Crafting A Tiara Veil For Your Wedding Day

A wedding veil with a tiara is a beautiful addition to any bridal hairstyle. Making your own veil with a tiara is a simple process that can be done with or without sewing. Before you begin, look through bridal magazines to find an inspiration piece that will help guide your artistic efforts and ensure that the final product is worthy of your special day.

To make a wedding veil with a tiara, you will need the following materials: a piece of tulle fabric, a sewing machine (optional), embellishments such as beads, silk flowers, rhinestones, or lace (optional), and a needle and thread (optional). Begin by picking a tiara that will complement your bridal hairstyle. Hold one edge of the tulle by the width and make a half-inch fold along the edge. You can either sew a hem with a simple stitch on your sewing machine or apply dabs of hot glue along the fabric's edge to create a hem.

Once the glue is cool and dry, apply a dab of hot glue on the two inside corners of the tiara and attach the edges of the hemmed tulle. Repeat this process until you have adhered the hemmed edge of the tulle to the tiara, forming the appearance of many folds. If desired, you can embellish the veil by trimming the bottom to the desired length, softening the edges, or adding decorations such as beads, rhinestones, or lace.

If you plan to wear an updo and want the tulle to hang below your hair, place the tiara by itself above the hairstyle and use a hot-glue gun to attach tulle to a clip that can be worn underneath. You can also cut the width of the veil to your liking if your tiara is narrow or you prefer a narrower veil.

Making your own wedding veil with a tiara is a simple and cost-effective way to add a personal touch to your bridal look. With some basic materials and a bit of creativity, you can create a beautiful veil that will make your special day even more memorable.

Choosing a tiara to match your bridal hairstyle

Hairstyle Compatibility

Firstly, consider the style of your hair. If you have short hair, a delicate headband or side-detail tiara can be a striking choice, with the band hidden in your hair for a comfortable fit. For thicker hair, a statement tiara can stand out, while a sleek, fine hairstyle may be better suited to a more subtle headband or double headband.

Proportion and Balance

Select a tiara that is proportional to your hairstyle to create a balanced look. If you have thick, curly locks, a delicate headband might be lost in your hair, while a statement tiara paired with a sleek, fine hairstyle may appear overwhelming.

Veil Considerations

If you plan on wearing a veil, choose a tiara that complements it. Traditional tiaras often work well with veils, while contemporary styles may not always suit. If you opt for a modern tiara, you may not need a veil as the tiara itself becomes the focal design element.

Face Shape

Consider your face shape when selecting a tiara. If you have a round face, opt for a tiara with some height, like a wishbone tiara, to elongate your face. For those with longer faces, choose a headband or double-band tiara that doesn't add extra length. Wreath tiaras and headbands are generally flattering for oval and heart-shaped faces.

Remember, your wedding hairstyle and tiara should complement each other to create a harmonious and elegant look.

Sewing or gluing the veil to the tiara

When you've gathered your materials and are ready to start making your tiara wedding veil, follow these steps to attach the veil to the tiara:

Step 1: Prepare the Tulle

Hold one edge of the tulle by the width (1-yard side). Make a half-inch fold along the edge and either sew a hem with a simple stitch on your sewing machine or apply 5 to 6 dabs of hot glue along the fabric's edge to create a hem.

Step 2: Attach the Tulle to the Tiara

Once the glue is cool and dry, apply a dab of hot glue to the two inside corners of the tiara and attach the edges of the hemmed tulle to these points. Then, apply a dab of glue to the apex of the tiara (the centre of the inside curve) and attach the middle point of the tulle.

Step 3: Secure the Tulle to the Tiara

Apply a dab of glue between the middle and the left end of the tiara and attach the tulle. Repeat this process on the right side. Continue this process until you have adhered the hemmed edge of the tulle to the tiara, forming many folds.

Step 4: Embellish the Veil (Optional)

Use a hot glue gun, sewing machine, or needle and thread to apply your chosen embellishments to the edges of the tulle or throughout. You can add beads, rhinestones, sequins, lace, or ribbon. When using glue to apply embellishments, apply the same embellishment to the other side so that the glue does not show through the tulle.

Step 5: Finalise the Veil Length

Using scissors, trim the bottom of the veil to your desired length. You can soften the edges by rounding them or cut off the straight edge to form a curve.

Alternative Method: Sewing the Veil to the Tiara

If you prefer to sew the veil to the tiara, carefully iron the top edge of the veil that will be attaching to the tiara. If the veil has a comb attached, remove it by carefully unstitching it with a stitch ripper, then iron the edge. Align the top edge of the veil with the bottom edge of the tiara, leaving at least three inches on each side for the tiara to slide into your hair. Thread your needle and stitch the veil to the tiara using small, tight stitches. One row should be enough to hold it securely.

Embellishing the veil with beads, rhinestones or sequins

Types of Embellishments

You can choose from a variety of embellishments like beads, rhinestones, sequins, and crystals. Beads can be made of different materials such as glass, plastic, or pearls. Rhinestones and crystals will add extra sparkle, especially if you opt for clear or coloured crystals. Sequins are small, iridescent plastic discs that will add texture and shine to your veil.

Spacing and Patterns

When applying beads, rhinestones, or sequins, consider spacing them 5 or more square inches apart throughout the veil. You can also create patterns or shapes with these embellishments, such as flowers or leaves. If you're using glue to attach your embellishments, remember to apply the same embellishment on the other side so that the glue doesn't show through the tulle.

Attaching Embellishments

You can attach your chosen embellishments to the edges of the tulle or throughout the fabric. Use a hot glue gun, sewing machine, or needle and thread to secure them in place. If you opt for sewing, use a simple stitch to create a hem along the edge of the tulle before attaching the embellishments.

Combining Embellishments

Feel free to mix and match different types of embellishments to create a unique and personalised look. For example, you can combine beads with rhinestones or sequins with pearls. You can also add other decorative elements like lace or ribbon along the edges of the veil to further enhance its appearance.

Inspiration

Before you begin embellishing your veil, look through bridal magazines or online sources to find inspiration pieces. This will help you focus your creative vision and ensure that your veil is truly worthy of your special day.

Trimming the veil to the desired length

• Measuring the Veil: Before trimming, it is crucial to measure the veil's length against the bride's hairstyle. Place the tiara on the bride's head, and then use a measuring tape to determine the desired length of the veil. It should reach the preferred length, whether it is a fingertip, elbow, or floor-length veil.
• Marking the Length: With the veil still attached to the tiara, carefully mark the desired length with a fabric pen or tailor's chalk. Make small marks along the edge of the veil to indicate the cutting line. Ensure that both sides are symmetrical and even.
• Cutting the Veil: Using sharp fabric scissors, carefully cut along the marked line. Cut slowly and steadily to ensure a straight and precise cut. Take your time with this step to avoid any uneven cuts or mistakes.
• Softening the Edges: To create a softer, more delicate look, slightly round the edges of the veil. This step is optional but can add a subtle elegance to the overall appearance. Carefully trim the corners of the veil to create a gentle curve.
• Final Fitting: After cutting the veil to the desired length, reattach it to the tiara and perform a final fitting. Ensure that the length is still suitable and that the bride is comfortable with the overall look. Make any necessary adjustments by trimming the veil further, always cutting slowly and carefully.
• Embellishing the Edges: Once the veil is trimmed to the perfect length, you can add embellishments to the edges. Using a hot glue gun, sewing machine, or needle and thread, apply decorations such as beads, rhinestones, lace, or ribbon along the edges of the tulle. This step adds a unique and personalized touch to the veil.

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 that you can 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.

Frequently asked questions