Modern bridal trends are, ironically, beginning to lean toward vintage. One retro-inspired accessory that I’ve been seeing a lot of in my work as a Philadelphia wedding photographer is the birdcage veil. Not every bride is a full-length veil kind of girl, and a birdcage veil is perfect for brides who want a Hollywood starlet-inspired look.
Birdcage veils first gained popularity in the 1940s, but they’re still in high demand today. Katherine Heigl wore one on her wedding day, and so did Jessica Alba. Madonna was the true trailblazer of this wedding fashion trend when she married Guy Ritchie in 2000. Birdcage veils have also been spotted on the red carpet on the likes of Drew Barrymore, Noomi Rapace, and Jennifer Lawrence.
If you’re thinking of wearing a birdcage veil to complete your bridal look, here are a few of the things you’ll need to think about before you go shopping:
Size
Birdcage veils come in a few different sizes. A nine-inch veil will cover just about all of your hair, but not much of your face. The middle size is probably the most popular–it’s 12 inches long and will end just at the tip of your nose. A longer veil is usually around 18 inches, and can cover your whole face.
Material
Birdcage veils can be made out of tulle, French netting, which is also known as Russian or English netting, or a double layer of both tulle and French netting. Most brides choose a white veil, but black or red would lend an edgier look. You can also find birdcage veils with tiny pearls, rhinestones, or Swarovski crystals all over them!
Positioning
A birdcage veil can be pinned in just about any position, but they typically look best either straight back or angled over your eye. You can also attach the veil to an accessory or pin it on both sides behind your ears and wear it as a bandeau.
Accessories
Fascinators made headlines at the royal wedding in 2011, but for people who aren’t royalty, they tend to be much more low-key like than the sky-high headpieces at William and Kate’s nuptials. They’re often made from feathers, rhinestones, flowers, and/or beads, and are the perfect accent for a birdcage veil.
Vintage brooches or hair clips are other popular choices, as are flowers. A pillbox hat also looks incredibly chic when paired with a birdcage veil.
Hairstyle
Most brides choose to go with an updo with their birdcage veil, but they work with short hairstyles, too. Finger waves are a classic, old Hollywood look, and they’re especially glamorous when paired with a birdcage veil!
Are you thinking about wearing a birdcage veil at your wedding?
Tell me all about your plans in the comments!
[…] another opportunity for veils to shine. Putting it over your face can create a pretty effect, but birdcage and visor-length veils are particularly well suited for close-ups. French netting can create a […]