The Birdcage Veil

The Birdcage veil goes back to the 1940s and 1950s; where the classic merry widow netting was attached to pillboxes and hair discs. The glamorous birdcage veil, has now evolved into the unstructured modern interpretation we see today, with the netting attached to elaborate feather and flower combs and fascinators, or sparkly hair brooches and hair clips. It is an increasingly popular alternative to the more traditional chapel, cathedral and shoulder length veils.

People use different names to describe a birdcage veil (blusher, angle, bandeau…) but there are some key differences with all of them.

To begin with, all of them are made from netting or tulle but there are many differences in the way they are cut and constructed, that can change the overall look of each piece.

Birdcage veil

A birdcage veil is a full veil that sits further back towards the crown of your head, or at an angle towards the side. It is roughly 12” to 18” from the comb to the edge of veil. Depending on where it is positioned, it offers more coverage than a blusher veil and will frame your eyes and cheekbones.  If a birdcage veil is positioned at the crown, it should fall roughly to the tip of your nose or your cheekbone.

Blusher Veil 

This style of birdcage veil is shorter and smaller (approximately 9” from the comb to the edge of the veil). It is often worn at an angle near the temple giving you a slight wedge over one eye.

Bandeau veil

The bandeau veil features a band of netting that can be pinned behind each ear. It is a versatile piece as it can be positioned to cover the face or just the forehead and hair if preferred.  Bandeau veils range in sizes from 4” tall (often referred to as a venetian veil – think femme fatale appeal) to 9” in height.

The right veil for you will depend on the hairstyle and dress you have chosen and the shape of your face. All three styles are very versatile and can be worn alone or with a pretty fascinator or comb.

Thank you for reading,

The Team at GWM