Crafting Wedding Veils And Tiaras: A Step-By-Step Guide

Creating a wedding veil and tiara is a fun and rewarding DIY project that can save you money. It is a simple process that can be customised to suit your style and personality. The first step is to choose a tiara that complements your wedding dress and bridal hairstyle. Then, select a veil fabric such as tulle, chiffon, or lace, and decide on the veil style and length. You will also need basic tools and materials like scissors, needles, thread, and embellishments. By following online guides and tips, you can create a beautiful and unique wedding veil and tiara that enhances your bridal ensemble perfectly.

Choosing the right tiara and veil

Remember Your Dress Style

The style of your wedding dress should be the starting point when choosing your tiara and veil. If your dress is simple and elegant, consider selecting a more intricate tiara to add a touch of glamour. On the other hand, if your dress is already embellished, a simpler tiara and veil combination may be more appropriate. Ensure that the metal of your tiara matches the metal accents in your dress for a cohesive look.

Consider Veil Length with Tiara Choice

The length of your veil should also be taken into account when choosing a tiara. A longer veil may require a sturdier tiara to support its weight, while a shorter veil can be paired with a more delicate design.

Try Before You Buy

It is crucial to try on different tiaras, veils, and dress combinations before making a final decision. This will help you visualise how each accessory enhances your overall bridal look and allow you to make any necessary adjustments.

Think About Your Hairstyle

Your hairstyle will play a significant role in determining the type of tiara and veil you choose. If you plan to wear an updo, a tiara with a veil hanging below your hair can create a beautiful effect. For loose curls, a tiara may be a better option, while an elegant updo can be complemented by a cascading veil.

Match Your Tiara to Your Face Shape

The right tiara can enhance your facial features. If you have a round face, opt for a tiara with some height, like a wishbone tiara, to elongate your face. For longer faces, choose a headband or double band tiara without height to avoid further elongation. Oval or heart-shaped faces generally suit tiaras without a peak, such as wreath or headband styles.

Embrace Your Style and Comfort

Ultimately, choose accessories that reflect your personality and make you feel confident. Whether you prefer a traditional, vintage, or contemporary look, select a tiara and veil that aligns with your unique style and ensures your comfort throughout the day.

By following these guidelines, you'll be well on your way to creating a stunning bridal ensemble, including the perfect tiara and veil, for your dream wedding.

Veil length and style

The length and style of the veil are among the most important decisions to make when customising a wedding veil. The length of the veil can vary from short shoulder-length veils to dramatic cathedral-length veils. Here is a comprehensive guide to veil lengths and styles:

Birdcage Wedding Veil

A short veil that covers just the forehead and the top half of the face. Birdcage veils are usually made from stiff netting or mesh to create structure and are often attached to pillbox hats, headbands, or hair combs. This style is ideal for creating a vintage bridal look, especially when paired with a lace gown, tea-length dress, or mod '60s-style minidress.

Shoulder-Length Wedding Veil

This veil style hits the shoulders, allowing the wedding dress to be the focal point. It is a great option for brides who want a traditional-looking veil that doesn't compete with the details of their dress.

Blusher Wedding Veil

Also known as a wedge veil, this style offers a less traditional look with vintage appeal. A blusher veil falls over the face and ends near the top of the dress. It is usually flipped back during the ceremony to reveal the bride, creating a memorable moment.

Elbow Wedding Veil

The elbow-length veil falls gracefully over the shoulders, providing an elegant way to cover up without the bulk of a bolero or shrug. This length is versatile and works well with most dress styles.

Fingertip Wedding Veil

A fingertip veil falls beyond the bride's hips, allowing any design on the back of the gown to be seen through the sheer fabric. This is a popular choice for ball gowns and A-line dresses that flare out at the bottom.

Knee-Length Wedding Veil

Designed to fall to the knees, this veil length offers drama and elegance without being too heavy. It can be adjusted to be slightly longer or shorter depending on the bride's height.

Waltz Wedding Veil

Also known as a ballet veil, this style falls between the knees and ankles. It is perfect for brides who want a longer veil for the reception but still want freedom of movement for dancing and mingling.

Floor-Length Wedding Veil

A floor-length veil grazes the floor and matches the length of the bride's gown. The flowing fabric adds extra volume to the bridal look, perfect for those who want to combine a streamlined silhouette with a ball gown.

Chapel Wedding Veil

A chapel-length veil sweeps across the floor, extending slightly beyond the bride's gown. It creates the illusion of a train without the need for bustling.

Cathedral Wedding Veil

One of the longest veil lengths, a cathedral veil extends beyond the train of the bride's gown, creating a highly dramatic effect.

Royal Wedding Veil

The royal veil gets its name from its dramatic look and its association with royal brides, who typically wear extremely long veils. This style spreads out onto the floor and extends several feet past the hem of the dress.

Juliet Wedding Veil

Popular among boho brides, this tulle veil is fitted to the curve of the head and fastened on both sides above the ears. The cap is often embellished with ornate beading or appliqués.

Mantilla Wedding Veil

This traditional Spanish veil is a large, circular piece of tulle worn flat on top of the head, draping over one or both shoulders. It is a popular choice for brides who prefer a more modest look or need to cover their shoulders for religious reasons.

Veil attachments

There are several options for attaching a wedding veil to your hair, depending on the type and weight of the veil, and your hair type.

Combs

The most popular choice for brides is a 3-inch metal hair comb, which is slim, sturdy, and versatile. Metal combs are lightweight, durable, and can be used with a variety of veils, from long traditional veils to shorter, modern styles. They are also available in a range of colours to match your jewellery or hair colour. For brides with fine hair, a 3-inch clear plastic comb may be more suitable as the teeth are closer together, providing extra grip. For brides who want extra shoulder coverage or have a voluminous veil, a longer 4- or 5-inch comb can be used. An unwrapped slim metal comb is a good option for minimalist brides who don't want any volume.

Velcro

Velcro is a great option if you want a detachable veil or plan to pair your veil with a headpiece. The two velcro sides are sewn onto the comb and the edge of the blusher, so the veil can be easily removed whenever you wish.

Hairpins

Hairpins can be used to secure the veil without gathering, which is ideal for drop veils and mantilla veils. Hairpins are also a good option for brides with straight hair, as the veil will have less to grip onto.

Elastic Bridal Loops

Elastic bridal loops are sewn under the top of the veil instead of a comb, and then your hairstylist can use hairpins to fasten the veil to your hair.

Sewn-in

If you are layering a decorative hair accessory with your veil, such as a hair clip or tiara, you can choose to have the veil sewn into the accessory. Depending on the delicacy of the hairpiece, some veils may not be able to be sewn directly to the tiara or hairpiece, in which case a hook and eye closure or velcro can be used.

No Attachment

If you are wearing a tiara or headpiece, it is generally recommended to attach the veil to your hair separately so that you can remove the veil without removing the tiara. However, if your headpiece is large enough, you could attach the veil directly behind the tiara via a comb or hair pins.

Tiara and veil embellishments

Embellishments can be added to your wedding veil and tiara to make them even more unique and special. Here are some ideas to consider:

• Embroidery or Lace: Embroider your initials, your partner's initials, or your wedding date onto the veil for a personalised touch. You could also add lace appliqués to the edges of the veil for a romantic look.
• Family Heirlooms: Incorporate family heirlooms such as brooches, pearls, or other pieces of jewellery into your veil or tiara for a sentimental touch.
• Unique Materials: Use coloured tulle, silk flowers, or feathers to add a pop of colour or texture to your veil. These can be attached to the tiara or veil for a whimsical look.
• Sparkle with Crystals or Beads: Sew or glue crystals or beads onto the veil or tiara for added sparkle. You can create intricate designs or patterns with these embellishments for a glamorous look.
• Monograms: Add a subtle and elegant personal touch by monogramming your initials on the tiara or veil.

When adding embellishments, it's important to consider the weight and balance of the tiara and veil. If you're attaching heavier embellishments, you may need to choose a sturdier tiara that can support the weight. Also, ensure that any glue or stitching is secure and that the embellishments won't come loose during the wedding.

Embellishment Ideas:

• Lace Appliqués: Add delicate lace details to the edges of the veil for a romantic and elegant touch.
• Coloured Tulle: Opt for coloured tulle instead of the traditional white to add a unique pop of colour to your bridal look.
• Silk Flowers: Attach small silk flowers to the tiara or scatter them throughout the veil for a whimsical and romantic effect.
• Intricate Crystal Design: Create intricate patterns or designs with crystals on the tiara or veil for a glamorous and sparkling accent.
• Monogrammed Initials: Subtly incorporate your initials into the design of the tiara or veil for a truly personalised touch.

Tips for wearing and securing your tiara and veil

• Practice wearing your tiara and veil before your wedding day to get used to the feel and weight of the accessories. This will also give you a chance to adjust the location and ensure they stay in place.
• Use hairpins or combs to secure the veil in place. Place them strategically to prevent the veil from slipping or moving during the ceremony.
• Choose a comfortable tiara that is not too heavy and does not have sharp edges that can dig into your scalp.
• Consider your hairstyle. Work with your hairstylist to ensure your hair is styled to support and showcase your bridal accessories.
• Have a backup plan in the form of extra hairpins, combs, or even a spare veil, in case your tiara or veil does not stay in place.
• Backcomb your hair to create more volume and give the veil comb more grip.
• Consider a half-up, half-down hairstyle for added security. This style is also perfect for boho brides and woodland weddings.
• Use hair vines or embellished hairpins as beautiful and delicate additions that can help secure your veil.
• When wearing a tiara, be conscious of proper placement. As a guide, place your thumb on the dimple of your chin and your index finger on the gap between your eyebrows. Move your thumb up to where your finger was, and that's where the base of the tiara should sit.
• Put your tiara on last, after all hair styling and lacquering are complete, to avoid a dull, sticky look.
• Choose a tiara design that contrasts with your face shape. For example, if you have a long face, avoid pointy tiaras, and if you have a round face, avoid rounded styles.
• Avoid washing your hair just before wearing a tiara. Day-old hair without conditioner will offer more grip, which is essential for keeping your tiara in place.
• If you plan on dancing and moving around a lot, use fine thread hat elastic or bobby pins to sew your tiara into the back of your hairdo for extra security.

Frequently asked questions