Friday, October 23, 2009

Mantilla Veils vs. Lace edged Veils

A wedding veil edged in lace can be so elegant and romantic. A common name for a lace edged veil is a Mantilla veil.  However, most don't realize that lace can actually be applied to any style of veil.

A Mantilla cut veil is a veil that is cut usually with very little to no gathering at the comb.  Therefore it creates a soft curve around the shoulders.  The curve may be high - near the elbows - or low - near the knees  - depending on the width of material used.

For example - here is a lace edged mantilla cut veil made from 54" wide material: 

http://www.occanseydesigns.com/Gallery3/photogalSPL15.html   - notice the curve hits at or slightly above elbow length.

Here is a lace edged mantilla cut veil made from 72" wide material:

http://www.occanseydesigns.com/Gallery3/photogalSPL16.html  -- notice that curve on the front of this veil hits more at around wrist length.

And finally, here is a lace edged mantilla cut veil made from 108" wide material:

http://www.occanseydesigns.com/Gallery3/photogalSPL33.html   - notice that on this veil, the curve hits around knee length.

If you want a lace edging on your veil - but aren't fond of the mantilla cut - don't despair!  Lace edging can be applied to Drop veils, Centergathered cuts, Standard cut veils, and Cascading sides.

A drop veil has no gathering at the top at all (it's "dropped" over the head) -- and traditionally you wear the front forward as a blusher.  However, if you prefer to wear it pulled back and not worn as a blusher that's possible too!  Here is an example of a drop veil edged in lace: 

http://www.occanseydesigns.com/Gallery3/photogalSPL10.html

A standard cut veil has gathering at the comb and the lace edging would typically run all the way up the sides like this: 

http://www.occanseydesigns.com/Gallery3/photogalSPL20.html

However, if you don't want lace along your face - you can have it customized to stop at a particular length.  Here is an example of lace stopping approximately 38" from the top of the comb: 

http://www.occanseydesigns.com/Gallery3/photogalSPL17.html

All of these styles can be customized using a different lace (one that would match your gown best).  They can also be customized to different lengths and fullness depending on your personal style.