Veil – the term synonymous with the wedding day dress. There is no other time in a girl’s life when she will wear one but there is also no definitive or authoritative reason not to. So does the ‘ritual’ of putting on the veil make the big day’s ‘dress’ complete or nowadays, do flowers, feathers or braving a bare head suffice?

This dilemma seems to be the ‘splitter’ amongst modern brides. Why do some see it as the ultimate bridal accessory but others as an unnecessary extra? Those amongst us who go against the veil tradition have come up against a lot of criticism, but why?

The veil dates back to the 13^th century BC and is widely seen as a symbol of modesty and virginity with the ritual of lifting the veil symbolising the groom taking possession of his bride. Nowadays it is more of a tradition than a rite of passage and in the age of the ‘teenies’ why shouldn’t we be allowed to break tradition?

With so many practical and aesthetic reasons to break this age old custom more and more women are vetoing the veil. Some have beautiful dresses with detailed backs which shouldn’t be covered others have splashed out on top hairdressers (you do not want a veil hiding your quaffed locks!) and others more importantly do not want an added stress (of impaired vision) whilst walking down the aisle!

But at the end of the day the decision is up to you – embrace your individuality and whether it is flowers, feathers, a hair piece or the veil your day will be a super special one whatever you decide!

MBS x