Way back in the 1940s when birdcage wedding veils took flight they were designed to address the fabric shortage brought on by World War II. Cutting veils short and using tulle or net, designers showed brides how beautiful they could look and the birdcage style stuck. Nowadays, birdcage veils complement vintage and alternative fashions and bring a peek-a-boo dimension to a bride’s face and hairstyle.

There are several stunning ways to wear a birdcage wedding veils. You can keep it simple and use a netted fabric with a comb attached just a bit back from your forehead. While this style looks great with vintage gowns, it can bring a bit of retro to dresses from any era. In addition, keeping the veil towards the front of your hairstyle will allow room for your chignon or updo.

To get more extravagant, there is no end to the embellishments you can add to your veil. Try silk flowers, feathers, bows, and rhinestones, and customize your look to match your dress and shoes. We love how all these real brides made a statement by adding their own flair to their birdcage wedding veils and how the photographers captured them looking fabulous at their weddings.

An alternative to wearing the birdcage veil at the front of your face is to allow it to fall all around the crown of  your head. Again, this look can be simple like the examples shown below ...

Or fancy like the following veils with adornments that look like fascinators. 

You can also use a tailored hat to anchor your netting for an elegant, retro look. 

Our favorite places to buy birdcage veils? 

Twigs and honey - with its lovely collection of veils, vines, and headpieces.

Etsy - where you just might find a real retro piece.

Bhldn from Anthropologie - which just makes us want everything!

Jump over to our Fashion Galleries for tons of vintage wedding ideas and when you find what you want to wear, be sure you have the best wedding photographer available to capture your look.