Birdcage Veils

I thought I'd step away from the gowns for a minute to talk about veils. I myself wore a shoulder-length two-layer veil that I made myself-- pretty simple. But I did look at quite a few options, including the birdcage veil.

There's something so glamourous and film noir about the birdcage veil--and what a great option for brides with short hair (or long hair), or glasses!

Birdcage veils are made of wide, heavy netting known as French or Russian netting. This veil is quite short, coming to chin-length or even shorter. It can be fastened to your hair with combs or hairpins, and is a chic vintage look that goes with many type of dresses. They may also be called cage veils, blusher veils, or madonna veils.

Styles of Birdcage Veils

The Blusher: a fuller veil, often gathered at the crown of the head. The length covers the bride's face, chin length or below.

Angle Veil: This striking style comes just below the bride's eyes. It can be worn further back on the head, or set at an angle to cover just part of the bride's face.

Bandeau Veil: Almost like a mask, this style covers the bride's eyes or her entire face-- it's fastened at each side of the head with hairpins.

Wedge Veil: Placed at the side of the head or at the temple, the wedge veil is a birdcage veil that covers only one eye.

Birdcage veils can be found at most bridal shops, as well as specialty shops online that carry only veils. You may also find a seamstress or costume designer who can make you a unique veil, or even purchase one second-hand if you're on a budget. If you're feeling adventurous, you can try your hand at making your own birdcage veil. The French or Russian netting can be purchased at some fabric stores, craft stores, or online at millinery supply shops.

You can complete the vintage look by adding a fascinator or other hair accessories. Some brides wear a traditional veil for their ceremony and a fascinator or cage veil for the reception-- be sure to consult your hair stylist if this is an option you're thinking about-- the stylist can make sure that your hair accessories are easily moved/changed out.

Vintage-Inspired Bridesmaid Gifts

Are you planning on rocking a full-on vintage wedding? Or do you just want to carry the retro fun into some other aspects of your wedding planning? I've got a few ideas on thanking your bridesminions:

First off, the gifts don't have to be actual vintage-- they can be new, vintage-inspired items. If you are planning a wedding inspired by a particular era or time period, it can be fun to keep your gifts in that same time period-- and who knows what other wedding goodies you might find while shopping?

When you're shopping, the usual suspects are a good start-- Etsy and Ebay can provide inspiration and ideas, as can local antique stores.

Vintage Jewelry

You can find jewelry from many time periods both online and in local stores. Brooches, necklaces, earrings or bracelets can all be worn by bridesmaids on your wedding day, and can be chosen to suit the tastes of each of your ladies. Unique pieces of similar color, materials, or period can create a cohesive look for the bridal party. And jewelry is available to suit a variety of budgets, from less expensive costume jewelry to the real thing.

Vintage Accessories

Hand-monogrammed handkerchiefs, luxurious wraps, and fun sunglasses are all wonderful vintage-inspired accessories that can be purchased new or vintage. Plus they'll be useful long after your wedding is over. Clutch purses or hair combs or fascinators are also great accessory choices. Looking for both elegant and practical? What about an engraved compact mirror and/or a lipstick holder?

Other Vintage-Inspired Bridesmaid Gift Ideas

Vintage books and magazines can be fun gifts, as long as they're in good condition--think kitschy cookbooks or pulp detective novels. Aprons have made a fashionable return to kitchens everywhere, in a variety of fun retro fabrics. A little old-fashioned but still decadent--personalized stationery and a fountain pen or letter opener. Or what about some fabulous atomic age barware, along with recipes for vintage cocktails?

Looking to splurge? What about a pinup girl photo shoot--a fun afternoon of getting dolled up and posing for some saucy photos!

I went with a couple of these options-- some wraps for the girls, plus a compact mirror engraved with each girl's initial. Then, just for fun, I found some good condition saucy romance magazines from the 50's.

What are you getting your bridesmaids?