Crafting A Wedding Birdcage Headpiece: Diy Guide

Birdcage veils are a fun and unique wedding accessory, but they can be surprisingly expensive. The good news is that they are easy to make yourself and can be made for a fraction of the cost of buying one. With some inexpensive materials and a bit of creativity, you can create a beautiful and stylish birdcage veil that will make you feel fabulous on your wedding day. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to make your own wedding birdcage veil, offering tips and suggestions for customising and attaching it to complete your bridal look.

Materials needed

To make a wedding birdcage headpiece, you will need the following materials:

• 16–18” of 9” French netting: Available at California Millinery in LA for $2 a yard or on Etsy for $2.25 for a 1/2 yard.
• 10–12” of 1/4” ribbon: This should cost between $1–$3.
• Thread: Ensure that the thread matches the colour of your netting.
• Embellishments: Feathers, rhinestones, flowers, or any other decorations of your choice.
• Hot glue: This is optional, but can be used to attach your embellishments to the comb.
• Comb: A bridal veil comb will help to keep the headpiece securely in place.
• Scissors: For cutting the netting and ribbon.
• Sewing needle: To stitch the veil to the comb.
• Measuring tape: To ensure that you are cutting the correct length of netting and ribbon.

Veil cutting and shaping

The first step in making a birdcage veil is to cut and shape the veil. This will determine how the veil falls across your face, so it is important to be precise. Start by folding the veil in half and trimming one corner diagonally. The length of the diagonal cut will determine how much of your face is covered by the veil, so measure the edge and cut accordingly. If you want the veil to end at your forehead, cut the corner accordingly. For coverage till the eye or lips, cut a longer diagonal. If you want a full-face veil, cut the corner to create an even longer diagonal.

Once you've made the cut, open up the veil and stitch along the uncut side, using the diamonds as a guide. This will create a drawstring for the veil. Pull the thread tight to create a scrunch, and adjust the length to match your comb. Before tying the knot, make sure to adjust the creases and the way the veil is scrunched. This will ensure that the veil falls correctly and frames your face as desired.

The next step is to wrap the comb with a ribbon. Start by wrapping the ribbon through the teeth at one end and tying a knot. Continue wrapping the ribbon between the teeth and over the top of the comb until you reach the other end, and then tie another knot. This provides a base to sew the veil onto the comb. Sew the veil to the back of the comb, or use hot glue if you prefer.

Now that the veil is attached to the comb, you can further adjust and shape it as needed. Play around with the veil, scrunching it or spreading it out to achieve the desired look. You can also add an embellishment like a feather, rhinestone, or flower at this point. Simply hot glue, sew, or clip on the embellishment, and your birdcage veil is ready!

Attaching the veil to the headband

Sewing the Comb to the Veil:

Start by sewing a comb to your veil, which will serve as the primary attachment to your headband. Position the comb close to the edge of the veil, ensuring it is securely stitched in place. This step provides a sturdy base for attaching the veil to your headband.

Now, you can attach the veil to your chosen headband. Carefully apply glue to one end of the veil's trim and then affix it to the headband. Work in small sections to prevent the glue from cooling down and not adhering properly. Continue this process until the veil is securely attached to the headband.

Adjusting the Veil's Position:

Once the veil is attached, you may need to adjust its position to ensure it falls gracefully over your face. Play around with the creases and folds of the veil to achieve the desired look. You can also cut the veil diagonally at one corner to determine how it will fall; measure the cut edge while the veil is folded to ensure it hits your face at the right spots.

Embellishing the Headband:

To enhance the overall appearance of your wedding bird cage headpiece, consider adding embellishments such as feathers, rhinestones, or flowers. You can attach these embellishments using hot glue, sewing them on, or clipping them onto the headband. This step adds a touch of glamour and personal style to your headpiece.

Finalizing the Headpiece:

After attaching the veil and adding any desired embellishments, your wedding bird cage headpiece is almost complete! Take a step back and review your work. Ensure that the veil is securely attached and that all elements of the headpiece complement each other. Make any necessary adjustments to the positioning and attachment of the veil. Now, you're ready to wear your handcrafted headpiece with confidence and elegance!

Adding embellishments

Now for the fun part: adding embellishments to your birdcage headpiece! This is where you can really let your creativity shine and make your headpiece unique to you.

First, consider the type of embellishments you want to use. Feathers, rhinestones, and flowers are all popular choices, but you can use whatever excites you! You can also mix and match different types of embellishments to create a truly unique look.

Once you've gathered your embellishments, it's time to start attaching them to your headpiece. You can use hot glue to attach them to the comb or headband base. If you're using a comb, wrap it with a ribbon first to create a base for the glue. This will also give your headpiece a more polished look.

When attaching the embellishments, start with the largest pieces first and work your way down to the smaller pieces. This will help you create a balanced and cohesive look. Play around with the placement of the embellishments until you find an arrangement you're happy with.

If you're using feathers, you can trim them to the desired length and shape. You can also curl them slightly to add some texture and dimension to your headpiece.

For a more sparkly look, you can add rhinestones or crystals. These can be glued directly to the comb or headband, or you can glue them onto small wires or pins and then attach them to your headpiece. This will give your headpiece a more three-dimensional look.

Flowers are also a beautiful choice for embellishments. You can use real flowers, but they will need to be carefully wired and glued to last through your wedding day. Another option is to use fabric or paper flowers, which can be more durable and won't wilt. You can make these yourself or buy them pre-made.

Don't be afraid to experiment with different types of embellishments and placement until you find a look you love. Remember, this is your special day, so have fun with it and make your headpiece truly yours!

Securing the headpiece

Sewing the Comb

One of the most common methods to secure a headpiece is by sewing a comb to the veil. This method allows you to attach the veil securely to your hair, ensuring it stays in place. Begin by sewing the comb to the veil, creating a sturdy base. You can then attach the comb to your hair, positioning it close to the headpiece. This technique is ideal for those who want a secure and detachable option.

Using Bridal Loops

Another way to secure your headpiece is by using bridal loops. These loops are attached to the veil's gathers, allowing you to fasten the veil to the headpiece. For added strength, you can double the end loops before attaching them to the headpiece. This method provides a detachable option, allowing you to remove the veil if needed.

Velcro Attachments

If you're looking for a quick and easy way to secure your headpiece, consider using Velcro attachments. Attach the hook side of the Velcro to the veil, and the loop side to your headpiece. This method provides a simple and effective way to detach the veil if you plan on removing it for the reception.

Hot Glue and Embellishments

For an extra secure hold, you can use hot glue to attach your veil to the comb. This is especially useful if you've reached your sewing limit or want to ensure the veil stays in place. Additionally, you can use hot glue to attach embellishments to your comb, adding a touch of glamour to your headpiece. Feathers, rhinestones, or flowers can be glued onto the comb, creating a unique and personalised look.

Using a Headband

If you prefer a headband-style birdcage veil, there are a few ways to secure it in place. You can attach the veil to the headband by sewing or using hot glue. This ensures the veil stays put, and you can further secure it by incorporating a drop veil, which can be pinned in place for added security.

Remember, when securing your headpiece, it's essential to consider your hairstyle and the overall look you want to achieve. Practise putting on the headpiece before your wedding day to ensure you're comfortable and confident with the placement and security of your birdcage veil.

Frequently asked questions