Bedazzling Your Wedding Veil: Creative Ways To Sparkle

Bedazzling your wedding veil is a great way to add some sparkle to your bridal look. Whether you're a DIY bride or seeking professional help, there are a few things to consider before gluing or sewing on those rhinestones, crystals, or beads. Firstly, think about the weight of the embellishments – you don't want them to be too heavy and weigh down your veil. Next, decide whether you want to glue or sew them on. Gluing can be a tricky and messy process, whereas sewing might be a better option if your veil is made from sheer fabric. Finally, plan the placement of your embellishments carefully – you don't want them to look cluttered, but you also want to avoid placing them where they might be hidden by your hairstyle or other accessories.

Rhinestones, crystals, or pearls: glue or sew?

Rhinestones, crystals, or pearls can be attached to a wedding veil by either gluing or sewing them on. Here are some factors to consider when deciding between gluing or sewing:

Gluing

When gluing rhinestones, crystals, or pearls to a wedding veil, it is important to choose the right type of glue for the material of the veil and the embellishments. Here are some options for glue:

• Gem-Tac: A strong tacky glue that is perfect for delicate glue work and dries clear. However, it is water-based and not suitable for items that will be washed with soap and water.
• CG500: A resin glue that is perfect for hard-wearing sparkle on items like water bottles. It provides several hours of work time before setting and requires gloves for application.
• E6000: An industrial-strength adhesive that works well for adhering rhinestones to glass, plastic, metal, and shoes. It dries clear and is waterproof, making it a good choice for items exposed to wet conditions. However, it has a long curing time of up to 72 hours.
• SuperTite Fusion Tack Adhesive: An industrial-grade fabric glue that creates strong bonds on fabric, glass, plastic, leather, and wood. It dries clear, is permanent, and is hand-washable, making it ideal for customising clothes and fabric accessories.
• Ninja Supertite SuperFlex Glue: A resin-based glue that provides a super-strong bond and flexibility, making it perfect for rubber or leather. It has a quick work time of one minute and a cure time of five minutes.

When gluing, it is important to apply a small amount of glue to the back of the rhinestone or directly to the surface and gently press the rhinestone onto the glue, ensuring full contact. It is also crucial to work in a well-ventilated area as some glues produce unpleasant fumes. Additionally, leave enough time for the glue to dry properly – at least 24 hours for hard surfaces and 3-5 days for fabric before washing or wearing.

Sewing

Sewing rhinestones, crystals, or pearls to a wedding veil is a more time-consuming process but offers more durability. Sew-on stones are larger gems with holes on either side that enable them to be sewn onto the fabric. Round sew-on pearls, often used in bridal wear and crafting, have a hole running through the centre that allows for sewing. When sewing, use a thread that matches the colour of the material, and ensure that the stitches are tight and secure.

Factors to Consider

When deciding between gluing or sewing, consider the following:

• The material of the veil: Some glues work better with certain surfaces. For example, E6000 works well with hard surfaces like glass, plastic, and metal, while SuperTite Fusion Tack Adhesive is suitable for fabric.
• The durability: Sewing generally provides more durability, especially for items that will be worn and washed regularly.
• The time and effort required: Gluing is usually quicker and less messy, especially for one-off projects, while sewing can be more time-consuming.
• The desired look: Gluing may be preferable if you want a mess-free method and a seamless finish. Sewing may be preferred if you want to avoid the potential issue of glue being visible on the back of the veil.

Veil photography: how to avoid black spots

Bedazzling a wedding veil with rhinestones or crystals is a popular DIY project for brides. However, it's important to be cautious when adding sparkly embellishments, as they can cause unwanted flare or black spots in photographs.

To avoid black spots in your veil photographs, consider the following tips:

• Use Round Beads Instead of Flat-Back Rhinestones: Sewing round beads onto your veil can help refract light and reduce the chances of black spots in photos. Flat-back rhinestones or crystals can reflect light back towards the camera, creating a black spot in the image.
• Avoid Excessive Bling: Less is more when it comes to adding sparkle to your veil. Placing too many rhinestones or crystals close together can create a "flash of brilliance" every time the light hits the veil, which will be undesirable in pictures. Space out the embellishments and avoid placing them in rows to prevent a jarring effect.
• Consider the Photography Style: Certain photography styles and lighting conditions can accentuate the appearance of black spots. Natural light photography, for example, may be more prone to reflecting light off flat-back rhinestones. Discuss this with your photographer to understand any specific considerations or recommendations they may have.
• Test and Practice: Before committing to your final veil design, test different types and placements of embellishments. Take sample photos with flash to see how the light reflects off the rhinestones or beads. Adjust as needed until you find a configuration that minimises black spots.
• Clean Your Camera: Sometimes, black spots in photos can be due to dust on your camera sensor or lens. Ensure your camera equipment is clean and free of dust particles. Regular sensor cleaning and lens maintenance can help prevent this issue.
• Avoid High Apertures: If you notice black spots in your photos, try avoiding very small apertures (high f-stop values) until you can address the issue. Smaller apertures can make dust particles on the sensor or lens more pronounced in your images.
• Post-Processing: If you still end up with black spots in your veil photos, don't despair. Photo editing software often includes spot-removal or healing tools that can help eliminate these unwanted artefacts. Adobe Lightroom, for example, has a synchronised spot removal feature that can be applied across multiple images.

By following these tips and tricks, you can minimise the appearance of black spots in your veil photography while still achieving the desired level of sparkle and elegance. Happy crafting and happy wedding planning!

Veil length: long or short?

The length of your wedding veil will depend on the style and aesthetic you want to achieve.

Long Veil

A long veil can add drama and elegance to your wedding day look. There are several options to choose from when it comes to long veil lengths:

• Waltz veil: This veil is 60" long and falls to mid-calf. It's a great option if you want to keep your veil on for the reception as it won't get in the way of dancing and mingling.
• Floor-length veil: This veil is 72" long and grazes the floor, matching the length of your gown. It adds extra volume and is perfect if you want to add fullness to a streamlined silhouette.
• Chapel veil: This veil is 90" long and creates the illusion of a train. It's a good choice if your dress doesn't have a train, as it will sweep across the floor and extend slightly beyond the gown.
• Cathedral veil: This veil is the longest option, ranging from 108" to 120" in length. It is the most dramatic choice and extends beyond the train of the gown, making it ideal for a regal entrance.

Short Veil

On the other hand, a short veil can add interest to the top of your dress and showcase the details of your ensemble. Here are some short veil options:

• Birdcage veil: This short and flirty veil is 4-9" long and can cover just the eyes, skim the nose, or fall at the jawline. It's usually made of net or lace and is also known as a bandeau veil.
• Shoulder-length veil: As the name suggests, this veil style hits your shoulders. It's a traditional-looking option that won't compete with the details of your dress.
• Blusher veil: This veil is 30" long and falls over the face, ending near the top of the dress. It's pulled back to reveal the bride's face during the ceremony, creating a memorable moment.
• Elbow veil: The elbow-length veil reaches your elbows or waist. It's an elegant option if you want a more conservative look and can also be used to cover your shoulders.
• Fingertip veil: This veil falls beyond the bride's hips and is usually 38-40" long. It's a popular choice as it allows any design on the back of the gown to be seen through the sheer fabric.

When deciding between a long or short veil, consider the overall style you want to achieve, the details of your dress, and your comfort level. A long veil can add drama and elegance, while a short veil can showcase the beauty of your dress and be more comfortable to wear.

Veil attachment: glue, sew, or clip?

There are several options for attaching your veil to your hair, including glue, sewing, or clipping. Here are some of the pros and cons of each method:

Glue

Gluing your veil to your hair or a hair accessory is a quick and easy option that does not require any special skills or tools. However, glue can be messy and may not provide a secure hold, especially if you have thick or curly hair. It is also important to choose a glue that is safe for use on the skin and hair, as some adhesives can be irritating or damaging.

Sewing

Sewing your veil to a comb, hair clip, or other hair accessory is a more secure option that will ensure your veil stays in place throughout your wedding day. This method requires some basic sewing skills and can be time-consuming, but it will result in a neat and tidy finish. If you are not confident in your sewing abilities, you can always ask a friend or family member to help, or take it to a professional seamstress.

Clipping

Clipping your veil in place is a versatile and convenient option that does not require any special skills or tools. It is also a good choice if you want to be able to remove your veil easily during your reception. However, clips may not provide as secure of a hold as sewing, especially if you have thick or curly hair. It is important to choose a clip that is strong and secure, and to position it correctly to avoid any slippage.

Ultimately, the best method for attaching your veil will depend on your hair type, the weight of your veil, and your personal preference. If you are unsure, you can always consult with a hairstylist or bridal accessory specialist for advice.

Veil weight: will it be too heavy?

Veil weight is an important consideration when adding rhinestones or beads. You don't want your veil to be too heavy, as it may weigh down your hair and cause discomfort. Here are some tips to ensure your veil remains lightweight:

When choosing rhinestones or beads, opt for smaller sizes. Smaller embellishments will add sparkle without adding significant weight. For example, 3mm or 5mm Swarovski crystals are mentioned as being very light. Using fewer embellishments will also help keep the weight down. It is recommended to place them sparsely and not too close together. This will ensure the veil doesn't become too heavy and will also create a subtle, elegant look.

The type of fabric you choose for your veil is also important. Tulle is commonly used and is available in different widths, depending on whether you want a wispier or poofier veil. A lightweight fabric like tulle will ensure your veil is comfortable to wear and won't add excessive weight.

If you're gluing on rhinestones, be careful not to use too much glue, as it can cause the veil to become stiff and heavy. Using a hot-fix applicator or a tough fabric glue should be sufficient to attach the rhinestones securely without adding too much weight.

If you're sewing on beads, use a lightweight thread such as clear beading thread. Sewing on beads will add a little weight, but if done sparingly and with lightweight thread, it shouldn't make the veil too heavy.

Overall, the key to ensuring your veil isn't too heavy is to use lightweight materials, sparse embellishments, and secure attachments that don't add bulk. With careful planning and execution, you can achieve a beautiful, sparkling veil that is also comfortable and lightweight.

Frequently asked questions