A mantilla veil is a traditional Spanish wedding veil characterized by its circular or oval shape and exquisite lace edging. Unlike conventional veils that attach with a comb at the crown, mantilla veils typically drape elegantly over the head and shoulders, held in place with a decorative comb or peineta. This distinctive style has deep roots in Spanish Catholic tradition, where mantillas have been worn to church services and religious ceremonies for centuries.
Our handmade mantilla wedding veils feature delicate lace trim along the entire edge, creating a soft, romantic frame around your face and dress. Available in cathedral, chapel, and shorter lengths, each mantilla veil is crafted in our Bath studio using the finest lace from English and Italian mills. The flowing circular cut and intricate lace detailing make mantilla veils an exquisite choice for brides seeking timeless elegance with cultural heritage.
The mantilla has a rich history in Spanish culture, dating back centuries as a traditional head covering worn by women to Catholic mass and formal occasions. The word 'mantilla' comes from the Spanish word 'manta,' meaning cloth or blanket, reflecting how these veils beautifully drape over the head and shoulders. In Spain, mantillas are not only bridal accessories but cherished heirlooms passed down through generations.
When worn as a wedding veil, the mantilla represents both religious devotion and romantic tradition. Spanish brides have long chosen mantilla veils for their wedding ceremonies, particularly in Catholic churches where the veil symbolizes modesty and reverence. This beautiful tradition has crossed borders, with UK brides increasingly drawn to the mantilla's sophisticated lace edging and the way it frames the face without obscuring the wedding dress design.
Royal weddings have helped popularize mantilla-inspired styles internationally. While Kate Middleton's Cartier Halo tiara created a mantilla-like effect with her veil's delicate lace appliqué, many brides now seek authentic mantilla veils to capture that same romantic, regal aesthetic. The mantilla's resurgence reflects a broader appreciation for vintage-inspired bridal styles with meaningful cultural heritage.
Mantilla veils offer remarkable versatility in styling, working beautifully with virtually any wedding dress silhouette. The lace edge creates a soft, romantic frame that complements A-line gowns, ballgowns, fit-and-flare dresses, and sleek sheaths alike. Because the lace border draws the eye, mantilla veils pair particularly well with simple, unembellished bodices, allowing the veil's intricate detailing to become a statement accessory.
For hair styling, mantilla veils look stunning with both updos and loose, romantic waves. An elegant low bun or chignon showcases the veil's draping quality, while half-up styles or loose curls create a softer, more bohemian aesthetic. The traditional method involves positioning the mantilla forward on the crown, secured with a decorative Spanish peineta comb, though many modern brides opt for standard veil combs positioned slightly back for contemporary elegance.
Mantilla veils photograph exquisitely, with the lace edge creating beautiful dimension in both ceremony and portrait shots. The circular cut ensures the lace frames your face from every angle, making mantillas particularly flattering for profile photographs walking down the aisle. Consider your venue's lighting—the intricate lace detailing catches light beautifully in churches with stained glass windows or garden settings with natural sunlight.
For comprehensive advice on choosing the perfect veil length and style for your dress and venue, see our detailed wedding veil guide.
The defining feature of any mantilla veil is its lace edging, and the type of lace you choose dramatically affects the overall aesthetic. Chantilly lace, with its delicate floral patterns and fine net background, creates a romantic, feminine look perfect for traditional church ceremonies. This French-origin lace has been a bridal favorite for generations, offering intricate detail without overwhelming visual weight.
For brides seeking more substantial texture and dimension, Alençon lace features raised corded outlines that create beautiful depth and catch light exquisitely. This French lace style adds a touch of regal elegance to mantilla veils, making it ideal for formal cathedral-length styles. Guipure lace, with its heavier weight and bold patterns, suits brides wanting a dramatic, statement-making mantilla veil.
Our mantilla veils feature lace trim that extends along the entire curved edge, from the top of the head down to the hem. The width of the lace border typically ranges from 8cm to 20cm, with wider borders creating more dramatic impact on longer cathedral-length mantillas. We source our lace from specialist English and Italian mills, ensuring exceptional quality and authentic European craftsmanship in every veil.
Explore our full collection of lace edge wedding veils to see the range of lace styles available, or browse all our wedding veils to compare mantilla styles with other traditional options.
While mantilla veils are traditionally associated with dramatic cathedral lengths trailing behind the bride, modern mantillas are available in every length from shoulder-grazing styles to sweeping cathedral trains. Cathedral-length mantillas measuring 2.5 to 3 meters create maximum drama and formality, perfect for grand church ceremonies where the veil's lace edge can cascade beautifully down a long aisle.
Chapel-length mantilla veils offer elegant formality while remaining easier to manage throughout your wedding day. Falling to the floor with a modest train, chapel mantillas suit a wide range of venues from traditional churches to country estates and hotel ballrooms. This length strikes the perfect balance between dramatic presence and practical wearability.
Shorter mantilla veils in fingertip or elbow lengths bring the Spanish aesthetic to more casual or intimate weddings. These styles maintain the characteristic circular shape and lace edge detail while offering greater ease of movement, making them ideal for destination weddings, garden ceremonies, or registry office celebrations. The lace trim creates a romantic frame without overwhelming petite brides or simpler dress styles.
Browse our cathedral length veils and chapel length veils to explore mantilla options in various lengths, or visit our fingertip veil collection for shorter mantilla styles.
How do you wear a mantilla veil? Traditionally, mantilla veils drape over the head from the crown forward, secured with a decorative Spanish peineta comb. Modern brides often position the mantilla slightly back on the head, attached with a standard veil comb for a contemporary look. The veil's circular shape allows it to drape gracefully over the shoulders while the lace edge frames the face beautifully.
What is the difference between a mantilla veil and a regular veil? Mantilla veils feature lace trim along the entire curved edge and traditionally have a circular or oval cut, while regular veils typically have straight-cut edges with optional trim only along the bottom. Mantillas also tend to drape more softly over the head and shoulders, whereas standard veils are gathered at a comb for more volume. The mantilla's Spanish heritage and religious significance also distinguish it culturally from conventional bridal veils.
Can you wear a mantilla veil with any wedding dress? Yes, mantilla veils are remarkably versatile and complement virtually any dress style. The lace edge works beautifully with both simple, minimalist gowns and ornately detailed dresses. Mantillas pair particularly well with strapless, off-shoulder, or high-neck dress designs, as the veil's lace creates a cohesive, elegant frame around the neckline and shoulders.
Do mantilla veils have to be worn for Catholic weddings only? While mantilla veils have deep roots in Spanish Catholic tradition, they are not exclusively religious accessories. Modern brides of all faiths—or no particular religious affiliation—choose mantilla veils simply for their romantic lace detailing and sophisticated aesthetic. The mantilla has evolved from a purely religious head covering to a beloved bridal fashion choice appreciated for its timeless beauty and elegant craftsmanship.
