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After the ketubah is signed, the groom may choose to lower the veil over
his brides face. This recalls the biblical nuptial episode. Jacobs
father-in-law Laban put his daughter, Leah, in place of Jacobs chosen bride,
Rachel. The deception was possible because of the heavy veil brides wore. When
the groom personally veils the bride, its a kind of insurance policy against
bridal surprises.
As a groom lowers the veil over his brides face, he affects a lovely symbolism.
Just as his bride's face is enveloped by the veil, so will love envelope the
couple. This covering is known as the bedeking (or bedecken or
bedekung). In many Conservative weddings, this is a private ceremony
performed where the ketubah is signed.
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