I have been making birdcage veils for brides around the world for more than 15 years, and I am proud to be credited with leading their resurgence in modern bridal style. In that time I have seen how much the way a bride wears her veil shapes her whole look - as well as creating my own ways to make wearing a birdcage veil as simple as possible. Here is everything I have learned about wearing - and choosing - a birdcage veil.

What is a birdcage veil?

A birdcage veil is a short veil of open netting or fine tulle that skims the face rather than falling down your back. It frames your eyes, adds a gentle filter, and gives a bridal look instant polish, whether your style leans towards vintage glamour, soft romance or modern editorial.

The classic birdcage veil

The classic birdcage veil is the one most people picture: a short veil of French netting, gathered at one side and swept across the face at an angle. It has its roots in the hat veils of the 1940s and 1950s, which is why it carries such effortless vintage glamour.

It is often worn with a clip or comb set just just off-centre on the top of the head with the netting falling across one eye and finishing around the cheekbone or just above or below the nose. Every other style in this guide is a variation on this original shape with a modern bride twist.

The way you wear a birdcage veil shapes your look. A classic veil can create a retro or vintage feel worn off-centre at an angle, or bold and fashion-forward worn straight across your face like a mask. Different fabric choices, embellishments and colours help you to make the birdcage veil your own. This guide covers every way to attach, position and choose a birdcage veil, so you can find the one that feels entirely yours.

How a birdcage veil attaches

There are four main ways to secure a birdcage veil: 

• With an attached clip

• Sewn onto a headband or hat

• Pinned into position with bobby pins

• Held in place by a separate decorative clip or comb.

There’s a lot of choice and each creates a different style as well as having its own benefits when it comes to wearing a birdcage veil.

On an integral clip

This is my own invention and is my favourite way to attach a classic birdcage veil that attaches at the top of the head. I use a small one-click clip that makes it easy to position your veil - then simply press the clip so it holds in place. This option is great for wearing with a separate headband which will cover the tiny clip. You can view a demonstration of this simple clip in action here or view all my clip-on birdcage veils here.

Sewn onto a headband or hat

A headband or hat carries the veil for you, so there is no need for pinning - you simply lower the whole piece onto your head and go. A headband veil is a beautiful choice if you are wearing your hair down or simply want the veil to stay exactly where you put it with minimal styling effort or fuss. This option is especially good if you’re not planning to have a hairstylist on the day as it’s very hard to get it wrong.

I make a selection of different headband veils but my most popular is Esme, which is a unique design I created that allows you to change how you wear the veil while also having the security and ease of styling that comes with it being sewn to the headband.

Esme is a padded ivory satin headband, with a hand-tailored veil sewn in. I've created a special way of adding the veil so you can adjust it to sit above or below your mouth. You can see how easy it is to adjust here.

I also create headband birdcage veils with slimmer bands for a more minimal effect that focuses on the veil, and you can even choose a super-slim headband in a colour that tones with your hair so the headband is virtually invisible. This is ideal if you want the ease of a headband without the appearance of it.

Pinned into position with hair grips

A classic birdcage veil attaches to the top of the head and can be pinned with Kirby grips or bobby pins (which I supply with my birdcage veils) as an alternative to my clip-on option. Kirby grips are easier to hide in your hair - and if you have a hairstylist on hand they might prefer this option. Talk to them if you're not sure.

Mask-style birdcage veils are pinned at each side of the head with the supplied grips, sitting close to the face for a modern editorial look. You can wear the veil as it is or add some simple hair pins or combs as decoration where the veil attaches to your hair. I use kirby grips for these veils as they are more hidden than an integral clip which is ideal as the veil is pinned at eye-level. If you would like a step-by-step guide, my post on how to style a birdcage veil shows exactly how to pin a mask veil securely and adjust the fit.

Held in place by a decorative comb

If you want to wear your veil with a comb I recommend choosing a veil without an integral clip and using the teeth of the comb itself to secure your veil in place. This avoids the issue of the clip getting in the way of the comb or being seen behind the comb. You can see how pushing the comb teeth through the veil to hold it in place works here.

Where to position a birdcage veil

Where the veil sits on your face sets the mood of your whole look. These are the four main positions.

Off centre, at an angle

Set to one side and sweeping diagonally across one eye, this is the most romantic and vintage-inspired way to wear a classic birdcage veil. It lets your face show through on one side and pairs beautifully with an updo. I offer two lengths of my classic ivory French netting birdcage veil to give you more choice about how much of your face is covered by the veil.

Straight across, below the nose

Worn level across the face and generally ending around the nose, the veil becomes cleaner and more modern. It frames your eyes symmetrically and looks striking in photographs, especially with sleek hair and a minimal dress. With a classic top-pinning veil you can choose where exactly it sits on your face - for example, above or below the nose - by simply pinning the veil so it sits further back or further forward on your head.

You can also team a birdcage veil with a separate headband and easily remove the veil to wear the headband alone later in the day. You can see Debbie Carlisle bride Sophia, below, wearing the Esme separate veil and headband for her Marylebone Town Hall wedding, and also wearing the headband without the veil after the ceremony.

 

 

A mask birdcage veil

A mask veil is pinned above each ear and sits close to the face, covering the eyes and upper face. It is the most fashion-forward birdcage veil position, with an editorial feel. The Saskia French netting veil comes in a short 7-inch or longer 9-inch length (pictured together below), for the ultimate in versatility so you can choose how much of your face and head is covered.

You can easily choose whether the veil sits above, on, or below your nose when you position a mask veil as you pin it into place. A mask veil can also be set further back on the head, above the eyes, like my Nicole lace-edged tulle mask veil below which creates a softer look.

A blusher birdcage veil

A blusher birdcage veil covers the whole head and usually grazes the shoulders. A French netting blusher veil has a gorgeous sense of volume and will add real drama to your look. I have created a simple French netting blusher veil, plus embellished versions with flowers or bows. 

As with all my veils this is a great piece for customisation - and can be embellished with pearls or crystals or worn to cover the whole face or turned around to wear as a face-framing veil.

My blusher length drop veils are made from a super-soft tulle which drapes beautifully and has the most gorgeous movement. It combines the short neatness and editorial style of of a birdcage veil with the softness of a tulle veil.

A blusher veil is usually worn over your face as you walk down the aisle, then lifted gently for the first kiss. It brings a sense of tenderness, ceremony and reveal to the moment. You can let the veil cover the entire face or sit it partway down the face, exposing your lips for that first kiss or sip of champagne.

Choosing your veiling

The material of your veil decides how it moves, whether it catches the light, how it filters your face and whether your look is soft, romantic, bold or editorial.

French netting and Merry Widow veiling

This is the classic birdcage veil: an open diamond net with enough body to hold its shape around the face. It has an unmistakable vintage glamour and works in every position, from a sweep at an angle to a sleek mask. French netting has a fine weave with small diamonds about 1cm wide, while Merry Widow (also known as Russian veiling) has a more dramatic look with bigger diamonds of just under 2cm wide. 

Spot veiling

Spot veiling is a diamond netting scattered with small chenille dots and is a classic vintage birdcage veil style. The spots add texture and a playful, retro quality, and look especially lovely against bare skin in close-up photographs.

Embellished veiling

Crystals, pearls, bows and flowers turn a birdcage veil into a statement piece and can really pull a look together. Crystals catch the light with every turn of your head and are great for a candlelit ceremony or a cocktail party or black tie celebration. Ellis, my crystal Merry Widow birdcage veil, was first worn on the catwalk at London Bridal Fashion Week and caused quite a stir with its dramatic sparkle! Pearls feel softer and more classic and add a subtle glow, while bows and flowers bring personality and romance.

Tulle birdcage veils

Birdcage-shaped veils can also be made from fine tulle rather than netting. Tulle is softer and more sheer, giving a dreamy, ethereal finish that feels modern and romantic at once. It is a beautiful alternative if you love the shape of a birdcage veil but want the softness of tulle. A tulle veil can be worn plain for a soft yet editorial look, or worn with embellishment like lace or silk flowers, or crystals or pearls.

Lace Mask Veils

Lace isn’t just the preserve of long traditional veils. From a lace-edged tulle mask veil to a mask veil created entirely from soft French chantilly lace, this classic bridal fabric adds a strong editorial feel when worn as a mask veil. There’s a sense of tradition upended with this look which I love. 

Coloured Birdcage Veils

Most brides choose ivory veiling. I rarely use white as it can be quite stark against the face but would work well if you are wearing a true white dress (rather than the usual off-white or ivory). While ivory is more traditional, other colours can be a striking choice. A black birdcage veil is a stunning and dramatic choice for an evening wedding or a bride with a bold or editorial style. A black veil can actually be more subtle than an ivory veil, especially if you have dark hair and skin. 

There is a wide array of birdcage veiling colours including metallic options like or silver or gold. 

I’ve also created custom pieces with coloured embellishments like bows, lace and flowers for more personalised looks. Below is a bespoke version of my Bowen bow birdcage veil with rainbow pastel coloured bows which I created for a Rocknroll Bride magazine cover shoot.

Image: Leesha Williams Photography

Birdcage veil hairstyles and outfits

A birdcage veil suits every hair length and every kind of dress or outfit. The secret is balance and working with the proportions and fabrics of your outfit.

Hairstyles

Low buns, chignons and sleek ponytails keep the line clean and let the veil take centre stage - any birdcage style will usually work with these looks. Soft waves worn down look effortless with a veil on a headband or with a mask veil pinned above each ear.

You can pin a mask veil under long waves as Debbie Carlisle real bride Rachael did above, or on top of the hair as worn by Morgan below. Both brides wore the short Saskia mask veil.

 

Short hair and pixie cuts are perfect for a birdcage veil, and if you have a side-parting, an off-centre veil (pinned into the shorter side of your hair) can really add drama to your everyday hairstyle as Debbie Carlisle bride Giovanna shows below in her short classic birdcage veil.

 

If you are pinning a mask veil, a little texture at the sides of the head gives your grips something to hold on to - if you’re concerned about grips staying in place I recommend using texture dust or spray just on the roots of the area you will be pinning (whether long or short) as this really helps grips or combs hold in place. This is a great option to make pinning work on short or fine hair. 

Your outfit

A classic off-centre birdcage veil was made for a tea-length dress or any vintage-inspired outfit or wedding. A a mask style veil or classic veil worn straight across your face (with or without a headband) will work beautifully with a minimal slip dress, a mini, or a tailored two piece.

A birdcage veil also brings a modern editorial edge to a full gown, especially if you want something more unexpected than a long veil. 

A soft frothy tulle gown paired with a tulle birdcage creates a romantic editorial look, while a floral embellished french netting birdcage veil will work beautifully with a full or slimline floral gown, as well as adding some softness to a simple tailored gown or two-piece.

 

If you love the idea of wearing a birdcage veil but don’t know what style to wear with your wedding wardrobe simply get in touch and I’ll be happy to advise.

 

Your birdcage veil questions

Can you wear a birdcage veil in church?

Yes. A birdcage veil is as fitting for a church wedding as a traditional veil. From a traditional short birdcage veil worn above the lips, to a longer blusher length style, worn over the face as you walk down the aisle and lifted after the kiss, a birdcage veil can bring a beautiful sense of ceremony.

Is a birdcage veil right for a registry office or city hall ceremony?

Absolutely! It is such a classic, chic look and adds a bridal element to the most simple dress or two piece so you feel special whether you choose a statement or understated outfit. Debbie Carlisle bride Emma (pictured below) chose the Emmy separate headband and veil for her Chelsea Town Hall wedding - the perfect addition to her tailored mini blazer dress from Halfpenny London. As Emma proves, a birdcage veil suits an intimate ceremony, an elopement, a second wedding or a vow renewal perfectly. 

Can I wear my birdcage veil all day?

You can - although you don’t have to! A birdcage veil is light and comfortable enough to wear from the ceremony through to the evening. Many brides keep it on for the photographs, then lift it back or slip it off for the reception just like Debbie Carlisle bride Mia did with her Esme attached adjustable veil headband.

If you like the idea of a headband veil but would like to wear the headband without the veil later in the day you can choose one of my separate clip-on veil and headband options. Debbie Carlisle bride Ayse (pictured below) chose the Esme separate headband and veil so she could easily remove her veil after her Parisien ceremony and wear just the headband for dinner afterwards. You can see how easy it is to wear this veil and headband in my demonstration here.

If you choose my attached headband veil you can even purchase a second headband so you can wear a veil-free look later in the day, simply swapping out one headband for the other.

Can I wear a birdcage veil with trousers?

A birdcage veil looks stunning with a trouser suit, jumpsuit or skirt suit - choose a mask style veil or classic veil worn straight across the face for a sharply tailored suit or any two piece and you’ll have an instantly chic editorial look. If you prefer a more retro style you might like to choose a classic veil worn off-centre. Debbie Carlisle bride Emily, below chose the Esme padded headband veil for her stunning trouser look. You can also see my bride Astrid teaming her Esme with a trouser suit here.

Can I wear a birdcage veil for my reception or party?

Yes! I love a short crystal embellished birdcage veil for an evening reception or party, especially teamed with a mini-dress. My Ellis crystal birdcage veil with its integral clip is easy to slip on for your party and adds a real sense of elegant cocktail hour decadence - just make sure it’s worn so it finishes above the lips so you can kiss and have a drink.

Can I wear a birdcage veil for my hen do or bachelorette?

Absolutely! If you’re sold on a long veil for your ceremony but would still like to rock a birdcage veil, wearing one for your bachelorette or hen party is a great idea! I would choose one of my clip-on veils or a headband veil so you can easily slip your veil on and off without needing a hair stylist on hand. I’ve even seen a bride wear a birdcage veil for her engagement party, and I think a rehearsal dinner is another great setting for a short veil.

If you plan to have boudoir pictures taken before your wedding this is another great opportunity to wear a birdcage or mask veil. Below, Nathasha wears the Ebony black tulle mask veil - perfectly elevating her simple black satin lingerie set and adding a subtle bridal element to her keepsake images.

What is the difference between a birdcage veil and a micro veil?

Both are short, but a birdcage veil is shaped to frame the face and is usually made from netting, while a micro veil covers a wider family of short veil styles - including birdcage veils. My guide to birdcage veils and micro veils explains both in much more detail.

How do I choose a birdcage veil style?

That’s where I come in! If you love my birdcage veils but don’t know if one would work with your chosen look just get in touch. You can send me a picture of your look and I will happily help you choose.

Find your birdcage veil

Whether you are drawn to a sweep of netting at an angle, a sleek lace mask veil or a blusher length veil for a little more coverage, there is a birdcage veil style that will feel like it was always meant to be yours. And if the exact veil doesn't exist yet, just contact me and we can work together to create a custom design.

Every veil pictured here and in my full collection is handmade in my studio in England from the best materials and made to order, just for you.

Explore the full birdcage veil collection.