The Ultimate Diy Wedding Veil Tutorial

Making your own wedding veil is a great way to save money and add a personal touch to your big day. Here's a step-by-step guide to creating a beautiful veil for your wedding.

Step 1: Measure and Cut the Tulle

First, decide how long you want your veil to be. Common veil lengths include shoulder, elbow, fingertip, floor, chapel, and cathedral. Then, measure the distance from where you want to attach the veil to the desired length. Cut your tulle to this length, rounding the corners if desired.

Step 2: Sew the Top Edge

Next, sew two rows of stitches across the top edge of the veil. If you're using a sewing machine, use the longest stitch length. Leave long tails of thread at the beginning and end of your stitching.

Step 3: Gather the Tulle

Pull on the bobbin threads to gather the tulle until it's the same width as your hair comb. Knot the threads to secure the gathers.

Step 4: Attach the Comb

Place the comb on top of the gathered edge of the veil and sew it in place by stitching around the teeth of the comb. You can also wrap the comb with ribbon before attaching it.

Step 5: Add Embellishments (Optional)

Finish your veil by adding any desired embellishments, such as lace, ribbon, pearls, beads, or rhinestones. You can sew or glue these on, depending on the type of embellishment.

Variations

If you want a two-tiered veil or a blusher veil, you'll need to make some adjustments to this process. For a two-tiered veil, simply repeat the steps above to create a second tier of the desired length. For a blusher veil, cut the tulle in a circle rather than a rectangle and gather the centre of the circle.

Choose the right length for your veil

Choosing the right length for your veil is an important part of your bridal look. The right veil can elevate your ensemble, adding a layer of romance, tradition, and modern flair to your wedding day. Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect veil length:

• Consider your dress style: The veil should complement and accentuate your wedding dress without overpowering its details. Look for key focal points on your dress as a guide for the veil. The veil will often look best cut just above or below any horizontal lines. If your veil falls at a focal point, such as the waistline, it will create a proportional and effortless look.
• Understand veil lengths: Different veil styles offer various lengths, from the short and vintage-style bird cage veil to the dramatic cathedral-length veil. Here are some common veil lengths:
• Birdcage veil (22.5 cm or 9 inches): This short veil covers part of the face, perfect for retro, minimalist, or modern brides.
• Shoulder-length veil (50 cm or 20 inches): A casual, modern choice that ends around the shoulders, ideal for informal or outdoor weddings.
• Elbow-length veil (63-68 cm or 25-27 inches): A flattering and versatile length that complements most dress styles.
• Fingertip veil (91-101 cm or 36-40 inches): A timeless and versatile option, grazing your fingertips, and adding elegance without overwhelming the dress.
• Chapel-length veil (230 cm or 90 inches): This veil extends to the floor, adding a touch of formality and grace, usually paired with gowns without a train or a short train.
• Cathedral-length veil (275-305 cm or 108-120 inches): The most dramatic option, trailing behind you, perfect for a grand, traditional wedding.
• Match your veil to your dress length: Generally, your veil should be longer than your dress's train to create a seamless look and ensure your train doesn't blend with the veil. For very long veils, consider the width of the fabric, as too much width might overtake the aisle.
• Consider your hairstyle: Your hairstyle will affect how the veil sits and is secured. Updos work well with most veil lengths, while loose waves might require additional pins to keep the veil in place. The half-up, half-down hairstyle is versatile and pairs beautifully with most veil styles.
• Practical considerations: Think about the venue and weather. For outdoor weddings, the wind might be an issue, so shorter veils or those that can be easily removed might be more practical. Ensure your veil is lightweight and comfortable, as you'll be wearing it for several hours.

Buy tulle and other supplies

To make a wedding veil, you'll need to buy tulle and other supplies. Here's a list of what you'll need:

• Tulle: This is the main fabric for your veil and is available in any fabric store. You can find tulle in 72" and 108" widths. For a fuller veil, use the 108" wide tulle. The length of the fabric will depend on your desired veil length. Measure from the top of your head to where you want the veil to end and double that length. For example, a typical fingertip-length veil will be between three and four feet long, so you'll need 6 to 8 feet (2 to 2.5 yards) of tulle.
• Needle and thread: You'll need these for stitching the tulle and attaching any additional decorations.
• Comb or barrette: You'll need something to attach the veil to your hair. You can use a simple French comb, a barrette, or any headpiece you prefer.
• Trim (optional): You can add a thin satin ribbon along the edges of the veil for a decorative touch. You can also sew or glue tiny sparkling beads or gemstones onto the veil.

When buying your tulle, consider the width and length you need for your desired veil style. You may also want to look for soft tulle, as some types of tulle can be scratchy. If you want a very long and full veil, you might need to special order the tulle online or from a specialty fabric store, as most local craft stores may not carry the wider and softer tulle.

Cut the tulle

Cutting the tulle is the first step in making a wedding veil. The length of the veil will depend on the style of veil you want. For example, a blusher veil is shoulder-length, an elbow-length veil reaches the bride's elbow, a fingertip veil brushes the bride's fingertips, and a cathedral veil has a long train.

The amount of tulle you need will depend on the style of veil you want. For a single-tier veil, you will need enough tulle to reach the desired length. For a two-tier veil, you will need to add the length of the blusher to the length of the longer veil.

Once you have measured and cut the tulle, you can round off the corners to create a circular veil. You can eyeball the curve or use a large serving platter as a guide.

If you are making a two-tier veil, you will need to fold the tulle in half lengthwise and widthwise. This will create four layers of tulle. Round off the corners of the tulle, then unfold it and fold the top edge of the veil down so that it lays on top of the bottom layer. Adjust the length of the top layer so that it matches the length of the blusher.

Now you are ready to stitch the veil. Set your sewing machine to the largest stitch length and sew a straight line of stitches across the top of the veil, approximately one inch from the top edge. Sew a second row of stitches about 1.5 inches down from the first row. Leave a long bobbin thread.

Gather the fabric by pulling on the bobbin threads. Push the fabric together gently until it reaches the length of your comb. Knot the threads and trim the excess fabric and thread.

Finally, attach the comb to the veil by stitching it to the gathered edge.

Add embellishments

Adding embellishments to your wedding veil is a great way to make it unique and special. Here are some detailed instructions on how to add embellishments, focusing on the use of lace, beads, pearls, and other decorations:

Plan the Design and Gather Materials:

Before starting, decide on the placement and amount of embellishments you want. Gather your materials, including the veil fabric, lace, beads, pearls, needles, thread, and any other decorations you plan to use.

Pin and Hang the Veil:

Pin the veil so that it hangs as it will on the bride. This can be done on a dress form or even a live model. If the bride is not present, be sure to take photos to ensure the embellishments match their vision.

Add Lace:

Determine the placement of the lace by pinning it to the veil. Then, using matching thread, sew the lace to the veil by hand, as most lace is delicate. A running backstitch is recommended to attach the lace securely without putting too much stress on the seams.

Attach Beads and Pearls:

Add beads or pearls individually to the veil for a randomised distribution that won't weigh it down. Thread your needle without knotting the end, then come up through the veil, into the bead, and back down nearby. Tie a square knot on the back of the fabric and cut the thread, leaving about 1 cm on either side of the knot. Repeat this process until you have added enough beads or pearls.

Embellish the Comb:

If desired, you can also add embellishments to the comb that will attach the veil to the hair. Use invisible thread and stitch beads or pearls onto the comb, ensuring they are secure.

Glue Additional Embellishments:

For some embellishments, such as rhinestones, crystals, or other decorations, you can use fabric glue or a hot glue gun to attach them to the veil. This is a quicker alternative to sewing each piece individually.

Finalise the Design:

Once all the embellishments are added, step back and assess the overall design. Make any adjustments as needed, ensuring the veil hangs properly and the embellishments are secure.

Remember, you can add as much or as little embellishment as desired. Embellishing a wedding veil is a creative process, so feel free to experiment and personalise it to the bride's taste!

Attach the veil to a hair comb

Attaching a wedding veil to a hair comb is a simple process, but it does require some careful preparation. Here is a step-by-step guide to attaching a veil to a hair comb:

Step 1: Prepare the hair comb

Firstly, you will need to wrap the comb in a thin layer of fabric. This will provide a base for you to attach the veil and ensure that it is secure. You can use any type of thin fabric for this, such as tulle or ribbon. Cut a strip of fabric that is about 1 inch wide and long enough to wrap around the comb with some overlap. Starting at one end of the comb, hold the end of the fabric strip in place and then begin to wrap it around the comb, covering the teeth of the comb completely. Secure the end of the fabric with a pin and, if needed, stitch it in place by hand.

Step 2: Prepare the veil

Before attaching the veil to the comb, you will need to cut it to the desired length, allowing for a little extra fabric to attach to the comb. If your veil has multiple layers, you will need to cut each layer to the correct length. It is also a good idea to hem the edges of the veil to prevent fraying, unless you are using a fabric such as tulle that does not fray. You can use a rolled hem or a trimmed hem for this.

Step 3: Pin the veil to the comb

Now it is time to attach the veil to the comb. Place the comb at the top of the veil, with any blusher layers folded over the rest of the veil. You can then use pins to secure the veil to the comb, starting with the centre and then working outwards. Pull the fabric taut so that it is smooth and secure, but be careful not to pull it too tightly.

Step 4: Stitch the veil in place

Once you are happy with the placement of the veil, you can begin stitching it in place. Use small, neat stitches and make sure that you catch every layer of the veil in your stitching. Stitch along the full width of the comb, removing the pins as you go.

Step 5: Add a decorative touch (optional)

If you wish, you can cover the gathered edge of the veil with a length of ribbon. Cut a piece of ribbon that is the same width as the comb, plus a little extra, and pin it in place along the comb, covering the stitches and any raw edges. Stitch the ribbon in place along the top and bottom edges, and you're done!

Tips and Tricks:

• Practice makes perfect: If you are unsure, it can be helpful to practice with cheaper fabric first, or to make a prototype veil before creating the final version.
• Ask for help: An extra pair of hands can be very useful when attaching a veil to a comb, especially when it comes to holding the fabric in place while you pin and stitch.
• Choose the right comb: Different types of combs are available, including metal and plastic, in a variety of colours. Consider the thickness of your hair and whether you want the comb to be visible when choosing the right one for your veil.
• Plan ahead: If you are planning to wear a headpiece or tiara with your veil, you may need to attach it separately so that you can remove the veil without disturbing the headpiece.
• Get creative: There are many ways to customise your veil, such as adding lace, beading, or other decorative elements.

Frequently asked questions