Why do brides wear a veil or some sort of headcovering at weddings?

Question

I've noticed that even at secular weddings...and even the most progressive of brides to be revert to the traditions like the veil, white dress etc. What's the rationale? I don't have a problem with it...just curious since most of us in the Western nations don't wear headcovering in everyday life

Answer 1

It symbolizes virginity.  In some cultures, brides and grooms did not meet until the ceremony, and a covering over the face made it so the groom couldn't get a good look at his bride and bolt before the vows were taken!

Answer 2

Well in North America, where the population is so largely Christian, it's mostly at secular weddings that you're going to get headcoverings. In a church wedding you're not supposed to have any veil which makes you difficult to see. This dates back to the bibilical story of Jacob, who was tricked into marrying the the elder daughter of a man when he loved the younger one. And also in a church wedding you are not supposed to have bare shoulders (nor should the bridesmaids or guests be wearing skirts that are above the knee).

Answer 3

Actually, I've seen a trend where lots of brides don't wear veils.  The brides prefer to be seen and not covered.  So, I think you can't generalize.  It might just be the type of brides you know or maybe something to do with your particular background or religion.

Really, veils and white dresses hold more tradition than any moral or religious meanings in today's society.  Some brides like veils because it's typical bridal attire or it adds to the drama of the event.  Those same brides might also like bare shoulders.  They aren't really following an religious or moral codes, but rather just wearing what they like.

Answer 4

It's sort of symbolic of virginity.  The bride is supposed to keep the veil over her face until they are pronounced man and wife.  He lifts the veil and they make out passionately in front of all the guests.  Why do they wear white when most aren't virgins?  I did... twice.

Answer 5

The tradition goes back to ancient times, when married women covered their hair, and single women wore a headress, and female children up to a certain age did not cover their hair. Even in the more modern times around Henry the 8th, married woman covered their hair. Many cultures and countries practiced this.

The rational is it is a tradition. Again with Henry's times, woman wore corsets under  very low cut gowns, and covered their hair. Go figure.

Answer 6

I  believe that represents a halo/virginal being before the wedding

night  A bride was always thought to be pure before that time