Creating A Headband Wedding Veil: A Step-By-Step Guide

Making your own wedding veil is a great way to save money and add a personal touch to your special day. Here's a step-by-step guide to creating a headband wedding veil:

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

You will need tulle (also known as netting), a needle and thread, a comb or barrette to attach the veil, and any trim you want to add, such as ribbon or lace. Tulle is available in different widths, so choose the width that best suits the length of your veil.

Step 2: Measure and Cut the Tulle

Decide on the desired length of your veil and double that measurement. For example, if you want a fingertip-length veil, measure from the top of your head to your fingertips and double that length. Cut the tulle to the desired length, keeping it folded in half lengthwise as it was in the store.

Step 3: Round the Corners (Optional)

If you want a rounded veil, fold the tulle in half crosswise and round off the top left edge by pinning and cutting in a smooth motion. You can use a large serving platter as a guide to create a quarter-circle shape.

Step 4: Refold and Cut the Tulle

Unfold the tulle completely so that you have one layer. Then, fold the tulle crosswise and match the ends for a single-length veil, or leave a few inches between the edges for a layered look. Verify that the length is correct and cut one of the rounded ends shorter if it's too long.

Step 5: Gather the Center of the Tulle

Decide whether you want the side edges of the veil's layers to come up to the top. Gathering only the center portion will result in a less full veil, while gathering the entire width will create a fuller, puffier look. Once you've decided, gather the top of the veil with a needle and strong thread, weaving in and out with small stitches. Pull the thread to gather the tulle to about 2 inches wide and knot the thread securely.

Step 6: Attach the Veil to a Comb or Barrette

To wear the veil, attach it to a comb or barrette. You can use a simple French comb, a barrette, or any headpiece you've chosen. Sew the gathered portion of the tulle securely to your chosen attachment. If you plan to wear a tiara and want to remove the veil for the reception, sew the veil to a simple French comb so you can wear both pieces together and easily take off the veil later.

Step 7: Add Optional Trim

Your veil is now ready to wear, but you can decorate it further if desired. A popular finishing touch is to sew a thin satin ribbon along the edges of the veil, either by hand or with a sewing machine. Trim the excess tulle right next to the ribbon—no need to worry about trimming it perfectly, as nobody will notice from a distance!

Step 8: Add Optional Decorative Elements

You can also sew or glue tiny sparkling beads or gemstones randomly onto your veil for an extra special touch. Get creative and make your veil unique to you!

Choose the right veil and headpiece combination

Choosing the right veil and headpiece combination is the first step to layering a veil with a headpiece. Here are some tips to help you select pieces that work harmoniously together:

• Consider the veil length and style: The length and style of your veil will influence the type of headpiece that pairs best with it. For instance, short veils (birdcage, blusher veils) pair well with smaller, more delicate headpieces, while medium-length veils (elbow, fingertip) are versatile and can be worn with a variety of headpieces. Long veils (chapel, cathedral) often work best with more substantial headpieces, like crowns or headpieces, for a regal touch.
• Match the aesthetic: Your veil and headpiece should share a similar aesthetic to create a cohesive look. For example, if your veil is adorned with lace or beading, opt for a headpiece that features similar details. Conversely, if your veil is simple, a more ornate headpiece can add flair and accentuate the details on the back of your wedding dress.
• Coordinate with your dress: Ensure that both the veil and headpiece complement your wedding dress. For instance, if your dress has a lot of intricate detailing, you might opt for a simpler veil and headpiece to avoid overwhelming your look.

Placement matters: Positioning your veil and headpiece

The way you position the veil and headpiece can dramatically affect your overall bridal look. Here are some tips for getting it just right:

• Classic placement: Traditionally, the veil and headpiece are positioned at the front/top of your headpiece. Similar to the look of a tiara, this look feels regal and effortless.
• Contemporary placement: For a more modern look, consider placing the headpiece with the veil underneath at the top of an updo or half up hairstyle.
• Low placement: If you’re wearing your hair in a low updo or chignon, you can position the headpiece and veil at the nape of your neck. The placement is elegant and works well for brides who prefer a subtle, understated look.

It's all about the proportions

When choosing your bridal comb, consider its proportion relative to your veil comb. You’ll be positioning them next to each other so size is important. The body of your bridal headpiece should be wider (longer) than the width of your veil comb. So if your veil’s comb is 3 inches long, your headpiece needs to be at least 4-5 inches long.

Extra wide veil comb? A veil comb that’s 4-4.5 inches or wider is best styled with a longer and narrow comb. Delicate hair pins will appear disproportionate and too busy in the hair.

Plastic veil comb? Consider the thickness of the veil comb itself, particularly ones that are attached to thick plastic combs with a lot of tulle wrapping. These veils are hard to work with because they appear heavy and chunky in the hair. We avoid plastic combs across our collections and we only use fine metal hair combs as they’re stronger, sturdy, flexible and lightweight.

Love a fuller veil with lots of volume? Ensure your headpiece is wide enough to cover the veil comb. The VERSE comb is a smaller comb that pairs perfectly with a fuller AMORA wedding veil. At just over 5.5 inches wide, the VERSE is perfect to cover a wedding veil comb that’s up to 4 inches wide.

If you prefer a sheer wedding veil, a drop veil like our ROSELLA chapel veil or BLAIR fingertip veil will sit flat against the head and will ensure your bridal comb will sit flush against it.

The advantages of wearing separate pieces rather than one that is sewn together

• Flexibility in styling: When the pieces are separate, you have more versatility in how you style your hair and position the accessories. You can experiment with different looks, trying the veil at different heights. A separate headpiece and veil allow you to adapt your look throughout the day. For example, you might choose to remove the veil after the ceremony while keeping the headpiece on for the reception.
• Practicality: If the veil is sewn into the headpiece, removing the veil can be complicated and may require the help of a hairstylist. With separate pieces, the veil can be easily removed without disturbing the headpiece or hairstyle.
• Maintenance and care: It’s easier to manage, clean and store a veil and headpiece when they are separate. Veils are typically more delicate and prone to wrinkling, so having them unattached makes them easier to handle without damaging the headpiece.

How to secure your look

Now that you've made your veil, it's time to secure it to your hair. Here are some tips to help you get the perfect look:

• Use a hair trial -- During your hair trial, make sure to try on your veil and headpiece together. This will give you a sense of how they work as a pair and allow your hairstylist to make any necessary adjustments.
• Use multiple hair pins -- Secure your veil and headpiece with multiple bobby pins or hair combs to ensure they don’t shift during the day. Make sure to choose pins that match your hair colour for a seamless look.
• Consider weight and balance -- If your headpiece is particularly heavy, you may need to reinforce it with extra pins. Similarly, if your veil is long and voluminous, make sure it’s anchored securely so it doesn’t pull on your headpiece.
• Attach the veil first -- Once the veil is secured into place with bobby pins, you’re now ready to position the headpiece and pin it into place. It’s best to secure the veil first and then the headpiece on top of the veil’s comb for a more seamless finish.
• Choose headpieces with split combs -- Look for headpieces designed around a split comb system or headpieces that don’t feature a comb at all. This way, you can easily position the veil, position the headpiece, and easily secure them into place.
• Use a headband -- A drop veil can be fastened through a headband if you’re wearing one. Using a hair vine and a drop veil, for instance, you can create a bohemian appearance. To secure the headpiece, you can also wear a tiara.
• Use glue -- Hot glue or sew the veil to the headband according to instructions on the package.

Frequently asked questions