Crafting Cathedral Veils: A Guide To Diy Wedding Glamour

A cathedral veil is a traditional accessory for brides, adding a touch of elegance to the wedding dress. It is designed to be worn in a cathedral or a similarly grand setting, where the long aisle provides ample space for the veil to trail behind the bride dramatically. While it is typically associated with formal weddings, a cathedral veil can also be worn at outdoor weddings or smaller ceremonies, as long as the aisle is wide enough. Creating a DIY cathedral veil is a straightforward process that only requires basic sewing skills and materials like tulle, a hair pin comb, lace or trim, and a needle and thread.

Measuring and cutting the tulle

The first step in making your own cathedral wedding veil is to measure and cut the tulle. Tulle is a lightweight, fine netting fabric that is often used for veils and skirts. Here is a step-by-step guide to measuring and cutting the tulle for your DIY cathedral veil:

Step 1: Determine the Length

The standard length for a cathedral veil is between 108 and 120 inches (270-300 cm). This will ensure that the veil is at least 5 inches (13 cm) longer than the train of your wedding dress. However, feel free to customise the length to your preference. If you want a more dramatic look, you can go for a longer veil, or opt for a shorter veil if you prefer something more understated.

Step 2: Purchase the Tulle

Based on your desired length, purchase a length of tulle that is roughly 108 inches (270 cm) wide and 10 feet (3 m) long. It is recommended to buy at least 10 feet (3 m) of tulle to give yourself plenty of fabric to work with. When choosing the tulle, opt for a higher quality fabric as it will make for a better veil.

Step 3: Fold the Tulle

Find a clean space on the floor or a large table to lay out your tulle. First, fold the tulle vertically, and then fold it horizontally. This will make it easier to cut the fabric symmetrically. If you are using the floor, make sure to vacuum beforehand, especially if you are working with light-coloured fabric.

Step 4: Measure and Mark the Curves

Using sewing pins, mark the curves that you will cut. With the fabric folded, all four corners of the rectangular fabric should overlap, allowing you to cut them together. Continue pinning until you have established an arc that you are happy with. The sharper the angle of the pins, the more dramatic and intense the look of your veil. For a more conventional and softer appearance, go for a smoother, gentler curve.

Step 5: Cut the Tulle

Place a cutting board under the area you have pinned. Using a fabric rotary cutter, carefully cut the four layers of tulle just outside of the pins. Take your time with this step to ensure a smooth and precise cut. It is important to use a rotary cutter instead of hand scissors to achieve a clean edge.

Step 6: Unfold and Inspect the Tulle

Once you have finished cutting, unfold your tulle and lay it out to check for any imperfections or stray threads. If you want a thicker veil, you can repeat the entire process to create a second layer of tulle, which can be sewn underneath the first layer near the comb.

Now that you have measured and cut your tulle, you are one step closer to creating your dream wedding veil! The next steps will involve assembling the veil and adding any desired embellishments.

Assembling the veil

Now that you've cut your tulle to the right shape, it's time to assemble the veil. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Wrap the comb: Cut a 12-by-2-inch (30.5-by-5.1-cm) scrap of fabric from the corners you cut earlier. Take this scrap and wrap it tightly around the gap of each tooth in the hair pin comb. Work your way through each tooth so that the entire top of the comb is covered in fabric. Use a comb-style hair pin with 8-10 teeth for this step.

Secure the fabric: Use a needle and thread to secure the scrap of fabric to the comb. Run a simple straight stitch through the fabric to keep it from unravelling. This step is important to ensure that your veil stays intact.

Attach the veil: Now, it's time to attach the tulle to the comb. Using your needle and thread, carefully stitch the top of the veil to the fabric-wrapped comb. Go slowly and space your stitches about 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) apart. Continue scrunching and stitching the tulle until the entire veil is attached to the comb. Don't worry too much about the appearance of these stitches, as they will be hidden by your hair and the fabric.

Finish and trim: Once the veil is attached, tuck away any loose threads by wrapping them around a tooth in the comb or snipping them with fabric scissors. If desired, you can also add a trim to the edges of the tulle for a more defined look. Use a sewing machine to carefully stitch a matching fabric or satin ribbon around the edge of the veil.

Optional details: For a playful touch, you can add ribbons or bows to the comb. You can also incorporate sequins, flower appliques, patches, or additional sheets of coloured fabric to customise your veil further.

Adding optional details

Now that you've assembled your veil, you can add some optional details to make it even more special. Here are some ideas:

• Add thread to the edges: Using a sewing machine, carefully run the edge of the tulle under the machine, adding a trim in a matching colour. This will give your veil a defined and elegant outline, making it stand out.
• Edge with satin ribbon: Measure out a length of satin ribbon that matches the edge of your veil, then fold and sew it in place for a royal touch.
• Ribbons and bows: Incorporate velvet or satin ribbons into the comb, tying them off into bows. You can even use multiple coloured ribbons for a playful and expressive look.
• Sequins, flowers, and more: Add sequins, flower appliques, patches, or additional sheets of coloured fabric to the comb for a unique and personalised touch.
• Blusher veil: Sew a separate round piece of tulle to the fabric on the top of the comb to create a blusher veil. This is perfect for brides who want to keep with tradition, as the groom can lift and reveal the bride's face during the ceremony.

Choosing the right length

First, it is important to understand that a cathedral veil is designed to be worn in a cathedral-style church or a similarly grand setting. The aisle should be long and wide enough to accommodate the length of your veil. If you are planning a smaller wedding or an outdoor wedding, you can still wear a cathedral veil, but ensure your aisle is wide enough. You may also need to drape the veil over your forearm to keep it off the ground as you move around.

Cathedral veils typically range from 300 cm (118 inches) to 450 cm (180 inches) in length. A standard cathedral veil is approximately 108–120 inches (270–300 cm) long, ensuring that it is at least 5 inches (13 cm) longer than the train of your dress. However, some dresses with significant trains might be better suited to longer veils, such as regal or royal cathedral veils, which can be up to 450 cm (180 inches) long.

When measuring for your veil, start from the top of your head, or where you plan to place the veil comb, and measure down to the desired length. You can use a measuring tape, ribbon, string, or yarn for this step. If your dress has a train, measure to the bottom of the dress and then add the desired length for the veil.

Consider the practicality of the veil length for your wedding venue. A very long veil may not be the best choice for a beach wedding, a backyard gathering, or a small, intimate wedding. In such cases, you may want to consider a shorter veil, such as a chapel-length veil, which is typically 230 cm (90 inches) long, or a floor-length veil, which is usually 180 cm (71 inches) long.

Finally, think about the overall look you want to achieve. A cathedral veil can add drama and sophistication to your wedding ensemble. It can act as an extension of your dress, so consider adding a lace trim or embellishments to create a striking focal point. A longer veil can also be a beautiful way to showcase your bridal hairstyle.

Remember, the length of your veil is a personal choice, and you can always customise it to suit your unique style and preferences.

Sewing the veil

Now that you have your tulle cut to the right size and shape, it's time to start assembling the veil!

First, you'll want to prepare the hair comb that will be used to secure the veil to your head. Cut a 12-inch by 2-inch strip of scrap tulle fabric. You can use the leftover fabric from the corners you cut earlier. Wrap this strip of fabric tightly around the teeth of a long-tooth hair pin comb, covering the entire top of the comb. Use a needle and thread to sew a simple straight stitch through the fabric, securing it to the comb.

Next, it's time to attach the veil to the comb. Gather the top edge of the tulle and use your needle and thread to sew it to the fabric-covered comb. Go slowly and use evenly spaced stitches, scrunching each section of tulle before adding a stitch. Continue this process until the entire top edge of the veil is attached to the comb.

If you want to add any additional details, such as lace or trim, now is the time to sew them on. You can also add embellishments like ribbons, bows, sequins, or flower appliques to make your veil unique and expressive.

Finally, give your veil a final inspection and trim any stray threads. Your cathedral-length wedding veil is now ready to be worn!

Tips for Sewing the Veil

• Use a needle and thread instead of a sewing machine for more control and to avoid bunching.
• Take your time and use evenly spaced stitches when attaching the veil to the comb.
• Add a double thread for extra security and to prevent the thread from breaking.
• Go over the stitches twice to ensure they are totally secure.
• If you want to add a detailed edge, purchase enough lace or trim to go around three sides of your tulle.

Frequently asked questions