Why do some brides choose to wear a veil, and some do not? Well, it’s a decision as personal and picking the perfect dress, the ideal flowers, and the consummate first dance song.

What is all the meaning behind the veil and why should you consider wearing one?

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Personally, I feel a wedding veil completes the whole bride look. Yes, a white dress usually is a strong indication that a bride is underneath, but not always. However, pair that white dress with a white veil and there is no question.

Traditionally, a veil symbolized virginity. Having the father lift a bride’s veil to present his daughter to her groom was a symbolic gesture giving permission for her to essentially give her virginity away. Seems kind of archaic now, right? However, today’s wedding veil has become nothing more than a symbol of the bride’s style.

To Veil or Not to Veil? That is the Question

However, if you’re still on the fence about whether or not to add a veil to your wedding day wardrobe, here are some pros and cons to help you decide:

Pros

• You’re more a traditional bride and you value traditions.
• Again, it just ties the whole bridal look together.
• You do want to partially hide your face as you’re walking down the aisle.
• All you’ve ever dreamed about is your dad or groom lifting the veil off of your face on your wedding day.
• This might be the only time in your life that constitutes wearing a veil.
• They are really so pretty! And they can add much drama to your wedding images!
• Your mother and your grandmother got married wearing a veil, and you want to please them.
• You’re superstitious and you want to ward off the evil spirits. 🙂

Cons

• You are NOT a traditional bride and don’t really agree with being “presented” to anyone as a gift.
• You want to show off your hairstyle instead.
• If it’s windy and you’re having an outdoor ceremony and your veil is a longer length, it can become a fuss to keep it under control. (Pro tip: use magnet veil weights to help weigh it down.)
• You’re afraid a veil may do nothing but add frustration to your day.
• A longer veil does have to be babysat to some degree: as your passing through doors, getting in a car, taking photos.
• It’s just not your style.

Trivia: Do you know that traditionally there are three people who may lift your blusher veil from your face? Your father (before he leaves your side), maid-of-honor (before the final vows), or groom (after the final vows) may all lift your veil according to tradition.

Even IF you THINK you don’t want to wear a veil on your wedding day, my advice to you is to try one on after you’ve decided on your dress. There are so many different options from birdcage styles to 144-inch long cathedral styles. Make sure that you don’t want a veil. Many brides have actually changed their minds in the dressing room standing in front of the mirror looking at themselves wearing a veil.

**Some of the images contained in this blog post were shot under the direction and for assignment of Sara Griffin Photography. The images are copyrighted but used herein with permission.

The post, To Veil or Not to Veil? That is the Question, first appeared on Ata-Girl Photography Co.’s website and blog. Please feel free to comment here, or share this post with your friends via Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest. Please email me if you have any questions about this article or want to share a neat idea for a future blog post with me.