Why Do Brides Wear a Veil?

(Updated February 2026)

 

When you think about all the wedding-related trappings, have you ever wondered why they exist? Take the bridal veil, for example. It’s one of the most iconic accessories in a wedding, but its origins are surprisingly ancient and steeped in superstition.

 

Princess Beatrice 1885

The Origins of the Bridal Veil

The tradition of veiling the bride can be traced back to ancient Rome. Brides were thought to be vulnerable to evil spirits on their wedding day, and the veil acted as a disguise to protect her from jealous or malicious forces.

Interestingly, the original wedding veil wasn’t white—it was flame red. In Roman belief, the fiery color scared away spirits while also symbolizing passion and vitality. Wearing the veil over the face added an extra layer of protection.

Original wedding veil was flame red.

 

Veils in Arranged Marriages

Beyond superstition, veils also served a practical purpose, particularly in arranged marriages. The groom often did not see his bride before the ceremony. The veil helped hide her appearance, preventing potential embarrassment or disappointment and ensuring the wedding proceeded smoothly.

Arranged marriage.

Religious and Cultural Significance

Over time, the veil took on other meanings:

• A symbol of humility and respect for God

• During the Victorian era, a sign of social status, with length and material reflecting wealth and prestige

• Royal brides, like Princess Diana, famously wore extraordinarily long veils—hers measured 24 feet!

Modern Bridal Veils

As beliefs have changed and new meanings were attached to the veil. Today blusher veils are a popular choice among brides, but not all brides cover their face. If they do, some brides:

• Have the groom lift their veil
• Have their father lift the veil when he gives the bride away
• Others go through the entire ceremony with their face covered until the father lifts the veil so the groom can kiss his new wife.

2 Tier Beaded Edge Fingertip Length Bridal Veil

Today, brides can choose how, or if, they want to wear a veil:

• Covering the face for a dramatic reveal
• Wearing it drawn back for subtle elegance
• Skipping it entirely

From ancient superstition to Victorian symbolism and modern fashion, the bridal veil has evolved dramatically. Understanding its history adds depth and meaning to a timeless wedding tradition, giving brides the freedom to embrace, or reinterpret it in a way that feels personal.

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Giving away the bride tradition and meaning

Giving away the bride is a tradition that has evolved over time. For some brides walking down the aisle with their father on their wedding day is a very special moment. One father I know pulled a picture of his daughter from his pocket and said, "This is how I remember you." The daughter's eyes brimmed with tears as she saw herself as a toddler wearing pigtails. The wedding march played, and the two of them walked the aisle together along an emotional thread only the two of them shared. So amid traditions, sometimes we create new traditions.

 

Giving the bride away tradition

Giving the bride away is an ancient tradition started back when arranged marriages were the norm. Back then:

• Daughters in that culture were considered their father's property 
• The father had the right to "give his daughter" to the groom 
• A price usually had to be paid to the bride's family before the man could marry their daughter
• Daughters were not allowed to get married without their father's permission

• Custom made music box gift for father of the bride.

Father giving away the bride tradition

Today, those who choose to "give the bride away" look at it as a practice that symbolizes the transfer of authority from the bride's father to her new husband, and it's not unusual for fathers to make a small speech as they relinquish their place of authority. However, these days, dads aren't the only ones to give the bride away. Now, some brides elect to have both parents, or in some cases their mother, child or some other family member walk them down the aisle.

Giving away the bride has evolved

The terminology used in wedding ceremonies today may still sound about the same, but the practice of giving away the bride has evolved to become a part of the wedding ceremony that lets parents of the bride and groom take part in the wedding ceremony in a way that signifies the parents' blessing on the marriage.

With all that said, the giving away of the bride tradition is not for every bride. Those who feel the practice is archaic, or who don't have a close relationship with their father or parents, shouldn't feel obligated to include the tradition. However, for those who like the idea, but whose father is deceased or unavailable, it is not uncommon to have another close family member walk the bride down the aisle.


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Handfasting tradition represents love and fidelity

Have you ever wondered about the origins of the phrase "to tie the knot" when talking about getting married? It turns out this saying comes from an ancient custom known as handfasting. The same is true for the phrase, "bonds of matrimony." This tying together of the bride and groom's hands (wrists) was how couples in Great Britain pledged their betrothal in front of witnesses in ages past. Today it is a popular addition to traditional weddings for couples looking to add a strong cultural or historical element to incorporate in their ceremony.

Handfasting goes back to Greece and Rome

The practice of handfasting was originally practiced by the Greeks and Romans. In the Roman celebration, a garland was fashioned from magnolias, elder and roses which they used to wrap around the couple's wrists. This practice was thought to represent love and fidelity.

Handfasting common tradition in Ireland and Scotland

The handfasting ceremony became especially common in Ireland and Scotland and turned out to be the way couples were "officially" married in the times before the church became involved in performing weddings and makes a popular choice for couples who choose a medieval theme or fantasy theme for their wedding.

Divinity Braid  Wedding Handfasting Cord

Handfasting today

Today, many people consider handfasting a strictly pagan custom often used in non-traditional marriages, but really it is a wedding ritual that can easily be incorporated into a traditional wedding while exchanging vows. In fact, it's a meaningful ritual that makes a perfect choice for couples looking to incorporate a visual that symbolizes their love, and for those of Scottish or Irish decent it is an opportunity to add a nice historical tie to their roots.

Traditionally silk cords are used in handfasting, but today some people use something that adds a personal touch meaningful to them. This might include cloth strips or one large piece of cloth made from something that holds special significance, like a piece of a mother or grandmother's wedding dress. Others choose several ribbons or a number of different colors with each color representing a different meaning.

Whatever you choose to use to tie the knot, this timeless tradition symbolizes the union of two people and their willingness to spend the rest of their lives together. And while the practice itself is an ancient tradition, today couples can find many different versions to choose from whether it is for a wedding or a renewal of vows.

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Meaning behind the Claddagh ring and how to wear It

The Claddagh ring (pronounced “klahda”) enjoys a distinctive Irish design that's rich in symbolism. It features two hands (representing friendship) holding a heart (symbolizing love) and usually topped by a crown (loyalty) and can be worn as an engagement ring or wedding band. While the meaning is clear, the history of the Claddagh ring is clouded by a number of legends as to its origins.

Claddagh ring legends

One legend surrounds a woman by the name of Margareth Joyce (from the Joyce clan). She is said to have married a Spanish merchant by the name of Domingo de Rona. She left her homeland and went with her husband to Spain, but he died and left her a large amount of money. The legend says she returned to Ireland and, in 1596, married the mayor of Galway (town where the ring originated), Oliver Ogffrench, and used the money she had inherited to build bridges in Connacht. As a reward for her charity, one day an eagle dropped the Claddagh ring in her lap.

A second story is about a prince who fell in love with a commoner. In his effort to convince the girl's father that he truly loved the girl, and had no intentions of "using" her, he designed the Claddagh ring with the symbols representing love, friendship, and loyalty. He proposed with the ring, and when the father heard the explanation he gave the couple his blessing.

14K White Gold Claddagh 8 Stone Emerald and Diamond Ring

A third legend that also links the Joyce clan and the Claddagh ring centers around a man by the name of Richard Joyce, a native of Galway. He left home to go work in the West Indies, and planned to marry the girl he loved when he returned to Ireland. However, his ship was seized, and he was sold as a slave to a Moorish goldsmith. As a slave, he learned his master's craft, and then when William III became king, he ordered all British prisoners released. His master held Joyce in high esteem and offered his daughter and half his wealth to the man if he stayed. However, Joyce rejected the offer and returned home to marry the girl he loved. Luckily, she had waited for him, and to her surprise he presented her with a Claddagh ring which he made while a slave.

How to wear the Claddagh ring

How you wear the Claddagh ring changes what it means. Traditionally, the Claddagh ring is worn on the right hand with the heart facing outward away from the body. This symbolizes that the person wearing the ring isn't in a serious relationship, and may even be looking for a relationship – that "their heart is open." When worn on the right hand with the heart facing the body, it indicates "someone has captured their heart" and that they aren't available.

Solid 14k Yellow Gold Diamond Triple Heart Infinity Ring

 

In the Irish tradition, when the Claddagh ring is worn as an engagement ring or wedding ring, it is worn on the left hand ring finger. If the heart faces outward, it generally means the person is engaged. If the heart faces inward, toward the body, it means the person wearing the ring is married.

The Claddagh ring is traditionally handed down from mother to daughter, a custom that represents our ties with past generations.

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