Traditions

Whipped in white

And you thought the little black dress was ageless! In 1831, Godey’s, a popular women’s publication, reported that the first veil was used in Sparta, Greece by Penelope to hide her identity to secretly marry Ulysses. The Roman’s used veils to symbolize the dedication of the Vestal Virgins’ devotion to the Gods and so began the association of a white veil with an unblemished and pure spirit. It is believed that the early Christians’ were directly influenced by the Roman interpretation and use of the veil. It became customary for brides to wear them from betrothal to the end of the marriage ceremony (nuns also incorporated them into their uniform as a sign of their commitment to Christ). In the East, the use of veils took on more cultural references, and they were not necessarily white. Historical references suggest that the veil was used to ward off bad spirits and the ‘evil eye’, but they were also meant to protect potential suitors from falling in love with an unattainable woman. Is it only a post-modern woman who sees this as a justification of a double standard?

Fashion takes over: 1499 to 1929 Once the use of veils became an established practice, form and function became the prime consideration and the fashion of each era dictated the appropriate style. In 1499, Ann of Brittany wore and popularized the white wedding gown. It was then that the ‘traditional’ wedding outfit we know began to develop. Veils at that time, and until the Victorian era, were worn under wreaths of orange blossoms. When the Victorians began to carry their flowers, there were more options for the style of the veil. It wasn’t until the Edwardians that veils and their different fashions really took off; a popular look for that time was to incorporate waxed flowers into the headdress. Through the ‘20s cloche and cap veil styles were commonplace. For this fashion, the bride’s head was covered by a hat with a veil falling from underneath. At this point in American culture, weddings were a vehicle to broadcast wealth, women outdid one another with yards and yards of silk veils, heavy with lace and beaded detailing. It was popular to have photographs taken with the veil piled at the bride’s feet. During the roaring ‘20s, veils actually held more status than the dress itself. Dresses were rather shapeless, a direct result of the androgynous flapper fashions and veils were worn long with stunning bands of beads or metallic flowers sitting low on the bride’s brow. This was the height of veil fashion and another turning point in bridal wear. Since then, veils have been relegated to a supporting role; used to highlight and accessorize the dress.

Stay tuned for Part Two: War brides to Princess Di, the evolution continues.

....the wedding co.