Barring custom-length veils, the cathedral veil is the longest type that designers can make. Running up to almost twice the average Australian female’s height, this wedding veil might require some effort to control. But past that, its flowing elegance is beyond measure.
Perfect for an outdoor wedding, right? Not so fast.
Typically, we don’t advise wearing floor-length veils when you’re getting married outdoors. In the case of cathedral veils, their large surface area means they can snag loose branches on the ground or get snagged in one. Windy days can exacerbate this issue, meaning beach weddings are out of the question.
However, that hasn’t stopped some brides from insisting on wearing one in their outdoor weddings and managing to keep it unscathed. As such, it’s worthy of a detailed discussion.
Why Are Wedding Veils Long?
Before we get to the meat of the matter, you may wonder why bridal veils get as long as the dresses they match. Surely, shorter ones are easier to wear and move in, and cheaper to produce. However, they’re a relatively recent trend, only gaining in popularity in the mid-20th century (though Juliet caps were a fad in the 1920s).
Long before the term “cathedral veil” was coined, cathedral-length veils had been covering brides from head to toe. The preference for such a length is rooted in religious and social aspects.
We explained before that people in ancient times believed that veils protected brides from evil spirits. Shrouding them from head to toe to deny evil spirits entry makes sense. Some veils like the Roman flammeum have the added benefit of figuratively being on fire thanks to their bright orange (sometimes yellow) hue.
That said, wedding veils were reserved for the wealthy due to how much time and materials needed to make them. Silk was a highly sought-after material for veils back then, but it had to be brought all the way from China (via the aptly named Silk Road). Not to mention that it takes days for thousands of silkworms to produce a pound of silk.
Even as less expensive alternatives like lace became available, floor-length veils remained a powerful symbol of wealth and social status. Practicality rarely, if any, crossed the brides’ minds at the time.
Weighing the Pros and Cons
The main advantage of cathedral-length wedding veil styles is aesthetics. Between the pictures in this blog post, it’s hard to deny that they make brides look absolutely stunning before the camera.
Shorter veils may have their own charms, but cathedral veils make the wedding ensemble look fuller and more traditional. There’s something about a traditional veil trailing in the bride’s wake as she walks down the aisle that people find dramatic.
The large surface area allows for more intricate appliques and embroidery, adding to the veil’s traditional elegance. You can even opt to embroider a short message onto the veil surface, maybe “Together Forever” or the date of your wedding day.
However, as explained earlier, practicality isn’t a cathedral veil’s strong suit. Without the necessary precautions (more on these later), the veil can be at risk of damage. Branches and rocks pose the most danger to the veil’s integrity in outdoor weddings. Strong winds also pose their own risk, inconveniencing the bride during the ceremony.
The large surface area is as much of a disadvantage as it’s an advantage. Floor-length veils are prone to being stepped on by accident, risking either dislodging the elaborate veil from its anchor or tearing the delicate tulle. You can afford not to wear a veil at the reception but not at the outdoor ceremony itself.
Making Cathedral Veils Work
LOULOU One Tier Veil with Pearls
Most designers recommend shorter veil lengths (or at least ones that don't touch the ground) for brides who’ll be tying the knot outdoors. Elbow-length veils are perfect not just because they aren’t susceptible to the aforementioned issues but also enable easier movement. Furthermore, they cost less and are easy to put away.
But here’s the thing: a woman typically only has one wedding day. If she can’t realise her dream wedding down to her dream veil, there’ll unlikely be a second chance to do so. Instead of worrying about things like practicality and cost, modern brides find ways to make floor-length veils work for outdoor weddings.
- Assign a helper: Their job will be to carry the trailing end of the veil over the ground, avoiding loose debris as the bride walks down the aisle. They can be anyone trusted in photo ops but preferably a bridesmaid or flower girl during the ceremony.
- Add more bobby pins: If the venue is expected to experience high winds, consider adding a few more bobby pins to secure the veil further. Another way is by sporting a braided hairstyle.
- Set up a proper venue: Coordinate with your wedding organiser to set up the outdoor wedding venue to accommodate your cathedral veil. Several examples include a wide enough aisle, a carpeted aisle, and a platform on which the rites will be performed.
You can also be the kind of bride who isn’t bothered by such hassles or finds having your dramatic cathedral veil blow against your face a unique experience. It boils down to personal preference.
Yes or No?
Can you wear a cathedral veil to an outdoor wedding? Yes, but by taking precautions.
There’s no dictating the weather when settling for an outdoor wedding. Adapting to it is the next best thing, whether by adding extra reinforcement to your perfect veil or opting for a shorter one. When you make it work, the results will be beyond rewarding.
