Although the history of the wedding veil dates back to ancient times, modern brides also choose this accessory to complete their look.
Veils have long been a popular wedding day accessory, but the reasons brides place them on their heads before walking down the aisle have changed over the years.
The history of the wedding veil dates back to ancient Rome and Greece.
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In the early days of brides wearing veils, it was a way to protect themselves from evil spirits, Natalia Kolosok, CEO of New York City Brides, told Fox News Digital in a phone interview.
As Christianity began to spread across Europe, the meaning of the veil expanded and came to symbolize modesty, purity and chastity, Kolosok said.
Veils have been a part of wedding ceremonies for ages, but their meaning has changed over the years. (iStock)
The meaning of the veil began to change over time.
“If I'm not mistaken, I think the time when the white wedding dress and white wedding veil became popular in the Western world was with the marriage of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert,” Kolosok said.
The marriage took place in February 1840.
There are many reasons why modern brides choose to complete their look with a wedding veil, and while many brides choose to wear a veil for religious reasons, that's not the only reason.
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““While veils are still worn for religious or cultural reasons, they have evolved into a fashion statement, and many Grace brides wear veils to reflect their unique style and enhance their bridal look,” Rosie Keating, lead designer at Grace Loves Lace, which is based in Burleigh Heads, Australia, with stores in the U.S., Canada and the U.K., told Fox News Digital in an email.
Veils are often used as an accessory to exude elegance and beauty.
Many modern brides say the veil symbolizes a transformation for them on their wedding day, said the CEO of New York City Brides. (iStock)
“I think how a bride looks today is largely a personal choice. Some brides still wear the veil for religious purposes or to honor family traditions, but I think the role has changed,” Kolosok said. [an] An accessory that brings out beauty and elegance.
Today, many brides choose to wear a veil as a visual representation of the big life change that is marriage.
“It's the beginning of a new life.”
“Many [brides] What they actually mentioned was that the veil is now [a] It's a transition from one stage of life to another,” Kolosok said.
“When the bride puts on her veil and her husband lifts it, it marks the beginning of a new life.”
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Today, brides have a wide variety of veils to choose from, from tiny birdcage veils that only cover the bride's eyes and nose, to large, dramatic cathedral veils that will grace her aisle.
Modern brides can also choose a veil that perfectly matches their dress.
Wedding veils come in a variety of styles and lengths, giving brides a variety of options to choose from. (iStock)
“These days, wedding veils almost always complement the dress, and many brides want a veil that matches their dress,” Kolosok told Fox News Digital.
Kolosok said this is something few designers did in the past, but many are doing it now because the matching veil option has become so popular.
“Matching veils are usually customized, so they come in a variety of sizes and the veil design can be tailored to the bride's personality and wedding dress,” Kolosok continued.
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If a bride wants to add one more accessory to her wedding day look but isn't a fan of veils, there are plenty of other accessories to complement her dress, including flower crowns, tiaras and headbands.
Sometimes brides choose not to wear a headpiece at all and find that a different accessory works perfectly.
“Sometimes it's something as simple as a statement earring or a pair of shoes that can be the perfect finishing touch,” Keating says. “It all comes down to expressing authenticity.”
