Every birdcage veil I make is carefully tailored to fit beautifully on most heads. But heads, like brides, aren't all the same shape - and a little fine-tuning can make all the difference between a veil that just sits there and one that sits perfectly. Here's everything I share with brides who want to get their birdcage veil pinned with confidence.
In the video below, I'm working with my Saskia mask-style birdcage veil which pins on both sides of the head with the included kirby grips/bobby pins. Here I’m using the longer length version of Saskia (pictured below) - I offer two lengths to give you more styling choice.
The tips below are tailored to my own mask style veils but the same principles apply whether you're wearing one of my veils or working out how to style a birdcage veil you already own - but obviously I would recommend choosing one of my veils as the tailoring I do means you’re unlikely to need to do much to make it fit perfectly!
My veils come with a packet of grips that you can use to pin your veil in place - this gives you the most versatility when it comes to shaping your veil. If you think of your veil as an extension of your hair, that can be pinned to change how it sits, you’ll really understand the versatility of this piece.
Placing the First Pin
A birdcage veil with netting can be pinned straight through the gaps in the fabric. If you have one of my tulle mask veils You’ll find a hidden solid silver ring at each side that you can push your grip through.
Start by working out where you would like the veil to sit. Once you’re happy with your positioning you can pin the first side. Place the ‘bumpy’ side of the grip against your head as this helps it grip the hair. If you’re wearing make-up get someone to hold the other end away from your face so it doesn’t get marked.
Next you’ll pin the second side - if you’re wearing make-up get someone to put their hand between your face and the veil to avoid marks.
If you’re not happy with the positioning you can unpin one side and move it slightly and keep going until you’re happy with the fit. And the tips below will help you to get the fit you want.
Getting the Position Right
If your veil is sitting too high on your head, the fix is simple: pin it a little further down the side of your head. You can also shift it further back or further forward to change the overall shape and how it frames your face.
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Want more space between the veil and your eyes or nose? Pin it further forward - the further forward it sits, the looser and softer it will feel.
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Want it to sit tighter and closer to your face? Pin it further back - the further back you pull it, the tighter it becomes.
It's worth treating this exactly like styling a section of hair: make small adjustments, checked in the mirror, until it sits exactly where you want it.
If It Feels a Little Too Big
If your veil feels slightly looser than you'd like, gather a small section of the netting to create a soft fold, then catch it with one of the provided grips right where you've gathered it in. Pop your pin in, and that's it - you've reshaped the veil to sit more snugly.
Try Turning It Around
Every head is shaped slightly differently, and sometimes the simplest fix is to turn the veil the other way round. I tailor my veils so there is more room around the bottom for your nose - but depending on your head and face shape flipping the veil can completely change how it sits - and you may find you prefer it that way. There's no ‘wrong’ side here; it's simply about finding what works for your head shape.
A Step-by-Step Example
If a veil is sitting too high:
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Pop it onto your hair first, positioned close to the top of your head.
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Pull it gently down each side so it sits snug at the crown.
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Adjust forward or back from there until the framing feels right for you.
Veil Not Staying in Place?
Once you’ve pinned your veil (placing the bumpy side of the grip against your head) and you’re happy with the position, slide a second grip at right angles through the first grip, so the original grip sits inside the second grip. You’ll create a cross shape and the little bumps in the two grips will ‘lock’ together to create a more secure hold.
If you have fine hair or are wearing your veil with your hair down, you might want to add some texture powder or spray to the area you will be pinning, or back comb the area before smoothing it. This will give you more hold when you slide your hair grip in. This is also a great tip for keeping any hair pins or combs in place.
If Pinning Just Isn't for You
If the idea of pinning and adjusting a birdcage veil fills you with dread, that's absolutely not a problem - I’ve got lots more options! A birdcage veil headband is the easiest way to wear this iconic look, or you could go for one of my clip-on birdcage veils that simply attaches to the top of the head with one simple click - you can find a video demo here! You can also see or shop my entire range of birdcage veils here or get in touch to discuss a bespoke order just for you.
Still Not Sure What's Right for You?
Every head is different, and that's exactly why I'm always happy to help - whether you're choosing your first birdcage veil, deciding between a veil and a headband, or you already own one of my veils and aren't quite sure how to wear it. Get in touch and I'll be glad to talk it through with you.
Watch the full video tutorial on YouTube.