THE LANGUAGE OF SMALL VEILS: A Reference Page

A working index and companion guide of small veil types, silhouettes, and materials referenced in the Small Veils for Fashionistas series.

 

Short Veil Lengths

Pouf: A shot of tulle or netting that poufs out above the shoulder line. Think of it as a hybrid between a headpiece and veil.

Bird Cage: Presently in vogue thanks to vintage designers. Made of either netting, tulle or point d’espit, this veil falls above the shoulder line and wraps around the face or eye area like a cage. Since it’s a shorter style, it tends to look structured. Great for fashionistas.

Blusher or Flyaway: A flyaway is typically attached to the back, while the blusher is a short veil worn over the face during the ceremony. Can also be worn shoulder-length in layers. Although once strictly considered informal, this veil is the contemporary choice of some formal-gowned brides.

Elbow-length Veil: While I personally feel this veil belongs in the long classification, many manufacturers and stores classify the elbow-length veil as short. Defined, it is a classic mid-length veil with a gentle fall.

Textures & Fabrics

Tulle: Also known as illusion, tulle is a sheer net fabric in silk, nylon, rayon or polyester. Most common fabric for veiling.

Point d'esprit: Dotted netting against a tulle backdrop. Size of dots varies.

Netting: The standard for most cage veils is Russian and French net. Has large open diamond-shaped holes (3/8"-1"). Medium stiffness-holds a molded shape. Comes in nylon and polyester.

Raw Silk: A natural slubbed silk with irregular texture

Silk Organza: Crisp, semi-transparent silk with light structure.

Chiffon & Gauze: Not as much bounce or transparency as tulle or organza. Mostly used for veils tacked to the back of a bun.

Allover Lace: Usually a circle of lightweight lace worn as either a mantilla or on the back of the head. It can also be a wider strip of lace wrapped in a scarf fashion.

Styles of Veils

Pouf: The width of the veil is gathered at the crown and can be attached to a headpiece. Generally made out of tulle or English netting.

Dropped: Yes, actually dropped onto the head in a single layer of tulle or lace; often bordered with lace or ribbon. A Mantilla is a type of dropped veil. Can be folded over and attached to the back of a bun or chingnon, spiraling down the back.

Long Scarf: Considered more of an option in headwear than a veil, depending on the length of chiffon or silk gauze used to create it. A 5-yard length wrapped around the head, framing the face, creates a long train that serves as an extraordinary veil. Perfect for mosque weddings.

 Edges & Finishes

Raw Edge: Unhemmed finish emphasizes material honesty

Corded Edge: Lightly defined border for structure using either ribbon or thin satin cording.

Clean-cut or Machine Hemmed Edge: Minimal finish with no visible reinforcement.

Lace Bordered Edge: Cuts of lace added to the hem of the veil

All veils and poufs in the header photo by Amy-Jo Tatum Bridal Couture