advice needed - veil in a registry office??

Hmmmm.

Well, I think you should wear whatever you are comfortable in. If you want a long veil, go for it. If not I think you need to talk to your mother about exactly how much of an heirloom this veil is. Was it hers, or her mothers, or the great-grandmothers? If it was just your mums veil then perhaps if you explain that you need to adjust it slightly to make it wearable. A professional seamstress will be able to attach a comb and, as long as you are careful, the stitching can be undone.

If we're talking real, antique heirloom then I would advise not adjusting for the sheer fact that those items are PRICELESS. Priceless and dependant on how old it is you may be able to put your kids through a year of college on what people will pay for them!!

50's veils would have been much shorter than the one you've been offered - think of the little nets you see lots of women wearing to Ladies Day at Ascot to mid-length.

Good luck!

Could you have both? A birdcage for the ceremony then use the heirloom one for photos? I think a cathedral length is a bit much for a registry office, but wear what you feel comfortable in.

Girl, it's your day! Do what you want! If you are comfortable and you think it's beautiful, just wear it! I can't stress this enough, this day is only for you and you special someone. Not for your guests or anyone else...