cultures, evolving significantly over time.

Origins in Ancient Rome Traditionally, the bridal veil originated in ancient Rome, where it was used to protect the bride from evil spirits on her wedding day. This custom reflects a widespread belief across many ancient cultures, including Greece, that veils could ward off malign influences during important life events.

In ancient Rome, the bridal veil, known as the "flammeum," was an integral part of a bride’s attire. The flammeum was a large, flame-colored veil that completely covered the bride from head to toe. The vivid color was symbolic of fire, which was thought to protect the bride from evil spirits and bring good fortune to the marriage. The Roman bride would wear this veil throughout the ceremony, only removing it in the privacy of the bridal chamber.

Symbolism and Practicality These early veils were often heavy and richly decorated, reflecting the bride's family status and wealth. The primary function was protective, warding off evil spirits and ensuring the bride's purity and modesty. This tradition was less about aesthetics and more about the symbolic and protective aspects associated with the veil.

Cultural Overlaps The use of veils in wedding ceremonies has been a common practice in many cultures beyond Greece and Rome. For example:

In Jewish traditions, the veil is part of the "Badeken" ceremony, where the groom veils the bride, signifying modesty and respect.
In Muslim cultures, the veil, or "hijab," is worn by brides to maintain modesty and privacy.
In medieval Europe, veils symbolized chastity and obedience, reflecting societal values of the time.

Queen Victoria’s Iconic Veil The transformation of the bridal veil into a fashion statement is often credited to Queen Victoria. In 1840, Queen Victoria married Prince Albert wearing a white dress and a veil cascading down her back. This marked a significant departure from the colorful gowns and headpieces previously worn by brides. Queen Victoria's choice of a white gown and veil set a new standard, symbolizing purity and influencing bridal fashion for generations to come.

Queen Victoria's veil was crafted from exquisite Honiton lace, emphasizing elegance and sophistication. Her choice of Honiton lace was itself iconic, as the fashion of the time favored machine-made lace from Brussels. Honiton lace, by contrast, was intensely handmade, crafted exclusively in Devon, England.

This iconic look popularized the white wedding dress and veil, establishing a tradition that endures today. Her influence extended beyond fashion, as the white dress and veil became symbols of innocence and purity in modern Western wedding ceremonies.

Modern Adaptations Over the centuries, the significance of the bridal veil has shifted. By the 17th and 18th centuries, especially following Queen Victoria's iconic white veil in the 19th century, the veil had become a symbol of modesty, purity, and fashion rather than protection. In many Christian weddings, the removal of the veil at the altar symbolized the groom's right to enter into conjugal relations with his bride, signifying purity and the transition from innocence to marriage.

In Judaism, the veil is part of the Badeken ceremony, where the groom veils the bride, echoing the biblical story of Rebekah veiling herself before meeting Isaac, symbolizing modesty and consent.

Today's Veil Choices Today, many brides choose to wear their veil for a variety of reasons. Some view it as a nod to tradition, while others wear their veils purely as a statement. Whatever your choice, at Veil Atelier, we work closely with our brides to craft a veil that reflects both their personal style and values.