The Birdcage Veil, exuding sophistication with a playful edge and a little bit of vintage quirk, is an increasingly popular alternative to the more traditional  chapel, cathedral and shoulder length veils. Harking back to the 1940s and 1950s, where the classic merry widow netting was attached to pillboxes and hair discs; the glamorous birdcage veil has now evolved into the unstructured modern interpretation we see today with the netting attached to elaborate feather and flower combs and fascinators, or sparkly hair brooches and hair clips…..

(Image Source – Love My Dress)

(Image Source – Love My Dress)

(Image Source – Love My Dress)

I am so excited today to be sharing a Birdcage Veil post written by the fabulous bridal accessory designer Tania from Percy Handmade. I spotted Tania’s post on her wonderful blog, and packed full of information about the different styles (who knew there were different styles of birdcage veil?), where to wear them and how; I just knew it was a must read for all you vintage loving brides who may be considering a birdcage veil for your big day. So without further ado, I shall hand you over to Tania……

“There are so many different types of birdcage veils floating around in the bridal world. I’m often asked – what should I consider when choosing the perfect birdcage veil and birdcage veil hairstyles? I love this question.  Why? Because it comes down to a few simple things and once you’ve decided on these details, the rest is easy.

Firstly, your chosen hair style.  Second, the coverage you’re after and finally, your personal preference.

(Image Source – Style Me Pretty)

You may have heard a range of different names to describe a birdcage veil – blusher veil, angle veil, venetian veil, birdcage veil, bandeau veil. But there are some key differences. To begin with, what is common to all of them is they are made from netting or tulle. At a basic level, there are many differences in the way they are cut and constructed that can change the overall look of each piece.

Blusher Veil (Angle veil or Wedge veil)

This style of birdcage veil is shorter and smaller (approximately 9” from the comb to the edge of the veil). It is often worn at an angle near the temple giving you a slight wedge over one eye.

(Image Source – Love My Dress)

(Image Source – Love My Dress)

(Source Image – Ruffled)

(Image Source – Ruffled)

The Abbey from Percy Handmade is a chic example of a blusher veil….

Birdcage veil

A birdcage veil is a full veil that sits further back towards the crown of your head, or at an angle towards the side. It is roughly 12” to 18” from the comb to the edge of veil. Depending on where it is positioned, it offers more coverage than a blusher veil and will frame your eyes and cheekbones.  If a birdcage veil is positioned at the crown, it should fall roughly to the tip of your nose or your cheekbone. 

(Image Source – Style Me Pretty)

(Image Source – Style Me Pretty)

(Image Source – Love My Dress)

(Image Source – Chic Vintage Brides)

 The Marilyn veil available at Percy Handmade is an example of a 12″ birdcage veil.

Bandeau veil (Venetian veil)

The bandeau veil features a band of netting that can be pinned behind each ear. It is a versatile piece as it can be positioned to cover the face or just the forehead and hair if preferred.  Bandeau veils range in sizes from 4” tall (often referred to as a venetian veil – think femme fatale appeal) to 9” in height.

(Image Source – Ruffled)

(Image Source – Ruffled)

(Image Source – Ruffled)

(Image Source – Glamour and Grace)

The Parker bandeau veil from Percy Handmade is the full height at 9”.

All three styles are versatile and they can be worn alone or paired with a pretty fascinator or comb. The right veil for you will depend on the hairstyle you have chosen, your face shape and your dress.”

A huge thank-you to Tania for allowing me to share with you this little piece of wedding wisdom! I love all of the information and inspiration so much that I will be following it up with more birdcage veils, and where to buy them, in the coming week.

So are you a birdcage veil bride? What style will you be wearing? Or are you drawn to the longer veils?

Amy

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