The origin of the veil is to conceal the bride and protect her from demons. But that is the last thing in the mind of today's bride, who wears the veil as an accessory to the gorgeous dress.
Just as there are many dress styles, there are many different types of veil. Which type is most suitable for you?
Records show that brides wore a floor-length yellow veil in ancient Greece. A similar red veil was worn by brides in ancient Rome. These veils were often decorated with threads of gold or silver. Nowadays, the veil is almost always sheer white, and at most Western-style weddings in Japan, they have little or no embroidery. A few have piping at the edge, but most are simply cut straight with no hem. Some veils have embellishments but most are plain and do not distract attention away from the main attire - the dress.
Another reason Japanese brides choose simple veils, is because the veil covers her face for a very short time. It is lowered just before the doors open for her grand entrance into the chapel, and raised before the end of the ceremony. Why spend a huge amount of money on something used for such a short time when a simple, common sense, plain veil with no frills serves equally well? Of course, 'common sense' is often ignored when it comes to wedding ceremonies. There are no rules. Your veil should be whatever you want it to be: simple or elaborate, thick or thin, long or short, embellished with jewels or plain.
Around 5% of Japanese brides choose an open face 'Maria' veil. The remainder of this section relates to veils that cover the face.
Most veils are sheer, almost transparent, and obscure the face of the bride rather than conceal it.
The length should be just above or below any focal point of the dress. Very short veils (anywhere between just covering the forehead and shoulder-length) are not popular in Japan where cute usually gives way to gorgeous. However, a short veil may be appropriate if a longer veil would cover lavish details on the dress. Similarly, very long, floor length 'Cathedral' veils are not popular in Japan. The three most common lengths are:
If you are not sure, a Medium length suits most dresses. It goes without saying that the veil length and general style should be proportional to the dress. It should compliment and enhance the dress and hairstyle, but of course you might have your own ideas. Be sure to talk through your ideas with the costumiers. As we mention on the Planning Your Wedding page, don't plan more discomfort than necessary.
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