THE MANTILLA: KEYS TO WEARING IT CORRECTLY

The use of the mantilla is one of the oldest stylistic traditions we have in our country. It has its origins in the 19th century, due to the hobby of Queen Elizabeth II, it is very common to wear it during Holy Week, on Good Thursday and Good Friday, but, currently, it is also another accessory at weddings and celebrations, where Above all, godmothers choose to wear a mantilla as a symbol of elegance and sophistication, uniting tradition and roots in customs. To use it correctly with the dress, it is advisable to follow a protocol, which is a little strict regarding how to wear the mantilla. For this reason, at Reme Antón we are going to give you a series of tips so that you do not hesitate to choose a key piece of our customs. Keep reading!

How to wear the mantilla at a wedding or celebration

The first thing we must keep in mind is that the mantillas can be worn both at a morning wedding and at an evening wedding. The length of the mantilla will vary depending on the time of day and it should never be white so as not to overshadow the wedding. The bride, as we remember, is the main protagonist of the day.

The protocol states that only mantillas be used at religious weddings , so the most advisable thing, if we decide to follow it, is not to use it at civil weddings, but that will always be the decision of the person who wears it.

Keys to wearing the mantilla correctly

Next, we leave you with a series of keys to be able to dazzle with the mantilla , it is visually very elegant; and it is a success if we carry it well. But it is very essential to know how to combine it with the suit or dress that you are going to wear that day.

• Type of wedding to use the mantilla: you must take into account whether the wedding is going to be day or night. For daytime weddings , it is best to wear a short, cocktail-style dress below the knees. Even if it is daytime, the godmother is the only one who, along with the bride, is allowed to wear a long dress or suit. Protocol recommends choosing one-piece suits with long or French sleeves to wear with the mantilla , since in religious ceremonies the shoulders must (in theory) be covered. Regarding color, in tomorrow's weddings lighter tones (pastel) or even brighter ones (without going overboard) are usually more ideal. At afternoon weddings , the mantilla must be worn with a long dress no matter what. The most recommended colors for the bridesmaid dress would be darker tones than those highlighted for morning weddings, such as blue, pearl gray or maroon.
• Mantilla color: this decision cannot be taken lightly, since the black mantilla is reserved for married godmothers, while those who are not married should opt for the Ivory color. The white color, however, is only for the bride. Furthermore, in line with the protocol, colored mantillas are not a good choice, they detract from the elegance and sobriety of this garment.
• The comb: an essential element to wear the mantilla well, is the comb, the tortoiseshell , a very resistant material, is the ideal option when the mantilla is black; and the other option is mother-of-pearl if it is light in color. Also depending on the height of the person who is going to wear it, a high or low comb will be chosen: if we are godmothers of average height, a high comb would be ideal. If, on the other hand, we are tall godmothers, we select a low comb that does not give a feeling of monumentality.
• How to place it correctly? The main thing is the comb, it should be located in the center of the head and straight, securely attached to the hair with hairpins. The easiest and most comfortable hairstyle for the mantilla to hold well is a low bun. When placing it, its length should be above the knees, but never shorter than the dress. A rhinestone brooch is also often used to secure it, which highlights the back of the hairstyle and gives light and shine to the mantilla, while making it safer to wear.

• Length: the length of the mantilla also depends on the person wearing it and their height. If it is a tall person, the mantilla must be long, but not exceed the length of the dress or suit we are wearing. If the person who is going to wear it is short, the mantilla should be short, so as not to give the impression that it is big. The front part of the blanket must reach the height of your hands at most.
• Materials: the most used fabrics with which the most elegant mantillas are created are tulle, lace and chantilly.

With these tips we hope that you will be able to clear up all your doubts about how to use a mantilla. It is a garment that is on the rise and that manages to unite the oldest customs with new styles.