How do you wear a birdcage veil?

You can wear a birdcage veil so that it hangs directly over your face, or you can wear it toward the side of your head. Some brides also tuck the comb into a bun at the back of their head for a different look.

Can you wear a birdcage veil with short hair?

Birdcage veils are very versatile and can be worn with any hair length. Many brides wear them with updos, but you can wear them with your hair down as well.

Do birdcage veils have to be worn with a vintage dress?

No! While birdcage veils definitely have a vintage vibe to them, they do not have to be paired with an entirely vintage look.

20 Best Birdcage Veils of 2023

Bride wearing a birdcage veil — Photo by Chi-Chi Ari Love; Veil by BHLDN

While wedding veils are no longer considered essential for your big day, there's no denying that this accessory can really elevate your bridal look. There are so many types of veils to choose from, and for brides who are going for a vintage vibe, a birdcage veil might be the perfect way to achieve exactly that.

Since birdcage veils originated in the 1940s, they have more of a vintage feel to them than, say, cathedral veils. Their shorter length also tends to make them look a bit more casual, but they still offer a lot of glamour, and the way they partially cover the face is pleasantly mysterious. They're usually made of Russian netting or translucent tulle, and many pieces include accents like tiny pearls or tulle flowers.

Whether you're looking for something simple and classic or something more embellished, there are so many gorgeous options out there. Keep scrolling to see the best birdcage veils to buy for your wedding.

What Is a Birdcage Veil?

A birdcage veil is a short veil that covers part of the face, with the comb sitting on top of the head. The name comes from the fact that, once in place, the short veil sits almost like a cage over your face.

Best Pearl Option: Twigs & Honey Silona Birdcage Veil

Black bride wearing pearl embellished birdcage veil — Twigs & Honey/BHLDN.

Materials: Nylon, glass Swarovski pearls, gold-plated brass | Shipping: $4.95-$10.95 standard shipping

The addition of Swarovski pearls, dotted throughout the Russian netting of this birdcage veil, makes it feel even more vintage. This is a glamorous and sophisticated option that is also really versatile.

Price at time of publish: $148

Most Mysterious: Twigs & Honey Scallop French Lace Birdcage Veil

Bride wearing a scalloped birdcage veil — Twigs & Honey.

Materials: French lace | Shipping: Free shipping on orders over $200

Made of a soft drapey tulle and trimmed with a scalloped eyelash lace edge, this veil is beautifully mysterious. It's also long enough to be worn draped over the back with a mini train.

Price at time of publish: $260

Best Bow: Kate Spade Satin Bow Veiled Headband

Materials: Satin, netting | Shipping: Free shipping

Embrace a bit of youthfulness in your wedding-day look with this veil from Kate Spade. Its focal point is the oversized satin bow that sits on top of the veil, which is a fun change of pace from the more vintage-inspired birdcage veils.

Price at time of publish: $60

Best Headband Style: Jennifer Behr Triple Rosette With Veil

Materials: Silk velvet, French nylon | Shipping: Free shipping on orders over $150

Traditional birdcage veils come attached to small combs, making this Jennifer Behr headband version unique. With the rosettes on the headband and the white netting of the veil, this is a stunning standout accessory for your big day.

Price at time of publish: $750

Best Double Layer: Tessa Kim Double Layer Birdcage Veil

Brunette bride wearing tulle and netting birdcage veil — Tessa Kim.

Materials: Russian veiling, illusion veiling | Shipping: Free shipping

Can't decide between tulle and netting? With this Tessa Kim veil, you don't have to. The double layer includes translucent tulle and fine Russian netting that results in an unexpectedly gorgeous mix.

Price at time of publish: $100

For a Softer Look: Twigs & Honey Marolize Birdcage Veil

Materials: Nylon, gold-plated brass, Swarovski glass pearl beads | Shipping: $4.95-$10.95 standard shipping

Tulle birdcage veils like this one have a softer look to them than those with netting. This one is simple and classic, with eye-catching pearl accents that give the veil a vintage feel.

Price at time of publish: $158

For the Classic Bride: Wedding Birdcage Veil

Asian bride wearing netting birdcage veil — PowderBlueBijoux/Etsy.

Materials: Russian tulle | Shipping: $7.30 shipping fee

If you want a straightforward birdcage veil with no embellishments added, this is the option to go for. This pick, found on Etsy, features pretty Russian netting with a scalloped edge and nothing else.

Price at time of publish: $35

Best Crystal Option: Stargazer Silver Birdcage Veil

blonde bride wearing crystal netting birdcage veil — Etsy.

Materials: Russian netting, Swarovski crystals | Shipping: Free shipping

An unexpected take on the birdcage veil, this one features netting adorned with crystal embellishments for a lot of added sparkle. It covers your face less than tulle or Russian netting, but it still has an air of mystery about it, and it appears a bit more modern.

Price at time of publish: $265

Best Polka Dot Option: January Rose Boutique Ivory Birdcage Veil

blonde bride wearing polka dot veil — January Rose Boutique/Etsy.

Materials: Tulle, silk bow | Shipping: Free shipping

This polka dot veil, made of delicate tulle, is both playful and elegant. It has a tiny bow-shaped comb in the back that only makes it look more feminine.

Price at time of publish: $48

Most Dainty: Twigs & Honey Mini Birdcage Veil With Dots

Materials: Russian veiling, chenille dots | Shipping: Free shipping on orders over $200, shipping fees vary for orders under $200

If subtlety is more your style, then look no further than this lovely little birdcage veil that's designed to cover only part of your face. The veil itself is speckled with chenille dots (you can also purchase a plain net veil) to add just a dash of whimsy to your wedding day look.

Price at time of publish: $78

For the Chic Bride: JZ Wedding Bow Birdcage Veil

Materials: Tulle, pearl embellishments | Shipping: $5.39 shipping fee

Tulle, pearly accents, and an elegant bow make this ivory bridal birdcage veil a perfect match for stylish brides. Whether you're rocking a chic top knot or have a short bob, this sophisticated hair accessory will definitely make a statement.

Price at time of publish: $20

Best Black Option: Artikal Basic Birdcage Veil

brunette bride wearing black birdcage veil — Artikal.

Materials: Netting | Shipping: Shipping fees vary by location

Go for something really different with this basic black birdcage veil. It adds an element of mystery and glamour to your look and is especially great for brides who aren't wearing white.

Price at time of publish: $65

Most Unexpected: Jennifer Behr Rosalia Violette Headband

Materials: Silk velvet, French nylon | Shipping: Free shipping on orders over $150

If black isn't your vibe but you're still looking for an unexpected pop of color, consider a red birdcage veil. This romantic and edgy design features roses sculpted from silk velvet and striking red netting.

Price at time of publish: $850

For the Statement-Making Bride: Queenie and Lily Scattered Diamanté Light Ivory Birdcage Veil

blonde bride wearing birdcage veil on the side of her head — Queenie and Lily/Etsy.

Materials: Russian veil netting, clear diamante crystals | Shipping: $12.58 shipping fee

This light ivory veil features Russian netting scattered with sparkling diamanté crystals for a beautifully feminine look that will also attract some extra attention. The way this bride wears it on the side of her head makes it even more unique.

Price at time of publish: $19

Best "Something Blue": Gigi Burris Ariel Veiling

Materials: Silk veiling, Swarovski crystals | Shipping: Free for orders over $70

Not sure what to have as your "something blue" on the big day? Why not make it your veil! This birdcage design from Gigi Burris features light blue netting with light blue Swarovski crystals sprinkled throughout.

Price at time of publish: $445

Best Sparkle: Tessa Kim Mini Sparkle Birdcage Veil

Materials: Sparkle tulle | Shipping: Free shipping

This sweet and delicate birdcage veil from Tessa Kim is made from glittering tulle for an extra dose of sparkle. This design is great for those with shorter hair who are looking for a more subtle option.

Price at time of publish: $55

For the Boho-Chic Bride: Monrowe Cowboy Hat With Veil

Materials: Wool, netting | Shipping: Free shipping

This is anything but your typical wedding veil. Netting is attached to a white cowboy hat to create a western-inspired, boho look that's certainly one-of-a-kind.

Price at time of publish: $352

Most Versatile: Laura Jayne Katie Birdcage Veil Fascinator

Materials: Netting, beads, crystals, pearls | Shipping: Free shipping for orders over $175

While this appears to be your typical birdcage veil, this style from Laura Jayne can also be worn tucked behind your ear as a fascinator. Simply tuck the netting into the comb, and you'll instantly have a whole new look!

Price at time of publish: $255

For a Garden Wedding: Laura Jayne Manon Birdcage Veil

Materials: Netting | Shipping: Free shipping for orders over $175

We love this floral embellished birdcage veil from Laura Jayne for an outdoor garden wedding. The statement-making floral applique will fit in perfectly with the garden setting.

Price at time of publish: $165

What to Look For in a Birdcage Veil

A birdcage veil is a perfect way to incorporate a vintage-esque vibe into your bridal look. You probably picture a traditional birdcage veil that covers your face with netting when you think of this style, but there are actually many different ways to wear this type of veil. For instance, netting isn't the only material used to make a birdcage veil. If you want a softer take on the accessory, try searching for a birdcage veil made out of tulling.

Also, birdcage veils usually sit on a comb, so opting for a pulled-back updo works best with this type of veil. On the other hand, there are a few birdcage veils that are set on a headband base, so consult your stylist to see what style works best with the look you envision.

FAQ

How do you wear a birdcage veil?

You can wear a birdcage veil so that it hangs directly over your face, or you can wear it toward the side of your head. Some brides also tuck the comb into a bun at the back of their head for a different look.
Can you wear a birdcage veil with short hair?

Birdcage veils are very versatile and can be worn with any hair length. Many brides wear them with updos, but you can wear them with your hair down as well.
Do birdcage veils have to be worn with a vintage dress?

No! While birdcage veils definitely have a vintage vibe to them, they do not have to be paired with an entirely vintage look.