
Wedding veils and headpieces can be expensive, so why not make your own? It's a fun and cost-effective way to add a personal touch to your wedding.
There are many different styles of veils and headpieces to choose from, including the classic drop veil, the mantilla veil, and the birdcage veil. You can also get creative and restyle your mom's veil or headpiece or even make a veil for a child's first communion.
When making your own veil, you will need some tulle (also known as netting), a needle and thread, and a comb or barrette to attach the veil to your hair. You can also add decorations such as lace, ribbon, beads, or gemstones.
1. Cut the tulle to the desired length and shape. You can make a single-layer or double-layer veil, depending on your preference.
2. Gather the tulle at the center or across the entire width, depending on the style you want.
3. Attach the gathered portion of the tulle to a comb or barrette.
4. Add any desired decorations, such as ribbon, lace, or beads.
If you're feeling more ambitious, you can also try making a headpiece to go with your veil. This could include hairpins, combs, tiaras, or crowns. When combining a veil and a headpiece, consider the length and style of your veil, the overall aesthetic you want to achieve, and how it will coordinate with your dress.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Veil length | Short (birdcage, blusher veils), medium (elbow, fingertip), long (chapel, cathedral) |
| Veil style | Veil and headpiece combination, layered veil, single-tier veil, two-tier veil, three-tier veil, detachable veil, etc. |
| Veil material | Tulle (netting) |
| Veil shape | Oval, circle, cascade, waterfall, etc. |
| Veil edging | Ribbon, lace, beading, pearls, scalloped lace, etc. |
| Veil attachment | Comb, barrette, hairpins, glue, thread, etc. |
| Veil decoration | Beads, gemstones, flowers, bows, etc. |
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What You'll Learn

Choosing the right veil and headpiece combination
When choosing the right veil and headpiece combination, it's important to select pieces that work harmoniously together. Here are some tips to help you achieve this:
- Consider the veil length and style: The length and style of your veil will determine the type of headpiece that pairs best with it. For instance, short veils such as birdcage or blusher veils go well with smaller, more delicate headpieces like simple combs or vintage-inspired clips. On the other hand, 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, like chapel or cathedral veils, often work best with more substantial headpieces like crowns or headpieces with veils, adding a regal touch to your look.
- Match the aesthetic: Strive for a cohesive look by ensuring your veil and headpiece share a similar aesthetic. For example, if your veil features lace or beading, opt for a headpiece that includes similar details. Conversely, if your veil is simple and understated, a more ornate headpiece can add a touch of flair and accentuate the details on the back of your wedding dress.
- Coordinate with your dress: It is essential that both the veil and headpiece complement your wedding dress. If your dress has intricate detailing, consider opting for a simpler veil and headpiece to avoid overwhelming your look.
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Veil and headpiece placement
Classic Placement:
The traditional way to position your veil and headpiece is at the front or top of your head, similar to the placement of a tiara. This look exudes a regal and effortless feel.
Contemporary Placement:
For a modern twist, consider placing the headpiece with the veil underneath at the top of an updo or half-up hairstyle. This approach adds a touch of creativity to your bridal style.
Low Placement:
If you plan to wear your hair in a low updo or chignon, positioning the headpiece and veil at the nape of your neck can create an elegant and understated look. This placement is ideal for brides who prefer a subtle and refined appearance.
Veil Length Considerations:
The length of your veil will also influence your placement options. Short veils, such as birdcage or blusher veils, pair well with delicate headpieces like simple combs or vintage-inspired clips. Medium-length veils offer versatility and can be worn with various headpieces, from intricate tiaras to floral crowns. Longer veils, such as chapel or cathedral veils, often work best with more substantial headpieces like crowns to anchor the veil and add a regal touch.
Hairstyle Compatibility:
The hairstyle you choose will also impact the placement of your veil and headpiece. If you opt for an updo or half-up hairstyle, you can play with different placements to find the most flattering and secure position. For loose, wavy hair, consider using multiple hairpins to secure the veil and headpiece in place.
Proportion and Balance:
When combining a veil and headpiece, ensure they are proportionate in size. The body of your headpiece should be wider or longer than the width of your veil comb to achieve a harmonious look. Additionally, consider the density of gathers on your veil and the width of the veil comb to create a well-balanced overall appearance.
Veil Comb Thickness:
Avoid using thick plastic veil combs as they can appear heavy and chunky in the hair. Opt for fine metal hair combs instead, as they are stronger, sturdier, flexible, and lightweight.
Veil Volume:
If you desire a fuller veil with lots of volume, ensure your headpiece is wide enough to cover the veil comb. Alternatively, choose a sheer veil that sits flat against your head, allowing your headpiece to sit flush against it.
Practicality and Flexibility:
Having separate veil and headpiece pieces offers advantages in terms of flexibility and practicality. You can experiment with different placements and looks, trying the veil at various heights. Separate pieces also make it easier to remove the veil without disturbing the headpiece or hairstyle during your wedding celebrations.
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Veil and headpiece proportions
- When layering a veil with a headpiece, select pieces that work harmoniously together. Consider the veil length and style: shorter veils such as birdcage or blusher veils pair well with smaller, more delicate headpieces like 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, which will add a regal touch.
- Match the aesthetic: your veil and headpiece should share a similar style to create a cohesive look. If your veil is adorned with lace or beading, opt for a headpiece that features similar details. Conversely, if your veil is simple and understated, a more ornate headpiece can add a touch of flair and accentuate the details on your wedding dress.
- When choosing a bridal comb, consider its proportion relative to your veil comb. 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 an extra-wide veil comb (4-4.5 inches or wider), style it with a longer and narrower comb. Delicate hairpins may appear disproportionate and too busy in the hair.
- Consider the thickness of the veil comb. Plastic combs can appear heavy and chunky in the hair, so 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 headpiece is wide enough to cover the veil comb. A smaller comb paired with a fuller veil can help achieve a balanced look.
- For a sheer wedding veil, a drop veil will sit flat against the head, ensuring your bridal comb sits flush against it.
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Veil and headpiece attachment
- Choosing the right attachment method: The most common methods for attaching a veil and headpiece include combs, barrettes, bobby pins, and clips. Consider the weight and style of your veil and headpiece when selecting an attachment method. For example, if you have a heavy veil, opt for a comb or multiple bobby pins for a more secure hold.
- Placement of the attachment: The placement of the attachment will depend on the desired look and hairstyle. For a classic and regal look, position the veil and headpiece at the front or top of the head. For a more modern approach, consider placing the headpiece with the veil underneath at the top of an updo or half-up hairstyle. If you're wearing your hair down, you can create a hidden foundation with bobby pins to support the veil and headpiece.
- Securing the attachment: Ensure that the attachment is secure by using multiple bobby pins or hair combs. Match the colour of the pins to your hair colour for a seamless look. Try on the veil and headpiece together during a hair trial to ensure a perfect fit and make any necessary adjustments.
- Considering weight and balance: If your headpiece is heavy, reinforce it with extra pins. Similarly, if your veil is long and voluminous, make sure it is securely anchored to avoid pulling on the headpiece.
- Attaching the veil to the headpiece: When attaching the veil to the headpiece, it is best to use split combs or no comb at all for easier positioning. If using a comb, attach the veil first and then place the headpiece on top of the veil's comb for a seamless finish.
- Trying it on: It is essential to try on the veil and headpiece together to ensure they work harmoniously. This will allow you to make any necessary adjustments and ensure a perfect fit.
- Detaching the veil: If you plan to remove the veil during the reception while keeping the headpiece on, consider attaching the veil to a separate comb or barrette. This will allow for an effortless transition without disturbing the headpiece or hairstyle.
- Maintaining and storing: It is easier to manage, clean, and store the veil and headpiece separately, especially if the veil is delicate and prone to wrinkling. Separate pieces also offer more flexibility in styling and practicality.
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Veil and headpiece styling
The styling of your wedding veil and headpiece is an important part of your bridal look. Whether you are going for a classic, romantic vibe or something more modern and chic, the way you layer, place, and accessorise your veil and headpiece will add depth and personality to your wedding outfit.
Veil and headpiece combinations
When layering a veil with a headpiece, the first step is to select pieces that work harmoniously together. Here are some tips for choosing the right veil and headpiece combination:
- Consider the veil length and style: The length and style of your veil will influence the type of headpiece that pairs best with it. For example, short veils (birdcage, blusher veils) pair well with smaller, more delicate headpieces such as simple combs or vintage-inspired clips, while longer veils often work best with more substantial headpieces like crowns, which will anchor the veil and add a regal touch.
- Match the aesthetic: Your veil and headpiece should share a similar aesthetic to create a cohesive look. For instance, if your veil is adorned with lace or beading, consider a headpiece that features similar details. Conversely, if your veil is simple and understated, a more ornate headpiece can add flair and accentuate the details on the back of your wedding dress.
- Coordinate with your dress: Ensure that both the veil and headpiece complement your wedding dress. For example, if your dress has a lot of intricate detailing, you might opt for a simpler veil and headpiece to avoid overwhelming your look.
Veil and headpiece placement
The way you position your veil and headpiece can dramatically affect your overall bridal look. Here are some tips for getting the placement just right:
- Classic placement: Traditionally, the veil and headpiece are positioned at the front/top of the head, similar to the look of a tiara. This style feels regal and effortless.
- Contemporary placement: For a more modern look, consider placing the headpiece 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 headpiece and veil at the nape of your neck. This placement is elegant and works well for brides who prefer a subtle, understated look.
Proportions
When choosing your bridal comb, consider its proportion relative to your veil comb. You'll be positioning them next to each other, so size is important. The body of your bridal headpiece should be wider (longer) than the width of your veil comb. For example, if your veil's comb is 3 inches long, your headpiece needs to be at least 4-5 inches long.
If you're using an extra-wide veil comb, a longer and narrower comb will be a better pairing. Delicate hairpins will appear disproportionate and too busy in the hair.
Veil and headpiece construction
When styling your wedding comb and veil, take into account how they're constructed. If you have two central combs (one on the veil and one in the middle of the headpiece), layering them may be more complicated than it's worth.
Look for headpieces designed with a split comb system or no comb at all. This way, you can easily position the veil, place the headpiece, and secure them in place. Just ensure the combs are wide enough to sit on either side of the veil's comb.
Veil and headpiece customisation
If you need help bringing your bridal look together, consider seeking personalised styling advice. Many bridal accessory boutiques offer customisation services and can provide ideas and recommendations on pieces to suit your vision, including how their pieces can be customised to match your wedding gown and style.
Veil and headpiece care
If you're making your own veil and headpiece, it's important to handle and store them with care. Veils are typically more delicate and prone to wrinkling, so separate pieces are often easier to manage, clean, and store.
Securing your veil and headpiece
To ensure your veil and headpiece stay securely in place throughout your wedding day, consider the following tips:
- Use multiple hairpins: Secure your veil and headpiece with multiple bobby pins or hair combs to prevent them from shifting. Match the pins to your hair colour for a seamless look.
- Try it on: During your hair trial, make sure to try on your veil and headpiece together. This will give you a sense of how they work as a pair and allow your hairstylist to make any necessary adjustments.
- Consider weight and balance: If your headpiece is heavy, you may need to reinforce it with extra pins. Similarly, if your veil is long and voluminous, make sure it's anchored securely so it doesn't pull on your headpiece.
- Veil first, then headpiece: Once the veil is secured, position the headpiece on top of the veil's comb for a seamless finish.
With careful consideration and styling, you can create a beautiful and unique bridal look by layering your wedding veil and headpiece. Whether you opt for a classic or contemporary style, the right combination of veil and headpiece will add depth and personality to your wedding outfit.
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Frequently asked questions
Making a wedding veil is a simple process that can be done in just 15 minutes. First, fold your tulle lengthwise and then width-wise. Cut the edge so it curves, creating a semi-circle. Next, wrap some tulle around a comb and secure it with a headpin. Put the comb on your head where you want it to sit, then place the veil over your head and adjust the length as desired. Weave the headpin through the comb while still on your head, and you're done!
Wedding headpieces can be made by repurposing your mother's or grandmother's headpiece. You can also buy plain combs from craft stores or beauty stores and attach them to your veil using wire or glue.
When layering a wedding veil with a headpiece, it is important to consider the veil length and style, as well as the overall aesthetic you are trying to achieve. For example, short veils pair well with smaller, more delicate headpieces, while longer veils work better with more substantial headpieces. It is also important to coordinate the veil and headpiece with your wedding dress, especially if your dress has a lot of intricate detailing.











































