The wedding veil has played an integral part of the bride's attire over the years. From its early beginnings as a means of keeping the bride's identity a secret or a surprise (think arranged marriages when the couple only meets on their wedding day) to its symbolism of the bride's obedience and submission to her husband, the wedding veil is now also a fashion statement, a beautiful complement to the wedding gown, as well as a way to show off one's personal style.

Several factors will dictate the type of your veil, should you choose to wear one. The design of your gown, the length of your train, and even your wedding venue calls for certain types of veils.

Elegantly beaded gowns, for example, will need only a simple tulle veil whereas you may want to have an intricate lace veil to drape over your plain wedding gown. A long train--which makes a dramatic statement as you walk down the aisle--naturally calls for a long cathedral veil. However, if you are getting married outdoors--say, in a grassy garden or by the seashore--you wouldn't want a long veil to drag you down. Consider instead shorter veils such as a poof or blusher veil.

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