| "> | | | | in your dress. For example, if the focal point of your |
| The veil is one of the oldest wedding traditions. In | | | | gown is your bodice or back (such as a fully |
| ancient times, people believed that it would protect the | | | | embroidered ribbon, or antique mother of pearl buttons) |
| bride from jealous, evil spirits--or more practically, from | | | | don't wear a full length veil. |
| the tribe's enemies, who may steal her on the day of | | | | Antique veils are coming back into fashion, not only |
| the ceremony. (Incidentally, that was also the purpose | | | | because of the renewed interest in "vintage" clothing, |
| of bridesmaids: to confuse any would-be attackers | | | | but because it is considered good luck to borrow the |
| since they could not readily identify which one she | | | | veil of a very happily married woman. If you were able |
| was.) It was also considered a sign of modesty, at | | | | to get an antique veil, resist the temptation to "fix" the |
| times when women were not meant to blatantly | | | | color by dying it to match your gown. You could ruin |
| display their beauty--and even then, people believed | | | | the material, and it really isn't necessary to do that. |
| that brides were the most beautiful women of all. | | | | Even if it's another color (such as a subtly darker or |
| Today, brides wear veils to complete the "wedding | | | | creamier shade of white) the difference won't really |
| look", and choosing one involves both personal | | | | be apparent because of the sheerness of the fabric. |
| preference and a consideration of the type of | | | | Another thing you have to think about when choosing |
| wedding dress you will be wearing. | | | | a veil is the length of the aisle. A long, dramatic veil |
| If you have a very ornate gown--with very intricate | | | | works best in cathedrals or other ceremony venue |
| beading, ruffles, or embroidery--keep your veils simple. | | | | where you will really be able to make a suitably |
| You don't want the two to compete for attention, plus | | | | dramatic entrance. Otherwise, the veil will just bunch |
| you could ruin the sophistication and elegance of your | | | | up. Convenience is, of course, another consideration. |
| dress and just end up looking tackily overdone. If you | | | | You don't want to wear a veil so cumbersome that |
| want, you can add just a simple trim (like a line of | | | | talking or moving will be cumbersome, especially as |
| pearls or lace at the edges). Conversely, if you have a | | | | you will be socializing with the guests during the |
| very classic and simple dress, where the drama is | | | | reception. If possible, look for a vein that allows you to |
| mostly in the cut rather than any ornamental details, pull | | | | easily remove part of it after the ceremony. Your |
| out all the stops when it comes to the veil, and | | | | maid of honor should be able to help you with this, and |
| construct it in such a way that you can wear it for the | | | | you may need to "practice" it before the Big Day. |
| whole ceremony and reception without it getting in the | | | | However, don't try on both the gown and the veil at |
| way. | | | | the same time during your fittings. It is considered bad |
| You don't want your veil to hide any important details | | | | luck. |