Altering Wedding Veils: Is It Possible?

Wedding veils are a staple in the bridal fashion space, with brides choosing to wear them for a variety of reasons. Some brides see veils as a beautiful accessory that complements their wedding dress, while others wear them to honour a time-honoured tradition that has been followed for decades within their families, cultures, or religions.

Veils come in various lengths and styles, from a four-inch blusher veil to a dramatic 120-inch cathedral veil. The right veil for you will depend on your personal style, your wedding dress, and your hairstyle.

When it comes to altering veils, it is possible to do so. You can remove layers, hem or take up the veil, or even add details like lace or beading. However, it's important to find an experienced bridal seamstress who can make these alterations for you and ensure they look intentional.

So, whether you're opting for a simple, elegant veil or a dramatic, statement-making one, the possibilities for customisation are endless!

Can you iron a wedding veil?

Wedding veils are usually made from bridal illusion tulle, a soft and sheer type of nylon netting. This material is delicate and will melt instantly at a certain temperature. Therefore, it is not advisable to iron a wedding veil as you run the risk of burning a hole in the fabric.

If your veil is creased or has wrinkles, it is recommended to use a steamer to remove them. You can hang your veil in the bathroom and let a hot shower run for 15 minutes, allowing the steam to release the creases. Alternatively, you can use a handheld steamer or a steam shot iron, ensuring that the hot plate does not touch the veil. You can also try misting the veil with warm water or placing it in a dryer with a delicate setting for a few seconds.

If these methods are unsuccessful, you can take your veil to a local dry cleaner for professional steaming or pressing.

When should you order a wedding veil?

When should you order your wedding veil? Well, that depends on where you're buying it from. If you're ordering from overseas, you'll need to allow plenty of time for it to arrive. If you're buying from a local boutique, you may not need to order it at all – you might be able to walk out of the store with it the same day. But, as a general rule, it's recommended that you order your veil around four to six months before the big day.

If you're buying a veil made to order, the manufacturing time can vary depending on the time of year. During peak season (February to September), it may take up to five weeks, whereas in the quieter period (September to February), it might only take two to three weeks.

Ordering your veil several months in advance will give you time to take it to your hair appointment or final fitting, which usually happen in the last couple of months before your wedding. You might also want to take it with you when you go dress shopping, to make sure it complements your gown.

What are the different types of wedding veils?

Wedding veils are a timeless accessory that adds elegance and romance to a bride's overall look. They come in various lengths, styles, and embellishments, making them a versatile accessory that can complement any bridal ensemble. Here are some of the most popular types of wedding veils:

Single-Tier Veil

Single-tier veils are what most people imagine when thinking about a wedding veil. They flow seamlessly from the attachment point, usually a comb, down the back. There is no blusher (a section of the veil that covers the face) in this style. These veils can have a full gather or no gather at all, like the "barely there" veil.

Two-Tier Veil

A two-tier veil includes a blusher, which can be pulled over the face during the ceremony and swept back afterward to form a second layer at the back. The shorter tier is typically worn as the blusher, while the longer tier cascades down the back, creating a layered effect.

Birdcage Veil

The birdcage veil is a chic and retro-inspired option that adds vintage charm to the bridal look. This short veil typically covers just a portion of the bride's face, extending to the chin or jawline. It pairs well with short wedding dresses and various hairstyles.

Blusher Veil

The blusher veil is a classic choice with a unique historical significance. In ancient times, it was believed that blushers protected the bride against evil spirits and prevented the groom from seeing the bride before the wedding. Today, the blusher is a symbol of purity and the act of lifting it during the ceremony serves as a literal "unveiling" of the bride.

Elbow-Length Veil

The elbow-length veil is a versatile option that reaches the bride's elbows or slightly below. It strikes a perfect balance between simplicity and elegance, making it suitable for various wedding styles. This veil pairs well with both fitted and ball gown silhouettes.

Fingertip-Length Veil

The fingertip-length veil is a popular choice for modern brides. It extends to the bride's fingertips, creating a flattering frame for the dress. This veil offers versatility and suits most gown styles.

Chapel-Length Veil

The chapel-length veil falls to the floor or slightly beyond the wedding dress, creating a romantic and delicate effect. It is important to match this veil style to the simplicity or embellishments of the dress. Placement of the veil in the hair is also crucial when choosing this style.

Cathedral-Length Veil

The cathedral-length veil is the longest and most opulent veil style. It extends several feet beyond the bridal gown, creating a breathtaking visual effect. This veil is often chosen for elaborate and formal weddings, as it adds drama and grandeur to the ensemble.

Mantilla Veil

The mantilla veil is a traditional Spanish-style veil known for its intricate lace edging. It is typically worn two inches from the hairline at the top of the head and comes in various widths and lengths. This veil creates a graceful and elegant statement, adding a touch of romance and tradition to the bridal look.

How do you store a wedding veil?

Wedding veils are often delivered in boxes with pH-neutral tissue paper. When you receive your veil, it's best to store it in a cool, dry, and dark place, such as a cupboard or wardrobe rail, to prevent discolouration and deterioration. If you have pets, it's best to keep them away from the veil to avoid potential staining or damage.

To store your veil, you can use a wedding veil hanging hook, which comes with specialist clips designed to protect delicate fabrics like tulle and silk. This allows the veil to drop loosely and reduces the risk of creasing. Alternatively, you can use a veil storage bag, which is made from breathable fabric to allow air to flow around the veil and prevent mould. For longer veils, you can use a veil hanging attachment, which can be connected to the hanging hook to gently fold the extra length without creasing it.

Before the wedding, you can hang the veil on a high rod or door to let any wrinkles release. You can also use a steamer to gently straighten out any stubborn wrinkles and creases. On the wedding day, if you notice any creases, you can create a mock steam room by hanging the veil inside an enclosed washroom and running a hot shower for a few minutes.

After the wedding, it is essential to store the veil in a pH-neutral and acid-free environment to prevent yellowing. You can use an acid-free box or sleeve to preserve the veil's original shape and colour. If the veil is dirty, it is best to get it professionally dry-cleaned.

Can you wear a veil with your hair down?

Yes, you can wear a veil with your hair down, but it is the most challenging way to secure it as there is less for the comb to grip onto. However, there are several methods to make this possible.

One way is to have your hair half-up-half-down, which will make it easier to secure the veil. You will need to ensure that the veil you purchase has a metal comb, as a plastic one will snap. You can then use Kirby grips to secure the veil comb into your hair. Your hairdresser can backcomb or plait a small section of hair horizontally, where the comb will be inserted, to give it an anchor.

Another option is to create a small ponytail with a hair tie that matches your hair colour. You can then insert the veil comb into the ponytail and drop the rest of your hair over it. Alternatively, you can take two sections of hair on either side of where you would like to wear the veil and create a mini ponytail with a small elastic band. Insert the veil into this ponytail and drop the rest of your hair over it.

If you have short hair, you can create mini ponytails by lifting the top layer of your hair and securing tiny ponytails with mini elastic bands. Drop the top layer of hair back down and secure the comb into the hidden ponytails.

You can also try backcombing the section of hair where you would like to wear the veil and then dropping the top layer of hair over it. Fix the veil into the hair using two bobby pins through the loops for extra security.

For added security, you can also pin a vine over the veil comb.

Frequently asked questions