A bridal veil represents tradition, with its origins dating back to Ancient Rome. Throughout the centuries, it has represented a symbolic view of the virgin bride and was used to celebrate her purity, chastity and modesty; it also kept the bride concealed until her arranged marriage was complete.
Plenty of mystical superstition surrounding the veil has existed as well; in medieval times it was believed that a veil protected the unmarried woman from evil spirits and the dreaded "evil eye."
History aside, we love the amazing transformative qualities a veil imparts on its wearer. Thousands of years later, this simple piece of tulle still possesses the magical power to turn a woman in a white dress into the ideal bride-to-be.
But, how many varieties does a veil come in and how's a girl to know what's right for her? Well, read on:
Birdcage: A short, cute chin-length veil.
Blusher: A sheer, short veil worn over the face, which is lifted up during the ceremony.
Cathedral: A very long, formal veil that extends two feet or more on the floor.
Chapel: A long veil that extends beyond the gown, one to two feet.
Fingertip: A veil that reaches to the bride's fingertips.
Flyaway: A layered, poufy shoulder-length veil.
Mantilla: A dramatic round veil that is usually made of lace and worn without a headpiece.
Waltz or Ballerina: A veil that extends to just below the knee.
