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What is a Mantilla Veil and is it The Right Veil Style For Me?

  • Writer: Rebecca Anne
    Rebecca Anne
  • Feb 12, 2024
  • 5 min read

Updated: Jul 27

Updated January 2026 to reflect modern mantilla veil styling and design approaches.


As you embark on the journey towards your dream wedding, choosing the perfect bridal accessories becomes a delightful quest to infuse your personal style into every detail. Could the Mantilla veil be the right style for you?


A mantilla veil is a circular or oval veil traditionally edged with lace, designed to drape over the head and shoulders rather than gathering at a comb.

It’s known for its soft, face-framing shape and is often worn with the edge sitting just behind the hairline, creating a smooth, elegant silhouette.


Enter Rebecca Anne Designs. Embroidering meaningful and personalised veil details is my forte and it brings me such joy to create such an array of different veil designs in collaboration with my brides. Among the myriad of choices, the mantilla veil is a timeless and sophisticated option that exudes grace and romance. Let's delve into the enchanting world of mantilla veils, exploring what makes them special, how to wear them flawlessly, and why personalised embroidery will add a unique touch to yours.


A side profile of a bride wearing a bespoke personalised mantilla veil

Photo by Megan Duffield Photography


Unveiling the Mantilla Veil

Originating from Spain, the mantilla veil is a breathtaking piece that has transcended cultural boundaries to become a symbol of timeless elegance. Characterised by its edged border, the mantilla adds a touch of vintage charm while maintaining a contemporary allure. Traditionally worn over the head and shoulders, the mantilla veil drapes gracefully, enhancing the beauty of the bride without overshadowing her.


Traditional full lace mantilla wedding veil, draped over the head and shoulders — showcasing the classic Spanish mantilla shape

Traditional full lace mantilla wedding veil, draped over the head and shoulders — showcasing the classic Spanish mantilla shape - photo by Daisy Davidson Photography


How to Wear a Mantilla Veil (Hair, Placement & Shape)

Wearing a mantilla veil enhances your bridal look with a certain air of sophistication. Whether you opt for an updo, loose waves, or a sleek bun, the mantilla complements various hairstyles, adding versatility to your bridal ensemble. To achieve the perfect positioning with any hair style, place the veil's edge so that it sits a couple of inches behind the hairline. This placement allows the veil to flow gracefully, framing your face and adding a touch of ethereal beauty. Although, if you are wearing your hair up, you may prefer to wear the veil further back so it falls in a slimmer, more sleek shape behind you.  I’d recommend a low up-do to ensure it falls smoothly over your hair.



Bride wearing a mantilla veil with floral embroidery, walking hand-in-hand with her groom in a romantic Lake Como setting.

Photo by Megan Duffield Photography


Attaching This Veil: A Graceful Affair

Attaching a mantilla veil is a straightforward yet crucial step to ensure that it sits securely and enhances your overall look. I always suggest you discuss with your wedding hairstylist how they personally prefer to work with a mantilla veil. I can either send the veil with no attachments (giving your stylist free reign on securing it with hairpins) or on a small comb (though I would still suggest pins are used additionally). Begin by setting your hair into your chosen hairstyle before placing the comb of the mantilla veil at the desired spot, making sure it lies flat against your head. For added security, I always recommend using additional pins discreetly along the edges. This simple process ensures that your mantilla veil stays in place throughout the ceremony and celebration.


  • Bride wearing an embroidered mantilla veil poses with her groom in a timeless black-and-white portrait at Lake Como.
  • A full length portrait of a bride wearing a slip dress and mantilla veil. Rather than the lace edge of a traditional mantilla veil, it's been embroidered with bespoke floral pattern work
  • Bride in an embroidered mantilla veil shares a romantic embrace with her groom, captured against the stunning backdrop of Lake Como.
  • Bride wearing an embroidered mantilla veil walks hand-in-hand with her groom along the cobbled streets of Lake Como.

Photos by Megan Duffield Photography


Personalised Embroidery: A Touch of Your Love Story

Traditionally, mantilla veils are edged with lace, but modern mantilla veils can also be finished with a bespoke embroidered border. While BRIDES magazine helped bring the mantilla back into the bridal conversation a few years ago, the style has continued to evolve. In 2026, I am seeing brides drawn to embroidered mantillas because they retain that soft, face-framing silhouette while allowing every detail to be designed especially for them.


Where a traditional mantilla relies on lace to create its border, an embroidered version allows the pattern work to be hand-drawn around your story. Floral needlework works particularly beautifully, creating the same romantic shapes and movement as lace while introducing flowers that hold personal meaning. These might be blooms connected to someone you love, flowers from your bridal bouquet or simply varieties that have always felt like you.


Initials, wedding dates, meaningful words and handwriting can also be thoughtfully stitched within the border. Together, we can consider how the design frames your face, complements your dress and reveals the personal details you would like to carry with you.



Will a Mantilla Veil Suit My Dress?

One of the most common questions brides ask is whether a mantilla veil will complement their chosen gown. The answer is a resounding yes! The timeless and versatile nature of the mantilla makes it a perfect match for various dress styles, from classic ball gowns to modern slips. Its ethereal quality enhances any silhouette, creating a harmonious balance between tradition and contemporary flair. Whether your dress is adorned with lace, satin, or minimalist elegance, a mantilla veil can seamlessly tie your entire bridal look together. If you are deciding between a traditional lace mantilla and an embroidered border, my lace wedding veil guide explains how the different constructions look, feel and move.


Bride wearing an embroidered organza mantilla veil with a soft, scalloped edge, sharing a joyful moment with her groom.

Photo by Megan Duffield Photography


Mantilla Veil FAQs


What is a mantilla veil?

A mantilla veil is a circular or oval bridal veil, traditionally edged with lace, designed to drape over the head and shoulders rather than being gathered at a comb.


How do you wear a mantilla veil?

It’s typically worn with the edge placed just behind the hairline or further back for a slimmer silhouette, depending on hairstyle and personal preference.


Can a mantilla veil be modern?

Yes — modern mantilla veils often replace traditional lace with bespoke embroidery, creating a contemporary, personalised take on this classic style.


Choosing a mantilla veil with personalised embroidery is a decision that transcends trends and embraces the enduring beauty of romance. As you prepare for your walk down the aisle, let the mantilla veil become a symbol of your unique love story, adding an unforgettable touch to your wedding day ensemble. Elegance truly knows no bounds when it comes to the timeless allure of a mantilla veil with custom embroidered details, creating memories that will be cherished for a lifetime. To find out more about the possibilities with bespoke mantilla veils, visit the mantilla veils page or get in touch via my contact form and let's talk all things veils!


About The Author

Rebecca Anne is an award-winning wedding veil designer and founder of Rebecca Anne Designs. With more than 15 years in the wedding industry and 10 years designing veils, she creates personalised embroidered and lace wedding veils from her Devon studio for brides across the UK and worldwide.

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