How to Choose a Mantilla Veil

Traditionally made of Chantilly or Blonda lace, the mantilla veil, with its delicate appearance and intricate design, will surely add an air of sleek sophistication and classic, old world elegance to any bride’s trousseau. As you’ve no doubt learned throughout the process of planning your wedding is that the choices available to you are limitless. Choosing the right design to go with the dress of your dreams will guarantee that you will be the perfect picture of a beautifully blushing bride on your wedding day.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. 
    

   Arm yourself with information. In the realm of mantilla veils alone, the options available to you are wide and varied. With so many designs to choose from, it’s very easy to get overwhelmed. Having a rough idea of what you want your veil to look like will definitely make things a little easier for you.

2. 
    

   Choose a veil shape. There are three main veil shapes you can choose from: Circular, square, and tiered. While mantilla veils are generally single tiered, and are almost always circular in shape, both the circular and square veils are versatile, and can be draped over the head in order for you to have the appearance of a front and back tier.

3. 
    

   Choose the fabric. While mantilla veils were traditionally made entirely out of lace, and embellished with a lace edge, there are many other options available in this day and age. Today, the most commonly used fabric is the bridal illusion tulle for veils, while the more flexible silk tulle and gauze gives you a slightly ethereal look. These fabrics are similarly available in different colors—white, off white, ivory, among others.

4. 
    

   Choose the edge finish. You can opt to have a plain lace edge finish for your mantilla veil, but depending on how intricate and elaborate your wedding gown is, you can also opt for beaded lace trims using a variety of accents such as pearls, Swarovski crystal, rhinestones, and etc.

Tips & Warnings

• Go for contrasts—if your gown is intricately designed, opt for a veil that doesn’t have too many embellishments. On the other hand, if your gown doesn’t have too many things going on, then you can opt to get a more elaborate veil to set it off perfectly. Remember that embellished or not, mantilla veils are striking and dramatic, so it’s important to choose a design that complements the general look and feel of your bridal gown, not compete with it.
• If you find that despite all the choices available to you, you still can’t find one that completely suits your needs, you can ask your bridal shop to custom-design a veil for you. Shops like IrisD Bridal (http://www.irisdbridal.com) offer custom design services. With over 50 different lace samples, you can surely find the perfect veil to go with your perfect dress.
• It’s a tradition for every bride to find something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue. Choose an old lace fabric from your parents or grandparents and get it customized to be incorporated into your wedding veil. This is just a sweet way to pay tribute to your family.

Resources

• IrisD Bridal

[abbymcbeal]

on 5/21/2009 thanks to you both! :)i actually used a mantilla veil for my wedding. :)

[cygnetbrown]

on 5/20/2009 Well written article. Mantilla Veils are so beautiful.

[momtchr]

on 5/20/2009 Very well written article perfect for all those brides to be. Thanks! 5*