The Mantilla Veil

The mantilla is most often associated with Spain, where it was originally made popular by Queen Isabel II in the mid-1800s. After Isabel's reign, mantillas became less popular, except in Andalusia where women wore them during Holy Week, meetings with the Pope, and other religious events. This, perhaps, influenced use of the mantilla veil in Catholic and other weddings today.

Mantilla Types

In general, there are three types of mantillas, all with lace as their central feature.

• Handmade Blonda lace mantillas, where the designs are crafted from two types of silk: A thin thread for detailing and a thicker one to add depth, more details or color. These are often floral-themed veils. See an example from the Mares Lace Museum through the link above.
• Chantilly lace mantillas, heavily embroidered with vegetable, fruit, or floral designs. They are named for the town in France where the lace originated.
• Lace-embroidered tulle mantillas, with designs reflective of the Chantilly and Blonda lace. Brides, today, most often wear this type.

For more on the origins of this veil, see Wikipedia's mantilla veil entry.

How to wear a mantilla veil

This veil is made from a single, non-gathered oval or round layer, to be draped over the head. Pin or attach it to your hair with a small comb. The mantilla has a sleek and sophisticated appearance, with no pouf or headpiece to interrupt the profile, although you may want to wear an unobtrusive bow or other hair ornament to hide a pin.

Some modern mantilla veils have a wide lace edge (the Raina below, for example), while others are full lace with a scalloped or other edging (the Amore). In either case, wear the mantilla so the lace edges softly frame your face and upper body.

Special thank you to writing coach, editor, and ghostwriter Bobbi Linkemer, who contributed the original material throughout MyOnlineWeddingHelp.com.

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