Creating A Scalloped Edge Wedding Veil: Diy Guide

Wedding veils with scalloped edges are a popular choice for brides. You can buy them from a variety of online stores, or you can make your own. If you want to make your own, you'll need some tulle, a needle and thread, a comb or barrette, and any trim you want to add. You can follow a simple process to cut the tulle to the right length, gather it, and attach it to the comb or barrette. You can then add optional decorative elements like ribbon, beads, or gemstones.

Choosing the right tulle

When choosing the right tulle for your scalloped edge wedding veil, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, decide on the colour. Traditionally, veils are white, but ivory is now a more common choice as it is a softer, off-white hue. You can also opt for a veil that matches your dress, or go for a coloured tulle for a unique look. If you're feeling daring, you could even try a bold patterned tulle!

Next, consider the weight and texture of the tulle. The softest and most draping tulles are often compared to silk, like the soft English tulle or the Italian silk-style tulle. These tulles are very romantic as they fall straight down when you're standing still and flow around you when you move. If you want something with a bit more structure, try a fine English tulle or a fine illusion tulle. These tulles have more body and will hold their shape, fanning out around your train in a full-length veil.

If you're looking for something sheer, bridal illusion tulle is the fabric for you. It is ultra-soft and perfect for brides who want to wear their veil over their face, as it is very lightweight. For a subtle sparkle, glimmer bridal illusion tulle has a shimmer effect that will pick up the lights on your wedding day.

Finally, decide on any embellishments you want on your tulle. Beads, pearls, rhinestones, crystals, and sequins are all popular choices that will add a touch of glamour to your veil.

Cutting the tulle

Lay the tulle out on a large table or clean floor, keeping it folded in half lengthwise. Put the folded edge nearest to you. At this point, you have two layers of tulle. Now, fold the tulle in half crosswise by grabbing the rightmost edge and folding it over so that it touches the leftmost edge. At this point, you have four layers of tulle.

Measure again how long you want the tulle to be (from the top of your head down) and cut the tulle to that length (keep it folded) if needed.

Now, round off the top left edge of the fabric by pinning to mark it and then cutting in a smooth motion. If you need a guide, try using a large serving platter. You want to be left with a quarter-circle shape.

Unfold the tulle completely. At this point, you have one layer of tulle.

Fold the tulle crosswise from right to left, but you don't have to bring it all the way over. You can match the ends up for a single-length veil, or you can leave a few inches between the edges for a nice layered look. If you keep a shorter layer, it can be used as a blusher if you like. At this point, you should verify that the length is exactly what you want, and if it's too long, cut one of the rounded ends shorter, as needed.

Turn the veil 90 degrees counter-clockwise so that the folded edge is at the top, farthest away from you, and the open rounded edges are closest to you.

Don't be surprised if the veil seems wider than it is long, especially if you are using really wide tulle or making a fairly short veil. Once you gather it all up in the following step, the proportions will make a lot more sense.

Now, decide whether or not you want the side edges of your veil's two layers to come all the way up to the top. If you choose to have the edges come up to the top, the top of your veil will be fuller and puffier. This decision is particularly noticeable if you plan to put a ribbon trim on the edges, because the ribbon will clearly be only at the bottom or will go up to your head, depending on your choice.

Once you've decided how much tulle to gather, gather it with a needle and strong thread, weaving in and out with small stitches. Pull the thread to gather the stitched tulle so that it is only about 2 inches wide. Knot the thread securely.

Hold the tulle by the gathered area and give it a gentle shake, which will allow the sides to fall gracefully down with the rest of the tulle.

Gathering the tulle

Step 1: Cut the Tulle to Length

First, lay the tulle out on a large table or clean floor, keeping it folded in half lengthwise. Then, grab the rightmost edge and fold it over so that it touches the leftmost edge. You should now have four layers of tulle. Measure again to ensure the tulle is the desired length, and cut if needed.

Step 2: Round Out the Corners

Now, round off the top left edge of the fabric by pinning and then cutting in a smooth motion. You can use a large serving platter as a guide to ensure a quarter-circle shape is achieved.

Step 3: Refold the Tulle

Unfold the tulle completely, so that you have one layer. Then, fold the tulle crosswise from right to left, but don't bring it all the way over. Match the ends for a single-length veil or leave a few inches between the edges for a layered look. A shorter layer can be used as a blusher if desired.

Step 4: Gather the Center of the Tulle

Decide whether you want the side edges of the veil's two layers to come up to the top. If you choose to have the edges come up, the top of your veil will be fuller and puffier. Gather the tulle accordingly, using a needle and strong thread to weave in and out with small stitches. Pull the thread to gather the tulle to about 2 inches wide, and knot the thread securely.

Step 5: Attach the Veil to a Clip or Comb

To wear the veil, attach it to a simple French comb, a barrette, or any headpiece. Take the gathered portion of tulle at the top center and sew it securely to your clip. If you plan to wear a tiara and want to be able to remove the veil for the reception, sew the veil to a simple French comb so you can easily take it off later while keeping the tiara on.

Attaching the veil to a clip or comb

Now that you've cut your tulle to the right size and shape, it's time to attach it to a clip or comb so you can actually wear it in your hair. You can use a simple French comb, a barrette, or any headpiece you already have picked out.

Just take the gathered portion of tulle at the top center and sew it securely to your clip. If you are planning to wear a fancy tiara and want to be able to remove the veil for the reception but still keep the tiara on, just sew the veil to a simple French comb and you can wear both pieces at once, then easily take just the veil off later.

Adding optional ribbon trim

Adding a ribbon trim to your veil is a great way to finish it off and make it look polished. You can use a sewing machine or sew it on by hand with white thread. When sewing, don't worry about getting the ribbon right up against the end of the tulle -- it's much easier to just leave some extra and then go back and trim it later.

Now, go back with scissors and trim the excess tulle right next to the ribbon. And don't worry about trimming it perfectly. I promise that nobody more than 2 feet away from you will even be able to see it!

Frequently asked questions