Also known as cage veils, blusher veils and madonna veils, birdcage veils are made of wide, heavy netting known as French or Russian netting. The birdcage veil is quite short, coming to chin-length or even shorter. It is fastened to a bride's hair with combs or hairpins, and is a chic vintage look that goes with many types of dresses. A wonderful contrast to a modern wedding dress, the birdcage veil is equally suited to the bride planning a vintage-inspired wedding, whether they are wearing a tea-length dress, or an old-Hollywood-inspired glamour gown.
Styles of Birdcage Veils
- Blusher Veil- a fuller veil, it is often placed at the crown of the head, where it is gathered, and the length covers the face, often down to the bride's chin, or even below. The blusher birdcage can create a kind of halo effect, and often encircles the bride's head.
- Angle Veil - A veil that comes to just below the bride's eyes, it can be worn further back on the head, or set at an angle to cover only part of the bride's face.
- Bandeau Veil - almost like a mask, the bandeau style veil covers the bride's eyes or her entire face. The bandeau birdcage veil is fastened at each side of the bride's head with combs or hairpins. The bandeau birdcage veil is a lovely option for brides with short hair, or who will be wearing their hair down for their wedding day.
- Wedge Veil - Placed at the side of the head or at the temple, the wedge veil is a birdcage veil that covers only one eye
What Bride Should Wear Them?
Birdcage veils are excellent for brides who do not wish to wear a traditional veil, who love vintage wedding veils, or who a searching for a second, less-bulky veil for their wedding reception. The birdcage veil is a great wedding accessory for brides with both short and long hair.
Where To Find Birdcage Veils?
Many bridal shop carry several styles and colors of birdcage veils. There are also specialty shops online that carry only birdcage veils. Brides may also find a local seamstress or costume designer who is able to custom make her veil, or even find another bride selling her gently-used veil second hand. More adventurous brides can make their own birdcage veil as well. French or Russian netting can be purchased at some fabric stores, craft stores, or online at millinery supply shops.
Accessorizing Birdcage Veils
To complete the vintage look, birdcage veils can be combined with other bridal headpieces such as feather fascinators or other hair accessories. Some brides choose to remove their wedding veils for the reception, and wear only the fascinator. Brides considering this option should consult with their hair stylist to make sure the veil can easily be removed.
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Catherine Walsh - Catherine Walsh is a professional actor, playwright, and freelance writer. A graduate of the University of Ottawa, Catherine's film ...
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