Veil Facts

Headpiece Style
We have several styles of headpieces to choose from. Of course, if you don't see one you like, or like one but want it to be a little different than the one pictured, please contact us to discuss a custom order.

Hatbox's bridal veils are made entirely by hand, which allows the designer to create an extensive variety of styles as well as one-of-a-kind designs. Even when a style is replicated, no two will be exactly alike. Hatbox's creations are sewn by hand so that all the stitches are hidden. Unlike many other companies, we sew every pearl and bow in place so that our creations will not fall apart with one wearing and will last for generations.

Our headbands have a base of millinery wire that is covered with satin ribbon. Unlike plastic headbands, they are comfortable and adjustable. Our backpieces are attached to combs. We sew elastic loops onto our headbands and tiaras so you can securely affix them to your head with hairpins.

Headpiece Colors
All of our headpieces are available in your choice of white or ivory. Please see the order form for the headpiece you want to see the color options available for that style. Most of the headpieces can be made in a different color upon request. If you would like a color that is not listed on the order form, choose "Custom" from the pull-down menu and specify the color you want in the "Additional Comments" box. We will contact you via e-mail to confirm whether or not your requested color is available.

Veil Colors
Choose the color that most closely matches your gown. Bridal Illusion is available in all four colors. Sheer Ribbon, Russian Net and Point d'Espirt are available in white or ivory and may be available in other colors upon request.

• White: a bright white, usually used with white satin gowns.
  
• Diamond White: a soft white, usually used with white silk gowns.
  
• Eggshell: a very light ivory or very light cream.
  
• Ivory: a true ivory or true cream tone.
  

Please note: Due to the differences with certain internet browsers and computer monitors, the colors shown in the photographs may appear different than the actual colors. We try to show the color as accurately as possible. If you need to match the color of a wedding gown, please contact us to discuss sending a swatch of the color you desire.

Veil Tiers
Only Bridal Illusion may have more than one tier. All other veil fabrics are only available in one tier.

Elbow Length Tiers:

• One Tier: 35" long
  
• Two Tiers: 29" and 35" long
  
• Three Tiers: 24", 29" and 35" long
  

The veil tiers are the layers of the veil. Most brides wear a two-tiered veil. Many use the top tier of the two to cover the face instead of adding a separate cage blusher.

For two-tiered veils, the shortest (top) tier is usually 29" long with the longest tier at the length specified. For example, a Walking length veil with two tiers would be comprised of one tier that is 29" and a second tier that is 52" long. (Note: Cathedral length veils with multiple tiers usually have a 35" layer as the shortest tier.)

For three-tiered veils, the shortest (top) tier is usually 24" long with the second tier at 29" and the longest tier at the length specified.

Veil Fabrics

• Bridal Illusion: available in one, two or three tiers and comes in two widths - 72" wide (standard fullness) and 108" wide (extra fullness). Bridal Illusion is available in white, diamond white, eggshell and ivory. Bridal Illusion is the traditional fabric for veils. It is a delicate nylon netting.



• Sheer Ribbon: available in one tier only. Each strand is 2" wide. Most headpieces use three strands. Sheer Ribbon is available in white and ivory. Additional colors may be available upon request. Sheer Ribbon evokes the feel of a more traditional veiling, while being an elegant alternative.



• Russian Net: (also known as French Net) available in one tier only and each strand is 9" wide. Most headpieces use two or three strands. Russian Net is available in white and ivory. Additional colors may be available upon request. Russian Net is often used on hats as a veil or trim.



• Point d'Espirit: available in one tier only and is 54" wide. Point d'Espirit is available in white and ivory. Additional colors may be available upon request. Point d'Espirit is a thick tulle with a dotted design. Due to the density of the net, usually Point d'Espirit is not used to cover the bride's face, but rather lays in back as an accent to the headpiece, retain the essence of the traditional veil while adding additional textured interest.

Veil Lengths
In choosing the length of your veil, you should consider the season, time and formality of your wedding as well as the style of your gown. The length is measured from the headpiece to the veil's bottom edge.

• Elbow Length is 35" and is often used for a formal daytime wedding or with a shorter or informal dress.
• Fingertip Length is 42" and is the most commonly used of the veil lengths due to its great versatility and easy mobility. It is worn with a long gown and used for both formal and semi-formal weddings.
• Walking or waltz length is 52" and is used for both formal and semi-formal weddings. It offers easier mobility than the longer lengths while remaining long and fluid.
• Chapel Length is 88" and will extend to the floor or several inches on the floor (depending on the bride's height) and is used for both formal and semi-formal weddings. This length is used with gowns that have cathedral- or chapel-length trains.
• Cathedral Length is 106" and will extend at least 12 inches behind the train. It is used for very formal weddings with gowns that have cathedral-length trains.

With your order, please specify the length of the veil you desire. If no length is specified in your order, you will receive a two-tiered veil of Elbow length.

The order form lists an amount for one-, two- and three-tiered veils of Elbow length. For longer veils, add the price for the veil with the number of tiers you want with the additional charge for the length you desire.

Veil Edge
Your veil will have a Plain Edge, unless otherwise specified. Edging options are only available for Bridal Illusion, for an additional charge.

Edging:

• Plain Edge: A plain edge allows the veil to seem light and translucent. It enables the primary focus to be upon the headpiece and bride.



• Pencil Edge: (also called Rolled or Serged) A thin rolled stitch that follows the edge of the veil.



• Ribbon Edge: A matching 1/8" satin ribbon sewn to the edge of the veil. Wider ribbons are available for an additional charge upon request.



• Rattail Cord Edge: (also called Satin Cord) A matching round satin cord is attached to the edge of the veil.



• Pearl Edge: A continuous strand of tiny matching faux pearls is sewn to the edge of the veil.

Veil Decoration
Scattered Pearls, rhinestones, or rosebuds can be attached to the veil for an additional charge and should be requested on the order form. The pearls, rhinestones or rosebuds will match the headpiece unless otherwise requested. Special colors of pearls, rhinestones or rosebuds may be available upon request. If you would like a color that is not listed on the order form, specify the color you want in the "Additional Comments" box. We will contact you via e-mail to confirm whether or not your requested color is available.

Detachable Veils
One or more of the veil tiers can be made to easily detach from the headpiece for an additional charge and should be requested on the order form. Unless otherwise requested, all the tiers will be sewn together and will be detachable as a unit. If only one of the tiers should be detachable, please specify on the order form in the "Additional Comments" box which layer should be detachable. The other tiers will be sewn directly to the headpiece.

Blusher
This option is only available in Bridal Illusion.

A traditional cage blusher can is available at an additional charge with either a Plain Edge or Pencil Edge and should be requested on the order form. The blusher is attached by hook and eye to the front or top of the headpiece and is used to cover the bride's face. It is easily detachable. The blusher is 21" wide and 36" long. It is only available in Bridal Illusion.

Care Instructions
Do not wash or get wet. Hatbox products have not been weatherproofed. To clean, brush gently with a soft bristle brush. To remove wrinkles in veiling, carefully iron on the "nylon" setting or take to a professional dry cleaning establishment.