What is a Mantilla Wedding Veil?

While most veils are simply a fashion statement, mantilla veils are full of a rich history and are traditionally rooted in Romance language cultures. Spanish, Latin and even Italian brides have worn this look on their wedding day for hundreds of years. The elaborate elegance of the veil transcends the passing of time and is as magnificent in ceremonies today as it was centuries ago.

“Mantilla wedding veils are circular veils with a lace edging all the way to the edge, usually with scalloped lace,” says event organizer Jose Rolón. “They are a popular style for cathedral length veils, but can also be shorter blushes or chapel lengths.”

While the veils are usually adorned with lace, the decoration around the edge can be anything from delicate appliques to bold embroidery. Traditionally, mantilla veils are worn on the top of the head about two inches behind the hairline, allowing the edge of the lace to drape perfectly along the bride’s face and down to her shoulders.

If you are wondering if a mantilla bridal veil is the right choice for your wedding day, look no further. Below, we’ll dive into the history and meaning of this exquisite accessory and give you all the tips and tricks you need to know to wear a mantilla bridal veil.

The history and meaning of Mantilla wedding veils

Mantilla wedding veils originate from the word mantis, meaning cape. The sophisticated style has its roots in Catholicism, particularly in the Spanish, Latin and Italian cultures. In these cultures, veils are not limited to weddings. “[Mantilla veils] are traditionally pieces of black or white lace that are draped over a woman’s head when she attends mass, ”says Rolón. “According to tradition, black veils were worn by married or widowed women, while white veils were worn by unmarried women.

Since many Hispanic and Italian weddings take place in a Catholic church, mantilla wedding veils are a tribute to this ancient cultural practice. Many traditional Catholic churches also require that the shoulders of the bride be covered during mass, whether it is a dress with sleeves or a mantilla veil. “It was the norm for brides to wear a white lace veil [at Catholic wedding ceremonies], and mantillas are a popular choice for their cloak-like drape to cover the shoulders, ”says Rolón.

Mantilla Wedding Veil FAQ

How much do mantilla wedding veils cost?

Like wedding dresses, the price of mantilla bridal veils can also vary widely. Prices start at a few hundred dollars and can increase from there, according to the designer.

How long are the mantilla bridal veils?

Mantilla veils are most popular in a cathedral length, but they can also be chapel or shoulder length.

Who can wear a mantilla bridal veil?

Although the tradition has its roots in the Hispanic and Italian cultures, anyone can wear them. Brides who wish to honor their heritage can wear a mantilla veil, but it is also a great option for brides having a destination wedding in a country in Latin America, Spain or Italy to incorporate and celebrate the culture. surrounding.

What is the best material for a mantilla bridal veil?

“Scalloped lace is the hallmark of a mantilla veil,” Rolón explains. “When choosing a mantilla veil, your dress is very important to ensure that the laces coordinate and don’t collide. The scalloped lace serves as a trim for the tulle or netting of the actual veil, but additional beads and embellishments can be applied to the lace and veil for brides who wish to add a modern element to this traditional bridal look.

What type of hairstyle works best with a mantilla bridal veil?

“Without a doubt, the Mantilla veils are perfect for brides who wish to wear their hair up, especially in long waves for a dramatic effect,” says Rolón. “If you want a bun, a low bun will work best so that the mantilla veil can always sit smoothly on top of the head.”

How to tie a mantilla bridal veil?

It depends on the veil. Some will come with a comb attached, but traditionally it is worn over a peineta, a large decorated high comb, which keeps the veil in place throughout the ceremony.

When do you wear a mantilla bridal veil?

Mantilla veils are traditionally worn during a full Catholic service in a church. To avoid a potential pre-wedding hair disaster, we recommend that you wait until you are at church to put on your veil. The last thing you want is for a bridesmaid to walk on it or for the lace to wrinkle on the driveway. Most brides will keep the veil after the ceremony for the wedding photos and then remove it before arriving at the reception.

Can I wear a mantilla bridal veil at my reception?

Many brides choose to take off their veils for the reception so they can move around and dance more easily, but that’s up to you. If your veil is cathedral length, it may be a good idea to trim it to prevent it from getting trampled and damaging the veil or your hair. Another option is to swap the cathedral length for a shorter blush or birdcage veil for the reception.

How to wear a mantilla wedding veil

“The mantilla veils are worn at the top of the head, so the scalloped-edged lace frames the face and drapes over the shoulders,” says Rolón. To properly tie the veil before your “I do”, be sure to follow the tips below.

1. Decide on your hairstyle on your wedding day. Pretty much any hairstyle will work with a mantilla veil except for a high bun. Make sure to speak to your hairstylist before the wedding day and let them know what type of veil you choose. The hairstyle will also determine the placement of the veil.
2. Start by draping the veil over your head. For a more traditional look, secure the comb or pin hidden at the top of your head two inches from the hairline and let the embellished edging frame your face.
3. Experiment with placement. Another modern way to style a mantilla veil is to tie it at the back of the head for a Juliet cap look.
4. Make sure it is secure. Once your veil is in the perfect spot, secure the comb or pin with bobby pins that match your hair color. Mantilla veils that are placed at the top of the head tend to slip off, especially if you wear your hair down. Make sure you move your head a bit before walking down the aisle and make sure you can recline, sit, and stand comfortably without the veil pulling your hair or falling off.