Deborah Chan
Making your own wedding veil is a great way to save money and add a personal touch to your special day. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make a wedding veil with a headband:
Step 1: Measure and Cut the Tulle
Determine the desired length of your veil. Typical veil lengths include shoulder, elbow, fingertip, floor, chapel, and cathedral. Measure from the top of your head to the desired length, then double that measurement to get the required length of tulle.
Purchase tulle fabric in the desired width and colour. For a shorter veil, choose tulle that is around 55 inches (139.7 cm) wide, while for a longer veil, opt for 108-inch (274.32 cm) wide tulle.
Lay the tulle flat and fold it in half lengthwise. Cut the bottom corners of the tulle to create a rounded edge for a nicer shape. You can also leave the corners square if you prefer a rectangular veil.
Step 2: Add Trim (Optional)
Consider adding trim to the bottom edge of the veil for a decorative touch. You can sew on a beaded trim or narrow satin ribbon by hand or using a sewing machine. Sew the trim about 1-2 inches (2.54-5.08 cm) away from the edge, then trim off the excess tulle.
Step 3: Gather and Sew the Tulle
Decide whether you want a full or less full veil. For a full veil, sew across the entire top edge of the tulle. For a less full veil, sew only across the centre portion, leaving gaps on either side.
Gather the tulle by stitching along the top edge and gently pulling the thread to create gathers. Continue gathering until the tulle is the same width as your chosen hair comb, typically 2-4 inches (5.08-10.16 cm) wide. Secure the thread with a knot and trim the excess.
Step 4: Attach the Veil to the Headband
Align the gathered top edge of the veil with the top of the headband. Sew the veil securely to the headband, wrapping the thread around the headband and through the teeth if it has any.
Step 5: Embellish the Headband (Optional)
Decorate the headband with embellishments such as pearls, silk flowers, beads, or rhinestones that complement your wedding dress. Sew or glue the embellishments onto the headband.
And that's it! You now have a beautiful, handmade wedding veil with a headband. Enjoy your special day and congratulations!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Veil length | Fingertip, shoulder, elbow, floor, chapel, cathedral |
| Veil width | 72", 108" |
| Veil type | Classic, tiered, birdcage |
| Veil material | Tulle, bridal illusion, organza |
| Veil trim | Beaded, satin ribbon, lace |
| Veil attachment | Comb, headband, barrette, tiara, hair vine |
What You'll Learn
Choosing the right veil and headband combination
Veil Length and StyleThe length and style of your veil will influence the type of headband that will pair best with it. Here are some general guidelines:
- Short veils (birdcage, blusher veils): These styles pair well with smaller, more delicate headbands such as simple combs or vintage-inspired clips.
- Medium-length veils (elbow, fingertip): These lengths are versatile and can be paired with a variety of headbands, from intricate tiaras to floral crowns or statement combs.
- Long veils (chapel, cathedral): Longer veils often work best with more substantial headbands, like crowns or headpieces, which will anchor the veil and add a regal touch.
Matching the AestheticIt is important to create a cohesive look by matching the aesthetic of your veil and headband. If your veil is adorned with lace or beading, consider a headband that features similar details. Conversely, if your veil is simple and understated, a more ornate headband can add a touch of flair and accentuate the details on the back of your wedding dress.
Coordinating with Your DressEnsure that both the veil and headband complement your wedding dress. For example, if your dress has a lot of intricate detailing, you might opt for a simpler veil and headband to avoid overwhelming your look.
Proportion and PlacementWhen choosing your bridal headband, consider its proportion relative to your veil. The body of your headband should be wider than the width of your veil's comb. Additionally, if you have a veil with an extra-wide comb, pair it with a longer and narrower headband.
Veil and Headband ConstructionWhen styling your veil and headband, take into account how they are constructed. If both your veil and headband have central combs, it may be more challenging to layer them. Look for headbands designed with a split comb system or without a comb at all, as these will be easier to position and secure in place.
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Veil and headband placement
The placement of your veil and headband can dramatically affect your overall bridal look. Here are some tips for getting it just right:
Classic Placement
Traditionally, the veil and headband are positioned at the front/top of your head, similar to the look of a tiara. This look feels regal and effortless.
Contemporary Placement
For a more modern look, consider placing the headband with the veil underneath at the top of an updo or half-up hairstyle.
Low Placement
If you’re wearing your hair in a low updo or chignon, you can position the headband and veil at the nape of your neck. This placement is elegant and works well for brides who prefer a subtle, understated look.
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Veil and headband proportions
- The length and style of your veil will influence the type of headband that pairs best with it. For example, short veils such as birdcage or blusher veils pair well with smaller, more delicate headbands, while medium-length veils (elbow or fingertip) can be worn with a variety of headbands, from intricate tiaras to floral crowns or statement combs. Longer veils often work best with more substantial headbands, like crowns, to anchor the veil and add a regal touch.
- To create a cohesive look, match the aesthetic of your veil and headband. If your veil is adorned with lace or beading, consider a headband with similar details. Conversely, if your veil is simple and understated, a more ornate headband can add a touch of flair and accentuate the details on the back of your wedding dress.
- Ensure that both the veil and headband complement your wedding dress. For example, if your dress has a lot of intricate detailing, you might opt for a simpler veil and headband to avoid overwhelming your look.
- When choosing your bridal headband, consider its proportion relative to your veil comb. You will be positioning them next to each other, so size is important. The body of your bridal headband should be wider or longer than the width of your veil comb. For example, if your veil's comb is 3 inches long, your headband should be at least 4-5 inches long.
- If you have an extra-wide veil comb (4-4.5 inches or wider), style it with a longer and narrower headband. Delicate hairpins may appear disproportionate and too busy in the hair.
- Consider the thickness of the veil comb itself, especially if it is attached to a thick plastic comb with a lot of tulle wrapping. These veils can appear heavy and chunky in the hair, so it is best to avoid plastic combs and opt for fine metal hair combs instead as they are stronger, sturdier, flexible, and lightweight.
- If you prefer a fuller veil with lots of volume, ensure your headband is wide enough to cover the veil comb. A smaller headband can be paired with a fuller veil, but make sure it is wide enough to cover the veil comb, usually around 5-5.5 inches wide.
- If you prefer a sheer wedding veil, a drop veil will sit flat against your head, ensuring your bridal headband sits flush against it.
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Veil and headband attachment
The veil is attached to a hair comb, which is then attached to the headband. The veil can be sewn or glued to the comb, and the comb can be sewn or glued to the headband.
Sewing the veil to the comb
To sew the veil to the comb, you will need a needle and thread. Match the top edge of the veil with the top edge of the comb. Sew the veil to the comb, wrapping the thread around the comb and between the teeth. Tie the thread off in a tight knot, then snip off the excess.
Gluing the veil to the comb
To glue the veil to the comb, you will need a glue gun. Apply a thin layer of glue to the top edge of the comb and press the top edge of the veil onto it. Hold in place until the glue dries.
Sewing the comb to the headband
To sew the comb to the headband, you will need a needle and thread. Sew through the headband and around the comb, making sure to catch the teeth of the comb in your stitches. Tie the thread off in a tight knot, then snip off the excess.
Gluing the comb to the headband
To glue the comb to the headband, you will need a glue gun. Apply a thin layer of glue to the back of the comb and press it onto the centre of the headband. Hold in place until the glue dries.
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Veil and headband decoration
Veil Length and Style
The length and style of your veil will influence the type of headband that pairs best with it. For example, short veils such as birdcage or blusher veils pair well with smaller, more delicate headbands such as simple combs or vintage-inspired clips. Medium-length veils are versatile and can be paired with various headbands, from intricate tiaras to floral crowns or statement combs. Longer veils often work best with more substantial headbands like crowns, which will anchor the veil and add a regal touch.
Matching the Aesthetic
Your veil and headband should share a similar aesthetic to create a cohesive look. If your veil is adorned with lace or beading, consider a headband that features similar details. Conversely, if your veil is simple and understated, a more ornate headband can add flair and accentuate the details on the back of your wedding dress.
Coordinating with Your Dress
Ensure that both the veil and headband complement your wedding dress. For example, if your dress has a lot of intricate detailing, you might opt for a simpler veil and headband to avoid overwhelming your look.
Veil and Headband Placement
The way you position the veil and headband can dramatically affect your overall bridal look. For a classic placement, position the veil and headband at the front/top of your head, similar to the look of a tiara. For a more modern look, consider placing the headband with the veil underneath at the top of an updo or half-up hairstyle. If you're wearing your hair down, you can position the headband and veil at the nape of your neck for a subtle, understated look.
Proportion and Width
When choosing your bridal headband, consider its proportion relative to your veil. The body of your headband should be wider than the width of your veil's comb. For example, if your veil's comb is 3 inches long, your headband should be at least 4-5 inches long. If you have an extra-wide veil comb, use a longer and narrower headband. Delicate hairpins will appear disproportionate and too busy in your hair.
Veil Comb Thickness
Consider the thickness of your veil comb. Plastic combs can appear heavy and chunky in the hair, so fine metal hair combs are often stronger, sturdier, and more lightweight.
Veil Volume
If you prefer a fuller veil with lots of volume, ensure your headband is wide enough to cover the veil comb. A smaller comb paired with a fuller veil can also help balance the proportions.
Veil and Headband Attachment
There are various ways to attach your veil and headband. You can sew a comb to your veil and fasten it close to the headband in your hair. Alternatively, use bridal loops on your veil's gathers to secure it to the headband. For simple removal, you can also use Velcro by affixing the hook side to the veil and the loop side to your headband.
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Frequently asked questions
The length and style of your veil will determine the type of headpiece that pairs best with it. For example, short veils like birdcage or blusher veils pair well with smaller, more delicate headpieces such as simple combs or vintage-inspired clips. Medium-length veils are versatile and can be paired with a variety of headpieces, from intricate tiaras to floral crowns or statement combs. Longer veils often work best with more substantial headpieces like crowns or headpieces, which will anchor the veil and add a regal touch.
You can use a simple French comb, a barrette, or any headpiece you already have picked out. Just take the gathered portion of tulle at the top center and sew it securely to your clip. If you are planning to wear a fancy tiara and want to be able to remove the veil for the reception but still keep the tiara on, just sew the veil to a simple French comb and you can wear both pieces at once, then easily take just the veil off later.
You need to buy twice as much tulle as what you measured. This will give you enough fabric to create a second tier. Look for something that is between 72 and 108 inches wide. The wider the tulle, the fuller your veil will be. Fold the tulle into fourths. When you purchase your tulle, it will come folded in half lengthwise. Spread the tulle down on the table or floor, with the original folded edge facing you. Grab the right narrow edge, and bring it towards the left narrow edge. Smooth the fabric down and make sure that everything is even. If the tulle is too long, you can cut it down at this point.
Cut the netting down to size. For a standard veil, cut the netting down to 9 inches high and 16 to 18 inches wide. If you want the veil to completely wrap around your head, measure the circumference of your head, add a couple of inches, and use that measurement for the width instead. You can always cut your veil longer than 9 inches, especially if you want it to go past your chin. Try to cut straight across the connecting "dots" between the diamonds. This will give you a cleaner, neater finish.
