I read recently that veils are on trend for next summer. Well, whilst I might dislike trends and generally being dictated to by supposed experts, I do think there's something very dramatic about a wedding veil. That's in no way intended to be disrespectful to the many reasons women may choose to wear one; religion being the most obvious one. All reasons are valid in my book. Whilst I happen to be an atheist, for what it's worth, I've always had an appreciation of the wedding veil. They are often exquisitely beautiful creations and add an air of mystery, fluidity and movement to wedding attire. So here's a brief history of the veil.
Ancient Druids who worshipped gods found within Celtic mythology, are thought to have been veiled (male and female) for ceremonial purposes. This veiling might well have signified a separation between the everyday and the sacred.
The earliest recorded use of a veil dates back to between 1400 and 1100 BC in the Middle Assyrian Law Code, which determined which women wore a veil due to social class, ranking and occupation. Slaves and sex workers, for example, were forbidden from wearing one.
The ancient Greeks followed suit, although their rules were not as strict. However, women were expected to dress conservatively and the veil was still seen as a means of protection from the lecherous gazes of men, as well as serving as a good indicator of their social standing. Ancient Greek brides often wore bright red veils to ward off evil spirits.
The Romans also believed that the veil offered protection against the "evil eye" or bad luck/superstition which could involuntarily sent to her by others and to be seen in public without her veil, meant that a woman was not fully committed to her husband.
For the Romans colour was also quite important with brides wearing veils in a deep yellow reminiscent of a candle flame or "flamen" the root meaning of which is "he who burns offerings." It's a reference to Flaminica Dialis, evoking memories of the wife of the High Priest of Jupiter. The couple were not allowed to divorce.
As these early empires expanded, they took with them the beliefs associated with the veil. For example, Medieval women's hair was seen as sexually potent; something only their husbands should see. Over time, European women wore veils of simple cloth, eventually primarily covering their hair.
Whilst the Quran makes no specific reference to wearing a veil, it does require women to dress conservatively and it is believed that early Muslims and early Christians shared the same values when it came to women's modesty.
Generally speaking therefore, veils have always been associated with reverence, modesty and purity and that remains the case for many today, but it was the Victorians who transformed it into a status symbol and now, for many British brides, it is something of a fashion accessory.
Today, for many UK brides, there is overwhelming choice available and I've encountered a few veils in recent years. I've created my own styled shoots and photographed micro weddings, traditional weddings, woodland handfasting ceremonies, luxe weddings and highly personalised festival weddings in my day job.
My Stranger Things styled wedding shoot eloping bride was inspired by Madonna's first marriage to the actor, Sean Penn where she wore a bowler hat with a veil attached and her husband famously scrawled an unwelcome message in the sand to paparazzi circling overhead.
Here are a few more of the veils I've photographed, starting with this one - traditional - with a nod to 1950s styling.
Here's Leyla in her gorgeous lace trimmed veil.
How about a black lace veil? This works like a dream for Steampunk devotees.
Now, you might think you can't be bothered with a long veil, but then check out this photo. Ooh the drama! Wind is then your friend!
And having an unconventional/alternative wedding doesn't mean you can't have a big white dress and a long, glittery veil!
Back to black.
Simply beautiful!
Oh and going back to the ancient Druids, who says only women can wear a veil? Taking this argument to its logical extension, who says groomswear means a suit? How about a train? Grooms, take inspiration from one of my styled shoots and push things forward!
Finally, if a veil really isn't your bag, how about a cape? You get the drama and mystery with the practicality of wearing it up or down whenever you feel like it!
For 2025, the wedding experts are telling us that long, textured veils are going to be huge! But my advice would be this. If you want a veil, go for it! Find one that works for you; be it long, short, black, white or rainbow coloured. Consider your height, the style of your dress, trouser suit or whatever you're planning to wear, how much freedom of movement you want and any specific detailing. Actually, given the season we're in, if you're planning an Autumn wedding next year, wouldn't it be cool to have richly coloured Autumn leaves sewn onto your veil? Think outside the box! You can have that idea on me!
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