Who's responsible for lifting the bride's veil?

Question Asked: 20/05/2019

Wedding Date: 9/08/2018

Most Helpful Response

Celebrant Emily Hall - Bespoke Ceremonies

(66) · Brisbane, Sunshine Coast and Surrounds

Posted: 26/06/2019

Ohhh I love this question!

There are so many ways in which this can be done, if the bride has a veil and chooses to have it over her face.

Basically the answer is anyone can do it!

If the bride's father has walked the bride down the aisle, then asking the bride's mother or other significant person in her life to jump up and lift the veil, can be a nice way to acknowldge their importance to the bride.

The lifting of the veil can be done at any stage of the ceremony, but is most often done at the start.   Make sure you chat to your celebrant as to your wishes or ideas so they can make the space in the ceremony.

Much Love,

Celebrant Emily x

Answered by: 10 Experts

Sort by:

Heritage Celebrancy Services

(10) · Melbourne & Surrounds - Happy to travel

Posted: 25/08/2022

Usually the father will do this once he escorts his daughter to meet the groom, or alternatively it is lifted by the groom after the pronouncement of marriage and the first kiss as husband and wife, however this can be arranged before hand.  

Treasured Ceremonies

(17) · Byron Bay to Ballina , North Coast NSW and Gold Coast QLD

Posted: 12/08/2019

you may chose whomever you wish.

your celebrant will make it special for you as part of the ceremony preparation. 

it can be father of the bride, groom, family member, bff - whoever is special enough in your heart

Debbie Waite Civil Celebrant

(2) · Melbourne, Geelong, Daylesford, Mornington Peninsula, Yarra Valley, Dandenong Ranges, Country Victor

Posted: 4/07/2019

Traditionally the Father of the Bride

Jill Player Cotton

(11) · Sutherland Shire, Sydney North, South, East&West, South Coast, Southern Highlands, Blue Mountains -

Posted: 22/05/2019

Hi, There -

Usually, the father of the bride, or the person who escorts the bride, lifts the bridal veil just after the bride arrives beside the groom.

Alternatively, the groom may lift the veil at the moment before the marriage kiss is exchanged.

What is so lovely about weddings these days, however, is that there are no "rules," but only what feels right for you. So if you are wearing a veil that also covers your face, you are more than welcome to decide about who you would like to have lift it, whether it be your grandmother, grandfather, aunt, uncle - the choice is yours. And the decision about whether or not to wear one, and of what style and kind is also entirely up to you!

And here's a little wedding trivia:
The tradition of wearing a bridal veil dates as far back to ancient Greek and Roman times, when it was believed that the veil protected the bride from evil spirits, and helped to frighten the evil spirits away.
By the 17th and 18th centuries many brides no longer wore a veil, but in 1840, when the young Queen Victoria was married to Prince Albert she wore a veil and back they came into fashion.
Queen Victoria also brought the white wedding dress into fashion.

Please always feel welcome to contact me about any other questions or concerns you may have - there is no obligation, and I am here to help.

Every best wish,

Jill




Lee Halligan - Celebrant

(15) · Perth & Surrounding Areas (Other Areas By Arrangement)

Posted: 21/05/2019

There are many responses and some have been covered below.  I have most brides have the viel lifted before the formal ceremony begins by people such as who is presenting them, bridesmaid, groom, or even themselves.  Some brides have chosen to keep the viel down until the time of the vows or even later for the kiss.  This is more rare and is usually done when they arrive at the alter position and they hand the boquet over to the chief bridesmaid or nominated person.

this is the exciting part ... deciding how you will have your ceremony so that it is uniquely yours.

all the best

Lee

Anne Spragg - Marriage Celebrant

(9) · Cairns, Port Douglas & Surrounding Suburbs

Posted: 21/05/2019

The beautiy about having a Civil Celebrant is that really you can do whatever you want and many modern brides do not have veils, especially for outdoor weddings, as the veil can be very distracting as it blows in any wind. But following the long standing tradition, normally the bride's father would lift her veil as he presents her to her husband, but equally acceptable the bride can lift her own veil or the groom can lift the bride's veil usually before saying vows.

Jeanette Cole Authorised Marriage Celebrant

(1) · Townsville / Magnetic Island/Ayr/West and North

Posted: 21/05/2019

The bride, the brides father as he presents his daughter to her chosen partner or the bride herself. It is usually a preference chosen by the bride.

Beautiful Day Celebrancy - Rhyan Andrews

(10) · Blue Mountains / Penrith / Western Sydney / Sydney Basin

Posted: 20/05/2019

Traditionally the bride's father would lift the veil to present his daughter to her new husband. Or the groom may lift the veil for the vows or for the kiss. The bride can also lift her veil. There are many styles of veils and not all of them cover the face. Many brides opt for other options of tiaras or hair accessories instead. It is up to you.

Liz Manera Celebrant

(2) · Perth

Posted: 20/05/2019

Who lifts the brides veil, if she has one, is up to you.
There are three main options.
  • Who ever is giving the bride away will lift the veil, kiss them, congratulate your partner and step back.
  • You can pass your flowers to your attendants and lift your own veil
  • Your partner can lift your veil, usually just before your vows.

Didn't find what you were looking for? Ask your own question and we'll have our experts answer it.

Ask a question