Click here to download the catalog as a PDF file. To view this site you need Adobe Flash Player and your browser must allow javaScripts. Go here to get the latest Flash Player. The Crowning Touch By Cori Meloney BRIDAL FASHIONS They have always symbolized innocence, purity, maidenhood and modesty. In some cultures, brightly colored veils were worn to ward off evil spirits. In Roman times, the veil covered the woman from head to toe. Other origins are more patriarchal - men used to barter with women’s fathers for wives. At the ceremony, the woman wore the veil as a symbol of her obedience to her husband. The veil was lifted to reveal her appearance only after the couple was married. Here’s my favorite theory: a man would cover a woman’s head with a blanket and then cart her off to get married. Fastforward to today. Veils are part of most women’s visions of themselves as a bride. When you choose a veil, it is important to keep in mind many of the same things you considered when selecting your dress: your wedding’s size, formality and timing. The first step in veil shopping is to choose your dress. Certain veil lengths and styles look better with some dresses than with others. You’ll want to make sure your look works. From there, the possibilities are endless. You’ll find a variety of fabrics from tulle to lace, and variations on pattern, edging and the cascade of the veil. Just like there’s a dress for every girl, there’s a veil for every dress! I don’t know about you, but when I started wedding dress shopping I didn’t want to wear a veil. I was determined to buck tradition and wear only a tiara or bun wrap in my hair. Then I went to the dress shop, and after I tried on a dress I loved (and later bought), the show owner plunked a veil on my head. Suddenly a wedding dress that I thought was beautiful became stunning. The veil completed the look. I felt more, well, “bride-y”. Veils have a long and interesting history. SoMdWeddings.com | 43