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

A wedding veil wreath is a beautiful addition to any bridal shower door. It is also one of the easiest DIYs you can make for your big day. You can adapt a store-bought wreath or make one from scratch. All you need is a wreath, some tulle, and a few decorations. You can also use a small flower crown and emphasize the tulle train more. If you're feeling extra creative, you can even make your own veil from scratch using tulle or netting and some decorations. So, get your crafting gear ready and let's get started on making your wedding veil wreath!

Use a veil-making kit or make it from scratch

If you're making a wedding veil wreath, you can either use a veil-making kit or make it from scratch.

Veil-Making Kits

Veil-making kits are available at craft stores and can save you money compared to buying a veil in a bridal shop. These kits provide instructions and materials to create a basic veil, allowing you to add your own decorations and personal touches. While they may not offer as much savings as making it completely from scratch, they can be a good option if you're new to sewing or prefer a more guided approach.

Making It from Scratch

Making a wedding veil wreath from scratch gives you complete creative freedom but requires more time and effort. Here are some tips for creating one:

• Fabric and Supplies: Tulle/netting or lace fabric is commonly used for veils. Purchase twice the amount of fabric you need to allow for mistakes and a practice run. You'll also need a hair comb, headband, hat, tiara, or wire to create the wreath structure.
• Sewing and Gluing: Sewing the veil by hand or machine is recommended for a more durable result. Fabric glue can be used, but it may cause a stiffer edge. Avoid hot glue guns, especially for summer weddings, as the glue may melt in hot weather.
• Trimming: Trimming is optional but can include satin ribbon edging or seed pearls. If you choose to add seed pearls, gluing them on is easier than sewing, but be careful as they may not attach as securely.
• Headpiece Options: You can attach the veil to various headpieces such as hats, headbands, hair combs, or tiaras. Hats offer versatility as you can change the veil's style by placing the fabric over or under the hat. Headbands can be used as-is or converted into a wreath style by stitching or gluing the veil across the entire back. Wire can also be used to create a custom headpiece or tiara, which you can then decorate with beads or faux pearls.
• Height and Volume: To add height to your veil, consider using forms made from heavy cardboard or plastic, covered with fabric to match the headpiece. For a fuller look, gather the fabric with a gathering stitch before attaching it to the headpiece.
• Practice and Testing: Consider making a practice veil with less fabric to refine your technique. When working with tulle/netting or lace, always test a small piece first to ensure it can withstand washing and ironing without disintegrating or melting.

Whether you opt for a veil-making kit or start from scratch, you can create a beautiful and unique wedding veil wreath that suits your style and budget.

Avoid hot glue guns

When making a wedding veil wreath, it's important to avoid using hot glue guns, especially if your wedding is in the summer. Here's why, and what you can use instead:

Drawbacks of Hot Glue Guns

Hot glue guns can cause a mess, especially in the summer heat. The glue used in hot glue guns doesn't mix well with hot summer temperatures, and you may end up with melted glue on your project. Additionally, hot glue guns can be cumbersome to work with, as the glue can burn your skin if you're not careful. The high temperature of the glue also means that it can damage certain fabrics, like tulle, which is commonly used in wedding veil wreaths.

Alternatives to Hot Glue Guns

Instead of using a hot glue gun, opt for fabric glue or sewing. Fabric glue is a good alternative, although it can cause the edges of your fabric to become stiffer. Sewing, either by hand or machine, is the best option, especially if you're adding a trim to your veil. If you're working with lace or tulle, be cautious as these fabrics can snag and tear easily.

Tips for Using Fabric Glue

If you decide to use fabric glue, be mindful of the following:

• Always use a small amount of glue to avoid bumpiness and seepage.
• Allow the glue to dry completely before handling or ironing your fabric.
• For added precision, use a straight pin or toothpick to apply the glue to the fabric.

Tips for Sewing

If you're comfortable with sewing, here are some tips:

• Use a rotary cutter for a straighter edge when cutting tulle or lace.
• If you're adding a ribbon edge, carefully pin the ribbon onto the edges, ensuring half of it is on the back and half on the front.
• Iron the ribbon edges with the pins still in place to create a sharp edge.
• Stitch or glue the ribbon in place, adding a stitch every so often if gluing to ensure it stays secure.
• If you're stitching by machine, be careful that the needle doesn't catch the fabric and cause snags or tears.

By avoiding hot glue guns and opting for fabric glue or sewing, you'll create a more durable wedding veil wreath that will withstand the summer heat.

Use fabric glue or sew the veil

When it comes to making a wedding veil wreath, you can either sew the veil or use fabric glue. Here's a detailed guide on both methods:

Sewing the Veil

Sewing the veil is the best option, especially if you plan to add a trim. It gives you more control over the veil's attachment and ensures a secure hold. Here's how to do it:

• Prepare the Veil Fabric: Cut the veil fabric to the desired length, rounding the corners if you want a less "full" effect. If you're using tulle or netting, be careful as these fabrics can snag and tear easily.
• Create the Gathering Stitch: Fold the fabric in half, then sew a gathering stitch about 4 inches from the fold. This will create a fluffy veil. Pull the thread to gather the fabric and tie it off.
• Attach the Comb or Headband: You can use a hair comb, headband, hat, or tiara as your veil's base. Sew or glue the gathered fabric onto your chosen base. If using a comb, hide it under your hair by placing it under a bun or curls.
• Add Trims (Optional): If you want to add a trim like a satin ribbon or seed pearls, do it before gathering the fabric. Carefully pin the ribbon along the edges, ensuring half is on the front and half is on the back. Iron the ribbon edges to create a sharp finish. Then, either stitch or glue the ribbon in place. Sewing is recommended for a stronger hold, but gluing can work if you're careful and use a toothpick to apply a thin layer of glue.
• Decorate: Once the veil is attached and trimmed, it's time to decorate! You can use bridal appliqués, silk flowers, pearl sprays, beads, lace, or additional tulle to embellish your veil. Place the decorations with straight pins first to ensure you're happy with the design, then sew or glue them in place.

Using Fabric Glue

If you don't want to sew, fabric glue can be used to attach the veil and add decorations. However, fabric glue may cause a stiffer edge and is not ideal for a summer wedding as it can melt in high temperatures. Here's how to use it:

• Prepare the Fabric: Cut and prepare the veil fabric as mentioned above.
• Gather the Fabric: Instead of sewing a gathering stitch, you can use fabric glue to gather the fabric. Apply a thin line of glue along the edge of the fabric, about 4 inches from the fold, and gather it to create the veil shape.
• Attach the Base: Use fabric glue to attach the veil to your chosen base (comb, headband, hat, or tiara). Be careful not to use too much glue, as it may seep through the fabric.
• Add Trims (Optional): If you want to add a trim, use fabric glue to attach it to the veil. Gluing trims can be tricky, and you may lose some elements like pearls if they are not securely glued. Use a toothpick to apply a small amount of glue to each pearl and attach it to the veil.
• Decorate: Fabric glue can also be used to decorate your veil. Place your chosen decorations with straight pins first, then carefully glue them in place, ensuring not to use too much glue.

Remember, if you're using fabric glue, always allow sufficient drying time and be cautious of high temperatures that could melt the glue. Sewing is generally a more reliable method, but with careful application, fabric glue can also create a beautiful wedding veil wreath.

Steam or iron the veil on a low setting

Wedding veils are usually made from delicate materials like tulle, lace, or silk, so it's important to be cautious when steaming or ironing to avoid damage. Here are some detailed instructions on how to steam or iron your veil on a low setting:

Steaming Your Veil

Steaming is often the preferred method for preparing a veil as it is gentle on delicate fabrics, effective at removing wrinkles, and can enhance volume. Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Hang your veil from a sturdy hook or a shower curtain rod.
• Fill a garment steamer with distilled water and allow it to heat up.
• Hold the steamer at a safe distance from the veil (about 30cm away) and gently pass the steam over the fabric, allowing wrinkles to release.
• Be cautious not to saturate the veil; a light touch is sufficient.
• Once steamed, leave the veil hanging until it is completely dry. If your veil has beads, avoid vigorously shaking it while it's still warm as the glue may have softened.

Ironing Your Veil

Ironing can be riskier as it may cause fabric burns or leave imprints. It is recommended to only iron a Russian tulle birdcage veil. If you choose to iron your veil, follow these tips:

• Set your iron to the lowest heat setting with no steam.
• Use a pressing cloth or a clean, white cotton cloth to protect the veil from direct contact with the iron.
• Apply gentle, even pressure to avoid flattening delicate materials.
• Iron the backside of the veil to minimise the risk of imprints on the front.

Additional Tips:

• If you're uncertain, consider seeking professional help from a bridal boutique or a dry cleaner experienced with delicate fabrics.
• If you have time, you can simply hang your veil for a few days to allow creases to fall away on their own.
• When travelling with your veil, store it with your dress to keep them both safe.

Decorate the veil with appliqués, silk flowers, pearl sprays, or beads

Now that you have your veil base, it's time to decorate it! You can use appliqué, silk flowers, pearl sprays, beads, or any combination of these to make your veil unique.

Appliqué

Appliqué is a general term for a shape or design that is applied to fabric. You can buy pre-made appliqué shapes at a craft store, or you can make your own by cutting shapes out of fabric. If you want to make your own, you can use the same tulle you used for your veil, or you can use a different fabric, such as lace.

To attach appliqué to your veil, you can sew it on by hand or with a machine, or you can use fabric glue. If you are using a sewing machine, be sure to use nylon thread, also known as micro-filament, so that the stitches are nearly invisible.

Silk Flowers

Silk flowers are a beautiful way to decorate your veil, and they can be glued on, so no sewing is required! If you are using heavier flowers, be sure to use them at the top of the veil only, so that they don't weigh down the veil and tug at your head.

Pearl Sprays and Beads

You can sew or glue on pearls and beads to add some sparkle to your veil. If you are sewing them on, use a clear thread so that the stitches are nearly invisible.

Frequently asked questions