My aunts want to wear a veil to my wedding ceremony?!

I grew up inter Catholic Church, and almost all of the older women in the church wore a veil like the one pictured in an above comment. I haven’t attended church in quite a while, but I do know this is common in some places, especially among older parishioners.

I know lots of people who veil at church. Not a big deal, I wouldn't bring it up with your aunt or give it another thought

Veils in a Catholic Church are not as popular as they once were, but I’ve seen plenty of women who currently practice this.( I for one would love to do this, but worry about others opinions so I haven’t started. ) do not tell your aunts that they can’t not wear a veil I to the church. You would not tell a Muslim woman not to wear her hijab. They will not in anyway distract from you.

If you are bothered by it because you are imagining it looking too much like a wedding veil than I would say to reach out to your aunt (the one who brought it up so you wouldn't be suprised) and ask for her to tell you more about it. From the other comments, it sounds like this could be something entirely different than what you are imagining. Make an informed decision after getting all the facts so you are not guessing about what she is talking about.

Oh wow I am sorry, I don't have advice except for to say I am sorry, I think it's for attention

Veiling is a very old part of the Catholic Church and has nothing to do with attention-seeking or not liking Vatican II. A simple Google search would inform of this. Its popularity wanes and waxes with the years. It is currently becoming more and more common again. To suggest it is for attention or disagreeing with Vatican II is, in fact, pretty offensive. A simple Google search would inform of this.

This is definitely not attention seeking. Some members of my Catholic church still veil today. Though it is not as common anymore, it by no means is worn to be disrespectful to you on your wedding day. I would politely ask her if it is a common practice for her to wear one and if so, allow her to. If not, then you can kindly explain that you'd feel better if she would do without one.

What?! I too am catholic and have never heard of this! My fiancé is orthodox and still I have never heard of this? Do you think you could approach them and politely ask their reasoning behind it? It seems a little strange to me but they may have a good reasoning for it.


Good luck !

Hi again, everyone-

Thank you all for your quick responses. I of course wrote this post in a panic without doing any research on my end before posting. I took a lot of your advise and approached my aunt in a manner of understanding as oppose to rejection. She let me know that this is something she and my other aunt practice at all Catholic masses (they attend very regularly and have become very devout in their Catholic faith) and that these veils are a traditional symbol of submission to the God's Will and to show respect and love to God's presence in the Eucharist. The "mantilla" or "chapel" veil is a very short piece of cloth draped over their head and doesn't represent anything like a bridal veil, so it is not anything "threatening". I'm sure there are both traditional and more modern views and opinions of wearing one, but since it is rooted in faith its definitely not something I am going to make a fuss over.

I'm glad I talked with her to gather more knowledge of the why behind the veil since it is not something regularly seen so it can help me explain to others why they are wearing them!

I woudl ask her more questions because this is actually common in Catholic Weddings but it is not a bridal veil and it is not white. Its more of a head covering like a scarf. its not meant to distract from you, its purely religious but i def woudl make sure that's what she is talking about.

View Quoted Comment I agree with Jessica

Hmmm 🤔 I would ask them for clarification lol

That’s a no no it’s your day.

View Quoted Comment Glad to hear that you had a convo with your aunt and got some clarification!

I am bothered for you I have never seen or heard of any such things happening and it's your aunt's that want to fo this. I really think you need to talk to them about that or have another person speak with them

View Quoted Comment Yikes. This was a very insensitive comment. Saying her aunts are “jealous and attention seeking” by practicing what is obviously a deeply held religious practice is incredibly rude and in poor taste.

Are your aunts super religious and are you getting married in the Church?


I’m Catholic and the only time I ever wore a veil for church was for a Latin/High Mass, which basically does all the pre-Vatican II stuff, like requiring women to wear a veil.
Outside of that context, it’s an odd choice.