Birdcage veils are those classic retro bits of mesh that wrap around the face. They can come down to the chin, they can end just below the eyes, they can wrap across the top of the head. They can be level across the bottom, or can angle up dramatically. They can also run from about $50 through about $150 -- with the elite version, made from silver wire and Swarovski crystal, selling for something in the order of $700.

Or you could make your own. For less than $40 -- and you'll only spend as much as forty if you have a fancy embellishment in mind. If you just want the mesh, you could have a birdcage veil for less than $20, and it will be every bit as classy as the more expensive models. Some very simple instructions can be found here. (Scroll down; "birdcage veil" is the last set of instructions on the page.) If you've held a sewing needle in your hand more than a couple of times, you can probably manage one of these.

For some inspiration, check out the gallery!