Creating A Wide Horsehair Braid Wedding Veil

Horsehair braid is a stiff, bias-woven mesh that provides structure and body to wedding dresses and veils. It is available in various colours and widths, and can be purchased by the yard or in pre-cut lengths. When creating a wedding veil with a wide horsehair braid, it is important to note that the braid should not be cut widthwise as it may disintegrate and unravel. Additionally, the braid should be kept flat during application to avoid ripples and wrinkles. The cut end of the braid can be prickly, so it is recommended to encase it in fabric or bias tape before use. While horsehair braid can be placed on the inside or outside of a garment, it is important to consider the type of fabric used, as the braid may be visible through sheer fabrics like tulle.

Choosing the right veil length and weight for your hairstyle

When choosing the right veil length and weight for your hairstyle, there are a few key factors to consider. Firstly, decide whether you want a short or long veil. Short veils, such as birdcage or blusher veils, are ideal for short hairstyles like pixie cuts as they require minimal securing. For medium to long hair, longer and heavier veils like chapel or cathedral veils are more suitable as they can be supported by fuller hairstyles.

If you plan to wear an updo, you can choose to place the veil on top of it for a traditional look or underneath for a modern, cascading effect. Secure the veil with a comb and reinforce it with additional hairpins in a crisscross pattern. For loose waves, backcombing or a hidden braid can provide a firmer base for the veil comb.

The weight of the veil is also important. Lightweight veils are best for short hair or pixie cuts as they require less support. Longer and heavier veils are more suitable for medium to long hair as they can be more easily incorporated into the hairstyle without looking overwhelming.

When choosing a veil length, consider the style of your dress. For example, a fingertip-length veil is ideal for a mermaid/fishtail gown as it ends at the fingertips, just before the skirt flares out. If you have a dress with a long train, opt for a chapel or cathedral-length veil to create a seamless portrait and ensure your train doesn't blend with the veil.

Additionally, the width of the veil also plays a role in its overall appearance. A long and wide veil creates a more dramatic look than a slim and narrow one as it fully surrounds the train and spreads out on the floor.

Using combs, hairpins, headbands, or clips to secure the veil

When it comes to securing your wedding veil, there are several options to choose from, including combs, hairpins, headbands, and clips. Here is a detailed guide on how to use each of these methods to secure your veil:

Combs:

Combs are the most common attachment method for bridal veils as they are versatile and can be easily secured to any hairstyle. The most popular style is the 3-inch metal hair comb, which is slim, sturdy, and grips the hair well without being bulky. Metal combs are lightweight, durable, and versatile, and they come in various colours to match your jewellery or blend discreetly into your hair. If you prefer a more minimalist look, you can opt for an unwrapped slim metal comb that matches your hair colour. For extra puffiness and volume, choose a longer comb (4-5 inches) to help spread out the veil around your shoulders.

Hairpins:

Hairpins are ideal for shorter veils or those with intricate details as they can be strategically placed without overwhelming your hairstyle. You can use decorative pins or simple ones that match your hair colour for a seamless look. For extra security, crisscross the hairpins over the comb's teeth to keep the veil from shifting.

Headbands:

Headbands are perfect for brides with short hair who want a secure grip. They can also be used to incorporate additional embellishments into your look.

Clips:

Alligator clips are an excellent choice for short-haired brides as their curved structure allows for a firm grip on both sides of the hair. Clips are also a good option for brides who plan to put the veil in themselves. You can also sew the veil to a special vintage barrette or decorative hairpiece.

Tips for Securing Your Veil:

• For a seamless finish, secure the veil first and then place the headpiece on top of the veil's comb.
• If you have an all-down hairstyle, your hairstylist may create a hidden foundation under the hair to support the veil.
• Use multiple hairpins to secure the veil and headpiece to prevent them from shifting.
• Consider the weight and balance of your headpiece and veil. If they are heavy or voluminous, reinforce them with extra pins.
• Try on your veil and headpiece together during your hair trial to ensure they work well together.
• Choose headpieces with split combs or no combs to make it easier to position and secure the veil.
• If you have straight hair, consider adding some waves to provide more grip for the veil.
• Use hairspray to provide extra grip and ensure the veil stays secure.

Sewing the veil to a hair comb

Step 1: Choose the Right Veil and Comb

The first step is to select a veil that complements your hairstyle and dress. Consider the length, weight, and style of the veil. For short hair, lightweight veils like birdcage or blusher veils are ideal. Medium to long hair can support longer and heavier veils such as chapel or cathedral veils.

For the comb, choose a sturdy metal one that is curved to match the shape of your head. This will provide a better grip and hold than a plastic comb. Ensure the comb is wide enough to provide a secure attachment for the veil.

Step 2: Prepare the Veil Fabric

Drape the veil fabric, usually tulle, in the desired way. You may want to cut and shape the tulle to achieve the desired look. Be careful when cutting, as tulle can be delicate and prone to fraying. Consider the length of the veil and how it will fall when attached to the comb.

Step 3: Sew the Veil to the Comb

Gather the fabric at the top of the veil and hand-stitch it to the comb. Sew securely, ensuring that the stitches are tight and close together. This will ensure that the veil remains attached to the comb during wear.

Step 4: Add Embellishments (Optional)

You may wish to add embellishments such as lace, crystals, or other decorations to the veil. Sew or attach these embellishments carefully, ensuring they do not overwhelm the veil.

Step 5: Secure the Veil in Your Hair

When it comes time to wear the veil, insert the comb into your hairstyle, ensuring the teeth of the comb are pointing downward. This will provide a firm grip. For extra security, you can also grip the teeth of the comb into your hair.

By following these steps, you can create a secure and beautiful veil attachment that will complement your wedding look.

Using lace, crystals, or other embellishments to decorate the veil

When it comes to decorating your wedding veil with lace, crystals, or other embellishments, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, consider the overall style of your wedding and choose a veil that complements your wedding dress. If you're having a grand ceremony in a large venue, a cathedral-length veil with scattered crystals can create a dramatic, fairytale effect. For a more intimate or modern setting, a fingertip-length veil with crystal edges can add a touch of sparkle without overwhelming your look.

If your wedding dress has intricate beading or embellishments, opt for a veil with subtle crystal accents to avoid clashing. On the other hand, if you're wearing a simpler gown, a more heavily embellished crystal veil can add a wow factor. Delicate lace wedding dresses often pair well with crystal or pearl veils. However, matching the lace pattern, colour, texture, and type can be challenging. In this case, consider a modern crystal veil, as the delicate crystal elements will contrast beautifully with the lacework.

When adding lace to your veil, you will need lace of your choice and hand sewing needles. Pin the veil to hang as it would on a person, and then pin the lace where you want it. Take a photo and send it to the bride for approval before sewing. Use matching thread and sew the lace to the veil by hand, as most lace is delicate. A running backstitch is a good option for attaching the lace, as the seams won't be under much stress.

To add beads or crystals to your veil, use invisible thread and a beading needle. Add the beads one at a time, threading the needle and coming up through the veil into the bead, then going back down a few threads over. 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. You can also add beads to the top of the comb if desired, using invisible thread to keep them in a straight line.

Cutting the horsehair braid to the correct width

Horsehair braid is a stiff, bias-woven mesh used to provide structure and body to special occasion and wedding dresses, as well as costumes. It is available in multiple colours and widths, ranging from 1/2" to 6". When cutting the horsehair braid to the correct width, it is important to remember that it should not be cut widthwise as it tends to disintegrate and unravel with minimal handling. Therefore, it is recommended to choose the finished width you need and only cut along the length of the braid. The cut end of the horsehair braid will be prickly as all the fibre ends are exposed, so it is important to encase the cut end in fabric or bias tape before use to prevent discomfort when wearing the garment.

Frequently asked questions