Crafting A Stunning Mantilla Veil For Your Big Day

A mantilla wedding veil is a timeless and sophisticated accessory that has been worn by brides in romance-language cultures for hundreds of years. The veil is characterised by a thick lace trim along the edge and intricate embellishments cascading down the front, framing the bride's face. In this guide, we will explore the different ways to style a mantilla veil and provide step-by-step instructions on how to make your own. From choosing the right hairstyle to deciding on the placement of the veil, we will offer tips and tricks to help you create a beautiful and elegant look for your wedding day.

Choosing the right hairstyle

The first thing to consider is the placement of the veil. The mantilla veil can be worn in three different places: at the top of the head, at the crown, or at the lower back of the head. The traditional look involves placing the veil at the top of the head, with the edge of the veil two inches back from the hairline, allowing the lace to gracefully drape alongside the face and over the shoulders. For a modern twist, the veil can be placed at the crown of the head, providing an opportunity to showcase heirloom pieces such as a hair comb or broach. Lastly, wearing the veil at the lower back of the head creates a romantic, renaissance look, and works best with a lower bun or half-up hairstyle.

Hairstyles that best complement the mantilla veil tend to be low, soft, and/or flowing. Long, loose waves or curls are a dramatic choice, especially when paired with a veil at the top of the head. For an updo, a low bun or low side bun works well, ensuring the mantilla veil can still sit smoothly on top of the head. Half-up styles are also a fabulous choice, especially when paired with a veil at the lower back of the head. Ultimately, it's your special day, so choose a hairstyle that makes you feel comfortable and beautiful!

Veil placement

The first thing to consider when wearing a mantilla veil is your hairstyle. Almost any hairstyle will work with a mantilla veil, except a high bun, which can obstruct the way the mantilla lays on the head and over the shoulders. Hairstyles that complement a mantilla veil tend to be those that are low, soft and/or flowing, such as low side buns, soft curls or half-up styles.

With a mantilla veil, you have three placement options: the top of the head, the crown, or the lower back of the head.

Top of the Head

For a traditional look, the veil is placed about two inches back from the hairline, allowing the lace to drape gracefully onto the shoulders and frame the face. This placement is prone to slipping, especially if you are wearing your hair down, so be sure to secure it with bobby pins that match your hair colour.

Crown

For a modern approach, place the mantilla veil at the crown of the head. This look gives you the perfect opportunity to showcase heirloom pieces such as a hair comb or broach. If your mantilla has a blusher, this would be the ideal placement to ensure the blusher hangs low enough to cover the face.

Lower Back of the Head

Lastly, you can wear the mantilla veil at the lower back of the head to create a Renaissance look that is truly romantic. This look works best with a lower bun or half-up hairdos. To keep this look current, be sure to place the comb above the hairstyle and not underneath.

Veil attachment

The first thing to consider when wearing a mantilla veil is your hairstyle. Almost any hairstyle will work with a mantilla veil, except a high bun, which can obstruct the way the veil lays on the head and over the shoulders. Hairstyles that complement a mantilla veil tend to be those that are low, soft and/or flowing. Some examples include low side buns, soft curls, or half-up styles.

The next step is to decide on the placement of the veil. There are three options: the top of the head, the crown, or the lower back of the head. For a traditional look, the veil should be placed at the top of the head, with the edge of the veil positioned about two inches back from the hairline, allowing the lace to gracefully drape alongside the face and over the shoulders. This placement is prone to slipping, especially if you are wearing your hair down, so be sure to secure it with bobby pins that match your hair colour.

For a modern look, place the mantilla veil at the crown of the head. This look provides an opportunity to showcase heirloom pieces such as a hair comb or broach. If your mantilla has a blusher, this would be the ideal placement to ensure the blusher hangs low enough to cover the face.

Lastly, the mantilla veil can be worn at the lower back of the head to create a Renaissance look. This look works best with a lower bun or half-up hairdos. To keep this look modern, be sure to place the comb above the hairstyle, not underneath.

Veil length

The length of your mantilla veil will depend on the look you are going for and the type of wedding you are having. Mantilla veils can be long and grandiose, or much shorter.

The most popular length for a mantilla veil is cathedral length, which is perfect for a traditional, formal wedding in a church. This length allows the veil to drape over the shoulders, providing good coverage for the bride.

However, you can also opt for a shorter veil if you want more freedom to move and dance during your wedding. Shorter mantilla veils can be blusher or chapel length, or even shorter still for a bold statement. A blusher veil is a classic wedding accessory, with a small portion of the veil covering the bride's face as she walks down the aisle.

If you are having a destination wedding, you may want to consider a shorter veil that won't get in the way as you move around and explore your surroundings.

Ultimately, the length of your mantilla veil is a personal preference, and you should choose the one that makes you feel the most comfortable and beautiful.

Veil material

The material of a mantilla veil is an important consideration when making one. The veil's fabric should be soft and sheer, with intricate lace patterns of various shapes, thicknesses, and details.

The hallmark of a mantilla veil is scallop lace, which serves as the trim for the tulle or netting that makes up the actual veil. The lace is a key component, with its elaborate elegance cascading down the front and framing the bride's face. It is traditionally placed about two inches back from the hairline, allowing the lace to gracefully drape alongside the face and over the shoulders.

When choosing a mantilla veil, it is important to consider the gown, ensuring that the laces coordinate and do not clash. Additional beading and embellishments can be added to the lace and veil for a modern touch.

The mantilla veil's material and construction should be of high quality, with careful attention to detail. The fabric should be soft and romantic, laying flat along the hairline. It should provide adequate shoulder coverage for church weddings while being sheer enough to showcase the dress.

Frequently asked questions