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When I first went dress shopping I had already decided that I didn’t want a veil. Why, you may ask, did I make this decision? Well, quite honestly, I think the concept behind a veil is just plain weird. According to Wikipedia, “veils covering the hair and face became a symbolic reference to the virginity of the bride,” and let’s face it, Mr Elk and I have been living together for almost 4 years—that ship sailed a long time ago. (I know a white dress is supposed to do the same, but mine is definitely not pure white—it’s got a dark ivory underlay.) Moreover, stores try to charge at least 100 dollars (and up to thousands!) for a piece of fabric that covers your face for all of a 25 minute ceremony.
While I had made my decision regarding veils, it by no means made me immune to their beauty. I started seeing pictures of gorgeous brides in flowing veils, and began to wonder whether I had made my decision prematurely.
I mean, could this photo be any more beautiful?
image via Snippet and Ink/ photo by Aaron Delesie
And then there’s Twigs and Honey. I’m not sure if its just this model (who reminds me of Alexis Bledel), but I NEED anything that graces her head. She just makes everything look gorgeous to me.
via Twigs and Honey
via Twigs and Honey
I was beyond confused, and so I brought the issue to Mr. Elk. The conversation went something like this:
Me: What do you think of veils?
Mr Elk: They’re weird, I really don’t like them. Why? Are you seriously considering wearing one?
Me: Not anymore.
And there you have it, my decision was made—no veil for me.
Anyone else not wearing a veil? What made you decide not to?
I hear you on that model, for a long time I had about 6 different pictures of her in my make-up ideas folder before I realized my features are the opposite of hers and copying her makeup would end poorly.
I had the total opposite reaction from my fiance when I asked him about a veil! Same convo only his response was “You’re going to wear one right?” And now I am looking for one. Ugh. Foiled again!!!! 
Also, that model does look a lot like Alexis!
This is a topic that’s been on my mind a lot lately. I just wrote a bunch on my blog about what I am doing instead, actually.
Anyway, I’m not wearing a veil either. I can’t really verbalize why I don’t want to; it’s just not me.
She reminds me of Alexis Bledel too! hahahah I love your conversation with Mr. Elk. Sounds like the unicycles’ convos.
I’m completely with you on this topic. I find veils to be outdated, no longer representing what they were initially for. I want to feel “bridal” on my special day, but not silly and overdone. My fiancé and I are practical about the whole thing - a nice flower hairpiece will do. I just don’t get it about the veil thing. Especially being an older bride (33), I don’t resonate with the idea at all. Curious to see what other people think.
Miss Elk, I’m in the same boat as you — I hate veils because of their historical significance, but some of them are sooooo pretty! Maybe I’ll take a cue from you and ask Mr. Lime for his opinion
I loves veils and I don’t care what a person hundreds of years ago decided what they would be for, I’m changing the rules lol. I have to say though that I find birdcages sexy and classic and gorgeous and etc etc If veils didnt exist I’d definately would have one lined up.
Omg I love this model too and she is an Alexis double for sure.
I didnt think I wanted a veil but as soon as I tried one on at the dress store I knew I wanted a cathedral length veil. They are so pretty! But I think your dress will look great without a veil! You’re gonna look great.
DH didn’t like them either until I walked down the aisle in it. He told me later that I was right and he was wrong about me wearing one. But I think I could have walked down the aisle in an old baseball cap and still would have thought it was beautiful.
@Miss Aardvark: glad i’m not the only one with a girl crush on this model
@phoenixandstars: haha I’m sure it will look great, and I’m a little jealous he was excited!
@Miss Mole: it is a strangely hard thing to verbalize why you don’t want somethings, and i definitely felt that way while writing this! I’m sure you will look stunning veilless though!
@Miss Unicycle: oh yea? we have a lot of short sweet to the point convos..
@Bias: I’m curious to see what everyone thinks as well!
@likelimeade: just be careful,you may get an answer you don’t like!
@Mr.Smithsgirl: haha good for you!
@Miss Eagle: my aunt made me try none in one store, and she ALMOST had me convinced!
@tksjewelry: AWWWW I wonder if Mr Elk would feel the same, but I guess we won’t ever know the answer to that now…..
I didn’t want a veil either but I knew my mother would insist I have one and I know my Fiance, he likes tradition even if he doesn’t know why it is tradition. So I jumped in front of this one before having the “No Veil”conversation. I asked my mother if I could wear her veil for the ceremony. She was thrilled!! Her veil doesn’t match perfectly to my dress. My dress is white because her veil is white but If everyone is happy I couldn’t be happier. Plus, my fiance doesn’t know I’ll be wearing it until I walk down the aisle. I won’t wear it for the “first look” pics. 
OK, that first veil is stunning! And I’m so glad that you came to such an easy conclusion. I think Mr. P would have been sad if I didn’t wear a veil, but he’s really traditional. A least he didn’t want me to wear anything super puffy!
I liked my veil, but I certainly don’t think it was necessary. But, that first veil? Pure gorgeousness.
I was going to just do a big flower fascinator, but I had someone very special offer to make my veil for me, and I also had another amazing person offer me their veil, so now I am going to wear one! That made the decision for me!
@phoenixandstars: haha same thing happened to me. I was totally not interested in a veil, until FI told me he was expecting one. Oy. Luckily, my sister had an extra from her wedding and it’ll double as my something borrowed.
I’m not wearing a veil because I don’t like things around my face. And another reason for veils: back in ye olden days of dowries, brides were sometimes kidnapped and ransomed for their dowry. Bridesmaids were young women similarly aged to the bride. All of them wore veils (much heavier or darker than those of today) to protect the bride and her family’s investment.
I am wearing a veil. As for the whole “symbolic reference to the virginity of the bride” thing, I had never heard of this until a Catholic friend told me about it. I had always thought of it in the Pagan traditionalist way, that the veil wards off evil spirits. I know it sounds weird either way, but I still don’t think of it as a symbol of virginity. A lot of those customs came about as pagan rituals (like throwing rice at the newlyweds).
When i get married ,i will wear a veil ,i think wear a veil are more beautiful.I like the first one in thses three veils.
As soon as I got engaged I went out and bought a big puffy multi layered veil (think big 90’s style). Little did I know they came in gorgeous one layer varieties! I’m quite petite and I’ve started to think my veil is tripling the size of my head! Hopefully Santa will bring me the veil in your first picture - it’s to die for!
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Miss Elk, City: Syracuse/Long Island Age and Occupation: 25, Medical Student Fiance's Age and Occupation: 25, Computer Engineer Engagement Date: November 22, 2010 Wedding Date: May 2012 Venue: The Old Field Club About Me: I’m a Long Island girl finishing my last year of medical school in western NY, on the road to becoming a pediatrician. When I’m not studying or sleeping at the hospital, I spend my free time watching bad TV (Vampire Diaries anyone?), playing with my pooch, singing incredibly off-key (to the annoyance of Mr. Elk ), and reading Harry Potter for the zillionth time. Mr. Elk and I are planning a secular wedding infused with both Irish and cultural Jewish traditions. Only a week after I become an M.D., I will get my Mrs. degree, too!
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