Lyla Dejesus
Birdcage veils are a unique and elegant accessory that can add a touch of glamour to any bridal look. They are typically shorter veils that cover the face, often made from Russian netting or bridal illusion tulle, and can be customised with different fabrics, beading, lace and feathers. When putting on a birdcage veil, it is important to first decide where you want it to sit—commonly at an angle, covering one eye, grazing the forehead, or flipped to the back or side of the head. Then, use bobby pins to secure the veil's comb or clips into your hairstyle, ensuring they are well-hidden. Practice is key to perfecting the placement of your birdcage veil, ensuring you feel comfortable and confident on your special day.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Veil Length | Short |
| Veil Fabric | Lightweight, Bridal Illusion Tulle, Russian Netting |
| Veil Style | Blusher Veil, Cage Veil, Bandeau Veil, Angle Veil, Wedge Veil, Venetian Veil, Merry Widow |
| Veil Attachment | Comb, Headband, Bobby Pins, Hair Pins |
| Veil Position | Forehead, Angle above Eye, Crown of Head, Over Eyes, Under Eyes, Over One Eye |
| Veil Angle | Straight, Sharp Angle |
| Veil Shape | Hooded, Darted |
| Veil Customization | Length, Fabric, Beading, Lace, Feathers |
| Veil Maintenance | Avoid Creases, Mould Shape, Use Steam |
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What You'll Learn
- Veil positioning: Covering the eyes, forehead, or one eye, or flipped to the back or side of the head
- Veil attachment: Using combs, bobby pins, or clips
- Veil customisation: Using different fabrics, beading, lace, or feathers
- Veil proportions: Considering the veil's width and length in relation to the wedding dress
- Veil preparation: Avoiding creases and folds, and moulding the veil to the desired shape
Veil positioning: Covering the eyes, forehead, or one eye, or flipped to the back or side of the head
When it comes to positioning your birdcage wedding veil, there are several options to choose from.
Covering the eyes
Birdcage veils typically reach the nose or chin, allowing the bride to bat her eyelashes through the netting. You can position the veil squarely over your face, or slightly off-centre, slanting it over the eyes.
Covering one eye
A centre-gathered birdcage veil with a 9-inch width can be positioned at an angle, sitting about 2 inches above the hairline, covering the forehead and extending to cover one eye and eyebrow.
Forehead coverage
If you have a wide forehead that you're self-conscious about, opt for a veil that offers height to lengthen your face. A veil with volume at the sides is also a good option.
Flipped to the back or side of the head
Many brides keep the veil flipped to the back or side of the head for more visibility, adding a cute and fun vintage vibe to their look. This is also a good option for brides who don't want to wear the veil over their eyes.
The beauty of the birdcage veil is its versatility, allowing you to play around with the positioning to find what suits your hairstyle and face shape.
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Veil attachment: Using combs, bobby pins, or clips
Birdcage veils can be attached to the hair in a variety of ways, including with combs, bobby pins, or clips. Combs are the most common attachment method, with some veils featuring one or two combs. When using a comb, ensure the netting isn't caught in the teeth as this may damage the veil and distort its shape.
Bobby pins can be used to secure the veil's comb or clips into your hairstyle. It is recommended to use pins that match your hair colour and to hide them so that the veil appears to be part of your hairstyle. The number of pins will depend on your hairstyle and the thickness of your hair, but it is suggested to start with 2-3 pins and adjust as needed. You can thread the pins through the diamond-shaped patterns in the netting to secure it to your hair.
If your veil does not have a comb, you can use extra hair pins to secure it. For veils made from fine bridal illusion tulle, use hair pins without plastic ends to avoid damaging the fabric.
For shorter hair, it is recommended to attach the veil to a slim comb, a headband, or a clip barrette attachment. This allows for more flexibility in adjusting the angle of the veil.
It is important to practice positioning the veil before your event to ensure you are comfortable and confident.
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Veil customisation: Using different fabrics, beading, lace, or feathers
Birdcage veils are a stylish and unique accessory for brides, adding a playful, vintage, and glamorous touch to your wedding look. The short length and lightweight fabric of a birdcage veil make it a versatile and easy-to-style accessory, perfect for various bridal hairstyles and dress styles.
Birdcage veils can be customised to fit your unique bridal style and personality. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Fabrics: Birdcage veils are typically made from Russian Netting, a slightly stiffer fabric with a larger weave that adds a glamorous touch. Another option is bridal illusion tulle, the standard wedding veil fabric that is lightweight and easy to work with. When choosing a fabric, consider the overall look and feel you want to achieve. For a more glamorous and vintage-inspired look, Russian Netting can be an excellent choice. If you prefer a softer, more ethereal look, tulle may be a better option.
Beading: Adding beading to the edge of your birdcage veil can create a unique and elegant look. You can hand-stitch beads or lightweight strung pearls to the edge of the veil, securing them with small, straight overcast stitches to ensure symmetry. Pre-strung plastic pearls or lightweight strung pearls are good options, as they are easy to attach and won't slide around.
Lace: Lace can add a delicate and vintage touch to your birdcage veil. You can sew lace around the edges of your veil using a needle and thread. White thread works well and is not very noticeable, even on ivory lace. If you want a poofy veil, gather more fabric at the edge, and consider using lighter weight lace such as Chantilly.
Feathers: Feathers can give your birdcage veil a unique and dramatic look. You can find veil designs with detachable feather headpieces, allowing you to remove the veil after the ceremony and keep the feather piece for the reception. This option provides versatility and can elevate your wedding look.
When customising your birdcage veil, feel free to mix and match these elements to create a one-of-a-kind accessory that reflects your personal style. You can find inspiration online or in bridal boutiques, and you may even consider making your own veil for a special touch.
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Veil proportions: Considering the veil's width and length in relation to the wedding dress
Birdcage veils are a defining accessory that can add a timeless, vintage elegance to your bridal look. They are typically made from slightly stiffer Russian Netting, which has a larger weave that you can see through, or bridal illusion tulle, the standard wedding veil fabric. The right veil for you will depend on a number of factors, including your bridal hairstyle, face shape, dress style, and embellishments.
Birdcage veils are commonly seen paired with 1950s or 1950s-inspired tea-length gowns, retro knee-length short dresses, and mini dresses. They are also a good option for brides in playsuits and wide-leg pants. The key is to ensure that the veil is proportional to the shape and length of your skirt. For example, a short dress and a bigger birdcage veil may look disproportionate and unbalanced. A vintage-inspired tea dress or a mini dress pairs best with shorter birdcage veils at 9 inches wide. Playsuits and wide-leg pants can be styled with short or large birdcage veils ranging from 9 inches to 18 inches.
Birdcage veils are also seen as a more informal wedding veil option compared to longer veil lengths, so they would suit a small chapel wedding or a registry office elopement. They are also perfect for destination weddings, elopements, and small civil services where travel is involved.
Birdcage veils can be attached to the head in several ways. They are typically attached to a small, slim metal comb but can also be attached to two combs or a headband. If your hair is shorter than a bob, you may want to attach the veil to a clip barrette attachment instead of a comb. Bobby pins can be used to secure the veil's comb or clips into your hairstyle.
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Veil preparation: Avoiding creases and folds, and moulding the veil to the desired shape
To prepare your birdcage wedding veil, there are a few steps you can take to avoid creases and folds and mould it to your desired shape.
Firstly, when it comes to storing your veil before the wedding, hanging it up is the best way to prevent creases. Wedding dress designer Steven Birnbaum recommends hanging it as high as possible, so it doesn't get wrinkled. If it has to be folded, wrap it in tissue paper to minimise creases. It's also important to store your veil in a cool, dark room, as high temperatures and humidity can alter the fabric's colour and texture.
If your veil does arrive flat or with creases, you can mould it in your hands to give it shape. Steam is also an effective way to remove creases, and it is safer than ironing, which risks burning or melting the fabric. You can use a handheld steamer, or a professional salon is likely to have a steaming service available.
The shape of your birdcage veil will depend on a few factors, including your bridal hairstyle, face shape, dress style, and embellishments. The key differences in shaping relate to how the veil is cut, the width of the veil, the type of netting, and where the gathering is placed. For example, the placement of the comb will determine how much fabric is gathered and the shape of the veil. A comb placed near the centre of the veil will create a smoother look, while a "standard" veil will gather most of the fabric width into the comb, creating a straighter fall.
Birdcage veils are typically attached to a small, slim comb, but you can also use two combs for a bandeau style, or a headband or clip barrette if you have short hair. To secure the veil, criss-cross bobby pins across the prongs of the comb.
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Frequently asked questions
Securing a birdcage wedding veil is simple. First, position the veil on your head. The veil should be placed just above your forehead, at an angle above your ear, or at the crown of your head. Then, use bobby pins to secure the veil to your hair. You can place the pins on either side of the veil and on the comb itself. Finally, adjust the veil as needed.
Your birdcage veil should arrive in a box to maintain its shape and avoid creases and folds. If it does arrive flat, mould it in your hands to give it shape. You can also use steam to remove creases. To check if your veil is secure, carefully adjust it to ensure it does not obstruct your vision or catch on your eyelashes.
The right veil for you will depend on several factors. Consider your bridal hairstyle, face shape, dress style, and embellishments. If you plan to style your veil with a headpiece, avoid headpieces with delicate wired details as they may get tangled in the netting. Birdcage veils are typically made from slightly stiffer Russian Netting, but can also be made from bridal illusion tulle.
