Queen Isabella of Spain often wore a mantilla veil, and it became a very popular daily accessory during the 1800s. Many women used the veil to cover their heads during religious ceremonies, during Holy Week, and when meeting the pope. Mantilla veils grew in popularity with Catholic women deciding to wear them during First Communion and weddings.

Many brides today choose mantilla veils because of their elegant and sophisticated look. They do not poof or gather like other veils can. They are very simple, and the lacework of the veil is meant to be the focus. Mantilla veils are oval or round and consist of a single layer of fabric. The veil can have a thick lace border, be made entirely from lace, or have a small lace edge that is meant only for definition. Some women have crystals or pearls embroidered in with the lace to give their veil some extra sparkle. You can further customize your mantilla veil by choosing the fabric, length and even color. Mantilla veils come in different lengths from shoulder length to floor length, to a full cathedral length. Typically, the more formal your wedding is, the longer the veil should be. The veils also come in a variety of special colors, including diamond white, shimmer diamond, shimmer white, shimmer ivory and shimmer pink.

There are three basic types of mantilla veil. A Chantilly lace mantilla veil is heavily embroidered with fruit or floral designs. The blonde lace mantilla veil is handmade from two different silks, and the lace is floral. The modern lace mantilla veil is embroidered tulle. It is basically a combination of the blonde lace and Chantilly lace types and is what most brides who choose mantilla veils wear today.

A mantilla veil is meant to be simple and elegant. In order to wear the veil, simply drape it over your head and attach the veil to your hair with bridal hairpins. Drape the veil so it frames your face and body. Using bridal hairpins to secure your mantilla veil is a great way to give yourself a personalized look. You can use a bridal hairpin to add extra sparkle and elegance to your veil and hair; these bridal hairpins can be made of crystals, pearls, and rhinestones. Use several hairpins to secure your veil and add a touch of elegance to your look. Bridal hairpins can even be customized using the decoration and color combination of your choice. Hairpins are both functional and beautiful and can run the gamut from simple and demure to dramatic. Bridal hairpins are perfect for a casual garden wedding or a sophisticated, traditional ceremony. If you decide to remove your mantilla veil after the ceremony, the bridal hairpins can remain, giving your hair a touch of shine and elegance during the reception.