What image comes to mind when you think of a bridal veil? Probably some white tulle with pretty lace trim. In many cultures across the globe, things look a bit different. From bold colors and intricate details to breathtaking headwear and jewelry, we hope this piece expands your definition of what a veil can look like!
India
The lehenga is the traditional wedding attire for Indian brides. Unlike western wedding apparel, the lehenga is usually red as a symbol of good fortune and joy for the newlyweds. White is reserved for occasions of mourning. The look is completed with an exquisite veil, often lined with crystals, threaded with gold, and accessorized with jewels. Check out the lovely Priyanka Chopra. What gorgeous details!
Kazakhstan
If we didn’t know any better, we’d mistake Kazakh brides for medieval princesses! These ladies wear a traditional accessory called a saukele, a cone-shaped headdress meaning "beautiful head." The saukele is always adorned with valuable stones and elements, like pearls, coral, and glass. From atop the saukele comes the jelek, a tulle veil that drapes the bride’s back, shoulders, and sometimes, face. The headpiece is placed on the bride by a respectable woman, often her mother.
Indonesia
Comprising about 17,500 islands, Indonesia is home to many different cultures and, thus, traditional bridal attire. Many brides are guided by their religion when choosing their bridal fashion. For Muslim brides, a hijab compliments a modest gown and is worn beneath a lace-trimmed veil with magnificent gold accents. Precious jewels and features, often in the form of a headband, complete the ensemble, but there’s no jewel as precious as the bride herself!
Hungary
200 years ago, Matyo Hungarian brides didn’t wear wedding veils. They wore a floral wreath called a tura. Turas sat perched on the head heavily ornamented by rows of artificial flowers, rhinestones, ribbons, and more. There would be no question as to who the bride was with this ornate spectacle! These days, many brides opt for a simpler headdress called a párta, as shown in the second image. Either way, a veil cascades from the headwear, adding the finishing touch to the masterpiece. I mean, what bride wouldn’t want to look like fine artwork?
Uzbekistan
The traditional Uzbek wedding outfit is called a sarpo. It's beautifully handmade with expensive and brightly-colored fabrics. During the wedding, the floor-length headdress called a Tiplya-Kosh is placed on the bride. The garment is adorned with countless beads, glitter, and vivid patterns. In addition to this piece, a simple white veil sometimes covers the bride’s face.
Malaysia
In Malaysia, brides wear a traditional, long-sleeved Malay dress over a sarong. Muslim brides wear a hijab called a tudung for modesty. For added style and decoration, a beaded and embroidered shawl called a selendang is placed atop the tudung, giving it the look of a veil. The bride sometimes wears a crown or tiara over the veil, showing that she's the belle of the ball!
Nigeria
For Nigerian brides, it’s all about color, prints, and more color! These women wear vibrant, traditional textile fabrics with a matching head wrap called a gele. The gele is covered with a special veil that drapes over the face and is made of net and sometimes decorated with rhinestones or sequins. These brides are definitely a sight to behold!
Spain
Perhaps the most universally well-known and popular cultural veil is the Spanish veil, also known as the mantilla. Beginning in the 17th century, Spanish women frequently wore mantillas as part of their everyday look. Eventually, this trend fizzled out, and women started wearing them solely for special occasions, like weddings. Mantillas can drape over the face or rest atop the head to form a hood-like effect. They’re always lined with the daintiest lace. Traditionally, a Spanish bride wore a black wedding dress and veil, which symbolized her character that she would then reveal to her groom at the altar. White mantillas were also acceptable and are now considered the norm.