Creating A Cathedral Length Wedding Veil: A Step-By-Step Guide

The cathedral veil is a dramatic and elegant wedding accessory that drapes behind the bride as she walks down the aisle. It is typically between 108 and 120 inches long, but can vary in length and width, fabric and cut. Making your own cathedral veil is a realistic option, as it requires very little sewing and can be done by hand.

Measuring and cutting the tulle

The first step in making your own cathedral wedding veil is to purchase the tulle. The standard size for a cathedral veil is 108 inches (270 cm) wide and 10 feet (3.0 m) long. However, you can adjust the size based on your preferences and the length of your wedding dress. If you want a smaller veil, for instance, you can go for a width of 72 inches (180 cm). It's recommended to buy at least 10 feet (3.0 m) of tulle to give yourself plenty of fabric to work with. Remember that cathedral veils are typically between 108 and 120 inches (270-300 cm) long, ensuring they're at least 5 inches (13 cm) longer than the train of your dress.

Once you have your tulle, it's time to start measuring and cutting. Begin by measuring the desired length of your veil. This will depend on your height and the length of your wedding dress. A standard cathedral veil is between 108 and 120 inches (270-300 cm) long, but you can add or subtract inches based on how far you want it to drag behind you. Ask a friend to help you with this step if needed. It's important to remember that a cathedral veil is meant to be long and dramatic, so don't worry too much about the exact length.

Now, lay the tulle out on a clean floor or a large table. First, fold it vertically, and then horizontally, so that all four corners of the rectangular fabric overlap. This will ensure that your cuts are symmetrical. Smooth out any seams, wrinkles, or bumps in the fabric.

Use pins to mark the curves you'll be cutting. The angle of your pins will determine the overall look of your veil. Sharper angles will create a more "intense" appearance, while softer, smoother curves will result in a more traditional look. If you're feeling unsure, measure the width of your folded veil and then measure that distance from the bottom, placing a pin at that point. That will be the end of your curve.

With your pins in place, it's time to cut the fabric. Place a cutting board underneath to protect your work surface. Using a fabric rotary cutter, carefully cut along the outside of your pins. Take your time and be cautious, as hand scissors can make the edges of the tulle appear choppy. Don't worry too much about perfection, as any minor imperfections will be hidden by the comb and your hair.

Finally, unfold your tulle and lay it out to check for any stray threads or imperfections. If you spot any, simply trim them off with fabric scissors. And that's it! You've successfully measured and cut your tulle for your DIY cathedral wedding veil.

Assembling the veil

Now that you've cut your tulle to the desired shape, it's time to assemble the veil! Here's a step-by-step guide:

Wrap the Comb:

Take a scrap of tulle, about 12 by 2 inches (30.5 by 5.1 cm). Cut this from the corners you trimmed earlier. Wrap this fabric tightly around the teeth of a long-tooth hair pin comb. This will be the base for attaching the veil. Make sure to cover all the teeth of the comb.

Secure the Wrap:

Use a needle and thread to secure the wrapped fabric to the comb. A simple straight stitch will do. This will keep the fabric from unraveling and ensure it stays in place.

Attach the Veil:

Now, it's time to attach the tulle to the wrapped comb. Take your time with this step, and use a needle to push through the fabric and pull it out from the top. Space your stitches evenly, about 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) apart. Continue scrunching and stitching the tulle until the entire top edge of the veil is attached to the comb. Don't worry too much about the look of these stitches, as they will be hidden by your hair and the fabric.

Trim the Edges (Optional):

If you want to add a subtle, defined look to your veil, you can trim the edges with a sewing machine. Use thread that matches the colour of your tulle. Carefully run the edge of the tulle under the machine, going all the way around the veil. This will give a neat outline to your veil, making it stand out and look more elegant.

Embellish (Optional):

You can add various embellishments to your veil to make it even more special. Consider adding satin ribbon along the edge of the tulle for a royal touch. You can also incorporate ribbons, bows, sequins, flower appliques, or additional fabric to create a unique and expressive look. Get creative and add details that suit your style and the theme of your wedding!

Adding optional details

Now that you've assembled your veil, you can add some optional details to make it even more special. Here are some ideas:

Sewing on Embellishments

Add ribbons, bows, sequins, flower appliques, or patches to the comb for a playful or expressive look. You can also incorporate multiple coloured ribbons if they suit your wedding colour scheme.

Trimming the Edges

Using a sewing machine, carefully run a matching thread colour along the edge of the tulle. This will give your veil a subtle, defined outline, making it stand out and look more elegant.

Satin Ribbon Edge

Measure out a length of satin ribbon that matches the edge of your veil. Then, fold the ribbon around the tulle edge and sew it in place for a royal vibe.

Blusher Veil

If you want to include a blusher veil, sew a separate round piece of tulle to the fabric on the top of the comb. The blusher veil should be cut in a circle so that it drapes over the face without revealing the sides. This is perfect for brides who want to incorporate the "lift and kiss" moment with their partner during the ceremony.

Choosing the right length

If you are planning a smaller wedding or moving your ceremony outdoors, a cathedral veil can still be worn gracefully. Just ensure your aisle is wide enough to accommodate the length of your veil, and drape the veil over your forearm to keep it off the ground as you move around.

If you are worried about your veil being too long for your venue, you can always manage the length by draping it over your arm, or you could consider trimming it back to chapel length, which is generally cut from 230cm.

Remember, a cathedral veil is meant to be a little too long and dramatic, so don't worry if your measurements are a little off.

Styling for the venue

• Cathedral-length veils are designed for grand settings like cathedral-style churches or similar venues with long and wide aisles. The veil's dramatic length will be on full display as you walk down the aisle.
• If you're planning an outdoor wedding, a cathedral veil can still be a stunning choice. Just ensure your aisle is wide enough to accommodate the veil's length.
• For smaller, more intimate weddings in venues like restaurants or parks, a cathedral-length veil may not be the most practical choice. Consider the length of your veil in relation to the space you'll be moving in.
• If you've already purchased a long cathedral veil but are now planning a smaller wedding, you can manage the veil's length by draping it over your arm to keep it off the ground.
• Alternatively, you can have your veil trimmed to chapel length, which is generally more suited to modest venues and locations.
• When styling for the venue, consider the overall look you want to achieve. A cathedral veil can add drama and sophistication to your bridal look, especially in a grand setting.
• If your wedding dress is simple, a cathedral veil with embellishments or a lace trim can add a focal point to your ensemble, enhancing the overall impact of your bridal style.

Frequently asked questions