Crafting A Wedding Veil: Homemade And Heartfelt

Making your own wedding veil is a great way to save money and ensure your bridal ensemble is exactly how you envisioned it. The process is simple, but it can be time-consuming and tedious, so it's important to start early. The first step is to decide on the style of veil you want, such as classic, tiered, or birdcage, and the length, which can range from shoulder-length to cathedral. Then, purchase the necessary materials, such as tulle, a hair comb, trim or ribbon for the edging, and any desired embellishments like beads or flowers. Finally, cut the tulle to the desired shape, sew on the edging and any embellishments, gather the tulle at the attachment point, and fasten it to the hair comb. With some time and patience, you can create a beautiful veil that perfectly complements your wedding day look.

Choosing the right tulle

When choosing the right tulle for your homemade wedding veil, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, decide on the style and length of your veil. The type of tulle you choose will depend on the silhouette and overall effect you want to achieve. If you're opting for a full-length veil, consider a soft and draping tulle that falls in soft folds when pooled on the floor. For a more structured look, choose a tulle with more body, such as fine English tulle or fine illusion tulle.

The width of the tulle is also important, especially if you're pairing it with a fuller ball gown. Most veils range from 90 to 108 inches wide, while silk tulle typically falls between 58 and 72 inches, making it a better choice for narrower dresses. If you're creating a veil with multiple layers or a blusher, you'll need to cut an oval or circle shape, ensuring the tulle is wide enough to provide sufficient coverage.

The colour of the tulle is another key consideration. Traditional veils are white or ivory, but you can also find tulles in a range of colours, including champagne, blush, and pink. If you're looking for something unique, you can even find tulles with glitter, beads, or polka dots.

Finally, think about the weight and texture of the tulle. Tulle can range from very lightweight and airy to slightly stiffer options with more structure. If you're attaching embellishments, ensure the tulle can handle the weight without sagging. Remember to consider the climate and setting of your wedding, as delicate tulles can snag easily and may not be suitable for outdoor venues.

Cutting the tulle

Firstly, decide how long you want the veil to be. A typical veil extends to the fingertips, but other popular lengths include shoulder, elbow, floor, chapel, and cathedral. Next, purchase the tulle accordingly. For a shorter veil, 55 inches of width should suffice, whereas a longer veil may require 108 inches of width.

Now, it's time to cut the tulle. If you desire a rounded veil, fold the tulle in half and cut the bottom corners to create a rounded edge. This will give your veil a nicer shape. If you're creating a blusher veil, cut it in a circle. Remember to use a rotary cutter for a cleaner finish, instead of hand scissors which may result in choppy edges.

At this point, you can add some trim to the edge for a delicate touch. Hand-sew a beaded trim or attach a narrow, white, satin ribbon an inch or two away from the edge. If you plan to add trim, opt for a stiffer tulle.

Finally, sew across the top straight edge. You can do this by hand with a running stitch or use a sewing machine for a straight stitch. If using a machine, sew two rows about half an inch apart. For a full veil, sew across the entire top edge, but if you prefer a less full veil, leave a gap on either side by sewing only across the centre.

Adding trim

Choosing the Right Trim

Before you start adding trim to your veil, it's important to choose the right type of trim for your project. Consider the overall look you want to achieve and select a trim that complements your wedding dress and other accessories. You can find a variety of trims at your local craft store or online. Here are some popular options:

• Ribbon: A thin satin ribbon is a classic choice for veils. It can be sewn along the edges of the veil, adding a delicate touch.
• Lace: Lace trim can give your veil a romantic and elegant feel. You can find lace trim in various patterns and widths to suit your style.
• Beading: Adding beads to your veil can give it a touch of sparkle and glamour. You can sew individual beads or use beaded trim for a more intricate look.

Preparing the Veil

Before you start adding trim, make sure your veil is ready for embellishment. Cut the tulle to the desired length and shape, and gather the center or sides, depending on your preferred style. You can use a needle and thread to gather the tulle, creating a soft, flowing effect.

Attaching the Trim

Once your veil is prepared, you can begin attaching the trim. Here are some tips for different types of trim:

• Ribbon: Sew the ribbon along the edges of the veil, using small, neat stitches. You can use a sewing machine or hand sew it, depending on your preference and skill level. Leave a small amount of extra ribbon at the beginning and end, and trim it later for a clean finish.
• Lace: Pin the lace trim to the veil, ensuring that it lies flat and follows the shape of the veil. Hand sew the lace in place, using small stitches that are invisible from the outside.
• Beading: If you're adding individual beads, use a needle and thread to sew them onto the veil. You can create a scattered pattern or a more concentrated design, depending on your preference. For beaded trim, sew it in place along the edges, similar to the ribbon trim.

Finishing Touches

After you've attached the trim, take a step back and assess your work. Make sure the trim is secure and lies flat against the veil. If you're happy with the result, give your veil a final press with a low-heat iron to remove any wrinkles. Now you have a beautiful, one-of-a-kind veil ready for your special day!

Sewing the veil

Cutting the Tulle:

• Decide how long you want the veil to be. Measure from the top of your head down to the desired length. Common options include fingertip, shoulder, elbow, floor, chapel, or cathedral length.
• Purchase the tulle fabric. For shorter veils, 55 inches (139.7 cm) of width is recommended, while longer veils may require 72 to 108 inches (182.9 to 274.3 cm).
• Cut the bottom of the veil into a rounded rectangle for a nicer shape. Fold the tulle in half and cut off the bottom corners to create rounded edges.

Adding Trim (Optional):

Consider adding trim to the rounded edge for a delicate touch. You can hand-sew beaded trim or narrow, white satin ribbon an inch or two away from the edge.

Sewing the Top Edge:

Sew across the top, straight edge of the veil. You can do this by hand with a running stitch or use a sewing machine with a straight stitch. Sew two rows about half an inch apart.

Gathering the Tulle:

Gather the tulle by gently tugging on the stitching until the gathered portion matches the width of your comb, typically 2 to 4 inches (5.08 to 10.16 cm).

Fastening the Comb:

Sew the gathered tulle to a hair comb. Match the top edge of the veil with the comb and sew it in place, wrapping the thread around the comb and its teeth.

Decorating the Comb (Optional):

Decorate the comb with embellishments like pearls, silk flowers, beads, or rhinestones that complement your wedding dress. Sew these on securely, or use fabric glue for adhesion.

Remember to start early and be patient during the process. The details can be tedious, but the end result will be worth it!

Attaching the veil to a comb

Gathering the Veil

Before attaching the veil to the comb, you need to gather the veil to the appropriate width. Hand sew two rows of running stitch at the gathering point of the veil, leaving approximately 20 inches (50.8 cm) on either side. Scrunch the fabric until the gathered portion is about 4 inches (10.16 cm) long, or the width of your comb. Tie the thread into two knots on either side and trim the excess. This step will give your veil some "poof". The wider the tulle is, the more "poof" your veil will have.

Fastening the Veil to the Comb

You can use a plain or decorative comb for this step. Metal combs are ideal as they stay put in your hair and allow you to attach things to them with wire or glue. Sew the gathered portion of the veil to the comb, wrapping the thread around the comb and between the teeth. Tie the thread off in a tight knot and trim the excess. Alternatively, you can use glue to attach the veil to the comb, but be aware that hot glue may melt the tulle.

Decorating the Comb

Decorate the comb with embellishments such as pearls, silk flowers, beads, or rhinestones. Sew or glue these embellishments onto the comb, making sure they match your wedding dress. If you are using a plain comb, you can wrap ribbon or tulle around it first before attaching the veil.

Tips and Tricks

• Use nylon thread for sewing the veil as it is less visible.
• If you are using a sewing machine, make sure it is capable of using nylon thread to avoid tears in the tulle.
• If you want a less full veil, sew across the centre of the veil, leaving a gap on either side, instead of sewing across the top straight edge.

Frequently asked questions