Creating A Wedding Veil Comb: A Step-By-Step Guide

A wedding veil comb is a popular choice for brides who want to securely attach their veil and achieve their desired style. This guide will introduce you to the different types of veil combs, the advantages of choosing a veil and comb over other attachments, and a step-by-step process for attaching a veil to a comb. Whether you prefer a minimalist, modern, or classic look, combining a veil with a comb offers flexibility, styling options, and a seamless finish.

Choosing the right veil and headpiece combination

Veil Length and Style:

The length and style of your veil will determine the type of headpiece that pairs best with it. Short veils, such as birdcage or blusher veils, pair well with smaller, delicate headpieces like simple combs or vintage-inspired clips. Medium-length veils are versatile and can be worn with various headpieces, from tiaras to floral crowns. Longer veils, such as chapel or cathedral veils, are often complemented by more substantial headpieces like crowns, which add a regal touch.

Aesthetic Consistency:

Aim for a cohesive look by ensuring your veil and headpiece share a similar aesthetic. If your veil features lace or beading, choose a headpiece with similar details. Conversely, if your veil is simple, a more ornate headpiece can add a touch of elegance.

Complement Your Dress:

It is important to consider the style of your wedding dress when choosing your veil and headpiece. If your dress has intricate details, opt for a simpler veil and headpiece to create a balanced look.

Veil Attachments:

There are several options for attaching your veil to your hair, including metal hair combs, clear hair combs, extra-long hair combs, unwrapped slim combs, barrettes, and alligator clips. Metal combs are popular due to their durability, versatility, and comfort. Clear combs blend seamlessly with your hair, but they may be more challenging to secure with additional bobby pins. Extra-long combs are ideal for brides seeking extra shoulder coverage or those with voluminous veils. Unwrapped slim combs are perfect for minimalist brides who want no volume or puffiness. Barrettes and alligator clips are a secure option for short-haired brides.

Hairstyle Considerations:

Your chosen hairstyle will also impact the type of comb attachment that works best. Updos and half-up styles provide more grip for the veil, making them easier to secure. Straight, all-down hairstyles can be more challenging, but adding a bit of wave or texture can help the veil stay in place.

Veil and headpiece placement

The placement of your veil and headpiece can dramatically affect your overall bridal look. Here are some tips for getting it just right:

Classic Placement

Position your veil and headpiece at the front/top of your head, similar to the look of a tiara. This look is regal and effortless.

Contemporary Placement

For a modern twist, place the headpiece with the veil underneath at the top of an updo or half-up hairstyle.

Low Placement

If you're wearing a low updo or chignon, position the headpiece and veil at the nape of your neck. This elegant placement is perfect for brides who prefer a subtle, understated look.

When choosing your bridal comb, consider its proportion relative to your veil comb. The body of your bridal headpiece should be wider (or longer) than the width of your veil comb. For example, if your veil comb is 3 inches long, your headpiece should be at least 4-5 inches long.

If you have a veil comb that's 4-4.5 inches or wider, style it with a longer and narrower comb. Delicate hairpins will look disproportionate and too busy in the hair.

If you prefer a sheer wedding veil, a drop veil will sit flat against your head, ensuring your bridal comb sits flush against it.

Proportions of the veil and headpiece

When choosing your bridal comb, it's important to consider its proportions relative to your veil comb. You will be positioning them next to each other, so the size needs to be right. The body of your bridal headpiece should be wider than the width of your veil comb. For example, if your veil comb is 3 inches long, your headpiece should be at least 4-5 inches long.

If you have a veil with an extra-wide comb (4-4.5 inches or wider), it's best to style it with a longer and narrower comb. Delicate hairpins will look disproportionate and too busy in the hair. If you have a veil comb that's attached to a thick plastic comb with a lot of tulle wrapping, it may appear heavy and chunky. In this case, a longer and narrower comb can help to balance out the proportions.

If you love a fuller veil with lots of volume, make sure your headpiece is wide enough to cover the veil comb. For example, the VERSE comb is a good option for a veil comb that's up to 4 inches wide. If you prefer a sheer wedding veil, a drop veil will sit flat against the head, ensuring your bridal comb sits flush against it.

Veil attachment methods

There are several methods for attaching a wedding veil to a comb. One common method is to sew the veil to the comb using a strong, thin thread such as Gutermann Tera 30 or 35, which is an off-white nylon thread that slips through tulle easily and minimises tears. Another option is to use regular white thread, doubling it to provide more strength. To further strengthen the thread, you can wax it with beeswax before sewing.

When sewing the veil to the comb, you can use a whipstitch technique, creating diagonal stitches between each tooth of the comb, and then going back the other way to create an "xxxxxx" line of stitching. It is also recommended to use a double line of gathering stitches on the veil to keep it evenly gathered and secure.

The placement of the comb on the veil is important. Veils are typically sewn onto the wrong side of the comb (the side that curves inwards) so that when the veil is flipped over the comb, the stitching and comb are hidden, creating a "floofy" effect.

For those who prefer not to sew, there are other attachment options available. One option is to use hairpins to secure the veil to the hair, particularly for drop veils and mantilla veils, as they can be securely attached without gathering. Decorative pins with pearls or rhinestones can be used, or non-decorative pins for a more discreet look.

Another option is to use a hair clip or an alligator clip, which is especially suitable for short-haired brides as they provide a firm grip on both sides of the hair.

When attaching a veil to a hair clip or tiara, there are a few options. The veil can be sewn directly to the hair accessory, or for more delicate pieces, a hook-and-eye closure or even velcro can be used. Alternatively, the veil can be attached to a slim metal comb, and the tiara or hairpiece can be positioned over it, using bobby pins to secure both pieces in place, creating the appearance that the veil is attached to the tiara.

Veil and headpiece maintenance

Veils and headpieces are delicate items that require careful maintenance to keep them in pristine condition. Here are some tips to ensure your veil and headpiece remain in good condition:

• Storage: After your wedding, you may want to store your veil and headpiece as a memento. Invest in a specialised storage box or bag to keep them safe from dust and damage. Silk and other natural fabrics are particularly susceptible to yellowing and discolouration, so ensure they are stored in a dark, dry place.
• Cleaning: Veils are often made from delicate fabrics such as silk tulle and fine netting, which require gentle handling. Avoid ironing as it can melt or scorch the fabric. Instead, use a handheld steamer or hang the veil in a humid environment to remove wrinkles. For more intricate veils with beading or lace, consider taking them to a professional cleaner who specialises in wedding gowns and accessories.
• Handling: When handling your veil and headpiece, always wear cotton gloves to prevent transferring oils and dirt from your hands onto the fabric. Be cautious when attaching the veil to your hair, as metal combs can snag and damage the delicate fabric.
• Transport: If you are travelling with your veil and headpiece, for example, to a destination wedding, take extra care to protect them. Roll the veil carefully and place it in a sturdy box or cylinder to avoid creases and tears. Keep the headpiece in a separate box or bag to avoid entanglement.
• Pre-Wedding Trial: It is essential to do a trial run with your veil and headpiece before your wedding day. This will help you familiarise yourself with the proper handling and attachment of the pieces. It also allows you to test their comfort and ensure they complement your hairstyle and gown.
• Attachment: There are various ways to attach a veil to your hair, including combs, clips, and hairpins. Choose the method that best suits your hairstyle and veil type. If you are attaching a comb, consider using a strong, thin thread such as Gutermann Tera 30 or 35, which is suitable for sewing tulle. Whipstitching the tulle to the comb provides a secure hold.
• Removal: After the ceremony, you may want to remove your veil for the reception. Ask your hairstylist to assist with the removal to avoid damaging your hairstyle or the veil. If they are unavailable, enlist the help of a trusted friend or family member.
• Aftercare: If you plan to pass down your veil and headpiece as heirlooms, proper aftercare is essential. Have them professionally cleaned and stored in archival-quality boxes to preserve their condition.

By following these maintenance tips, you can ensure your veil and headpiece remain in excellent condition, not only for your wedding day but also for future generations.

Frequently asked questions