Organizing a wedding involves answering a lot of questions. Some are big questions, such as what’s the best time to get married, who to hire for your wedding film, who is speaking at your wedding, and what’s the best wedding venue.
Then, there are smaller questions that arise unexpectedly—sometimes even on the wedding day itself. When to lift your veil turns out to be one of those.
Many brides opt for a wedding veil. It is a traditional wedding accessory that highlights the wedding dress itself and turns a woman into a bride. All bridal shops carry a selection of veils to choose from. You will find different lengths, varying shades of white and ivory, as well as many decorative details such as lace and pearls.
Once you have purchased the perfect wedding dress and matching veil, the next set of questions that come up are, when is the right time to lift the veil, and who should do the honors, and how long should you wear the wedding veil?
As wedding videographers, we love snapping video shoots of a bride’s veil. It makes for a romantic sequence that all couples love to watch repeatedly. Each wedding is unique, though, so this guide will help you make up your mind about everything veil-related.
What’s the Meaning behind the Veil?
The veil used to be an Ancient Greek and Roman wedding tradition that was passed on through the centuries. At the time, it was thought that the veil protected the bride from evil spirits.
As years passed, brides wore veils as a sign of purity but also because they were not supposed to be seen by the groom before the wedding. Indeed, in less enlightened times, when weddings were arranged and the groom didn’t know what the bride looked like, brides wore a veil to hide their face.
Veils went out of fashion for a few centuries before they became trendy again after Queen Victoria wore a veil at her wedding. Since then, veils have been a beautiful accessory to a bride’s attire.
When Should I Lift My Veil?
It is good to remember that there are no hard rules about veils. It’s your wedding and you get to do whatever feels right to you.
Accordingly, you can lift your veil at different times during your wedding day. Remember that a wedding veil can either have a blusher—the part that gently covers the bride’s face—or just be attached to the bride’s hair and flow on her back. “Lifting the veil” refers to the blusher.
Right before the Ceremony
Many brides choose to lift their veil right before the ceremony. This makes it easier for them to look at the groom and even dab their eyes if any tears come up.
After the Pronouncement of the Marriage
Other brides like to keep their veil on during the ceremony and lift it after the pronouncement of the marriage. The lovely moment when the groom kisses the bride can be the perfect moment to lift your veil. And it’s a moment that cinematographers love to immortalize.
When Should I Take off My Veil?
The veil is a romantic accent to a bride’s wedding dress. Since most women get to wear a veil only at their wedding, you should make the most of it.
So, when should you take it off?
After the Ceremony
You can take off your veil after the ceremony. You will have more freedom to move around and dance, especially if your veil is a cathedral- or chapel-length.
After the Portrait Photos
Veils make for spectacular photos, particularly outdoors with a little bit of wind. That is why many couples choose to keep the veil on and use it as a prop during their portrait photos. When we film you right after the ceremony, with the glow of excitement on your face, the veil adds magic to the scenery. It is a cherished moment we love to record.
The good thing about this timing is that you will have footage with your veil and without, for maximum variety.
When You Start Dancing
It can be cumbersome to dance with your veil, particularly if it’s a long one. Accordingly, some brides choose to take off their veil right before they start dancing.
If you have kept your veil until the first dance, you could choose to keep it until we have filmed your first dance. Your veil adds fluidity and charm to your photos, so you may want to keep it until you have danced with your spouse.
You Keep It throughout Your Wedding Day
There is absolutely no reason why you should take off your veil. If you like it and it makes you feel bridal and happy, keep it on. After all, you get very few opportunities in daily life to wear a veil.
To better accommodate this, some brides opt for a veil that has two lengths. The longer one lasts through the ceremony and the portrait photos. It is then replaced by the shorter one, which is easier to manage during the reception. Your wedding photos and film will look absolutely bridal and joyous.
Who Lifts the Veil?
Another question regarding veil etiquette is about the right person to lift the veil. There is no specific rule regarding this, though.
Some brides choose to have their father lift the veil right after walking down the aisle. It is a special moment that your videographer will love to record. It doesn’t have to be the father of the bride, either. Your mother, a special friend, your grandfather, or someone who is close to your heart can be that person. It is all about the emotional meaning the moment carries for you.
In other cases, the groom lifts the veil, either at the beginning of the ceremony or right after the pronouncement of marriage. Again, this can be a moving moment filled with beauty and love that we will document for the final wedding film.
Quite a few brides choose to lift their veil themselves. In this case, you must arrange for a bridesmaid or a wedding attendant to hold your wedding bouquet while you do so.
Whomever you choose to lift your veil, your wedding should be representative of your love and your emotional bonds with your family and friends.
Plenty of Wedding Veil Choices
Speaking of veils, you may be surprised to learn of the many lengths and types of veils available.
A common choice is the shoulder-long birdcage veil, which hugs the face, although many brides prefer a princess-like veil, which flows on your back.
The length of the veil varies: from elbow to fingertips, you get various lengths to match your wedding dress. If, for example, your wedding dress has an ornate design on the back, it would be a pity to hide it under a veil. In this case, a shorter veil might work better.
If you like a princess-like veil, then the chapel length or cathedral length are your go-to choices. Chapel-length veils are usually up to 95 inches long and touch the floor in a generous way. If you like the extra length, then the cathedral-length veil flows up to 120 inches and floods the floor with its beauty.
Reverent Wedding Films for Your Wedding
Organizing a wedding requires paying attention to a number of things, from arranging the wedding stationary to writing the perfect wedding toast. Thankfully, you don’t have to follow any specific rules when it comes to wearing your veil. Just blend the veil into your wedding in a way that best matches your style.
No matter how you choose to wear your wedding veil and for how long, Reverent Wedding Films will be there to document your love story and film your wedding in the most romantic way. We service Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana, as well as destination weddings all over the world. Call now 832-536-1897 or check our availability online to book your wedding video with us!
