Create Your Dream Birdcage Veil For Your Wedding Day

Birdcage veils are a popular choice for brides, with their irresistible beauty and unparalleled versatility. They can complement both traditional and modern dresses, adding a touch of boldness to any ensemble. With prices ranging from $20 to $500, making your own birdcage veil is a great way to save money and add a personal touch to your bridal look. In this guide, we will take you through the steps and materials needed to create your own DIY birdcage veil.

Veil materials

Birdcage veils can be made using different materials and can be decorated with various embellishments. The netting is the most important component of the veil and typically, birdcage veils are made using French, Russian, or English netting. These different types of netting vary in terms of the size of their weave, with French netting having the tightest weave and English netting having the largest.

The netting can be purchased in different lengths and widths to suit your preference and how much of your face you want to be covered. For example, a 9-inch width is standard for a bandeau-style birdcage veil, but you can also find veils in widths of 12 inches or 18 inches for more coverage. When choosing the width of your veil, consider the style of your wedding dress, your face shape, and your hairstyle. If you plan to wear a short wedding dress, a smaller veil will look more proportional, while a larger veil may be more suitable for a wide-leg pant or a traditional wedding gown.

In addition to the netting, you will need a hair comb, thread, and embellishments of your choice. The hair comb can be made of metal or plastic, and you will need enough thread to sew the veil to the comb. Popular embellishments include feathers, rhinestones, flowers, crystals, ribbons, and beads. You can also use a glue gun to attach embellishments to the comb or veil.

Veil assembly

• Prepare the veil's comb by cutting a 2-inch-thick, 3-foot-long strip of netting with smaller holes. Tie the netting to the right end of the comb, leaving a 2-inch allowance for locking later. Wrap the netting around the comb, going through each tooth until you reach the left end. Turn around and wrap it back down to the starting point, then tie it off and trim any excess netting.
• Cut the netting with larger holes into a rectangle that is 1 foot wide and 3 feet long. Cut the top corners of the netting to create a house-like shape.
• Thread your needle and sew along the left, top, and right sides of the veil, going through the little cross pieces in the tulle. When you reach the end, remove the needle and pull the tulle so it gathers together. Tie a knot and trim the excess thread.
• Thread your needle again and set the gathered netting on top of the covered hair comb. Sew the gathered netting to the comb, going back and forth to ensure it is sturdy.
• Cover the sewn parts with lace or your choice of embellishment. Use a glue gun to attach the lace and any other decorations such as feathers, flowers, or crystals.

Veil attachment

Creating your own birdcage veil is easier if you attach it to a brooch or comb. You can use either a metal or plastic comb. First, get the netting with smaller holes and cut it into a long strip that is 2 inches thick and 3 feet long. Use this strip to cover the base of the comb by tying the netting to one end, leaving a 2-inch allowance that will be used to lock it later. Then, wrap the netting around the comb, going in between each tooth until you reach the other end. Turn around and continue wrapping until you reach the starting point. Tie the netting to the 2-inch allowance you left earlier, locking everything in place. Finally, trim off any excess netting.

Now, cut the netting with bigger holes so that it is one foot wide and three feet long. Once you have a rectangle, cut the top corners off so that it has a house-like shape. Thread your needle and get ready for sewing. Thread the needle through the little cross pieces in the tulle along the left, top, and right sides of the veil. Once you’ve reached the end, take the needle off the thread and pull the tulle so that it gathers together. Then, tie a knot at the end of the thread and trim off the excess.

Thread your needle again and set the gathered netting on top of the covered hair comb. Use the needle and thread to sew the gathered netting to the comb. It is alright for the thread to go back and forth to ensure that the birdcage veil will be sturdy. These will all be covered by the lace or your choice of embellishment in the end so don't worry if it looks ugly at this stage.

Once you are sure that the gathered netting is in place, get the lace and use a glue stick to attach it. It will cover all the sewing imperfections and make your birdcage veil look as perfect as those bought from bridal stores. If you want, you can also be more creative with your design. You can use feathers, flowers, crystals, and other embellishments to cover the sewn part. Just make sure you have your glue gun ready for a more detailed design.

Veil styling

Birdcage veils are a versatile accessory that can complement both traditional and modern dresses. They can instantly make a simple gown stand out and are perfect for brides aiming for an elegant, vintage look, or those who want to add a sassy vibe to their contemporary wedding look.

Birdcage veils look amazing when paired with short swing dresses. For a more traditional and vintage look, you can also wear the birdcage veil with wiggle dresses and long, elegant dresses.

The right veil for you will depend on several factors, including your bridal hairstyle, face shape, dress style, and any embellishments you want to add.

If you have a small face or head circumference, a smaller veil will look more proportional. Conversely, if you have a wider or taller forehead, or a larger head size, opt for a wider veil to provide more coverage. If you're self-conscious about a wide forehead, choose a veil that offers height to lengthen your face. For a tall forehead, consider a veil with volume at the sides.

Birdcage veils can be worn with various hairstyles. They look elegant on their own, with updos, loose curls, or a sleek low bridal bun. If you have long loose hair, be mindful that pairing it with a birdcage veil can appear top-heavy, especially if your hemline is short or your dress has a minimal silhouette.

For short hair or extra fine hair, consider a birdcage veil sewn directly onto a headband for a secure fit.

Birdcage veils can also be styled with different embellishments, such as feathers, crystals, pearls, flowers, or even little hats. You can also add a brooch or a decorative comb to accessorise your veil.

Veil embellishments

Birdcage veils can be embellished with a variety of decorations to add a touch of glamour and elegance to your bridal look. Here are some ideas for veil embellishments:

Feathers

Feathers are a popular choice for adding a feminine and feisty touch to your birdcage veil. They can be easily glued or sewn onto the comb or headband of the veil. You can choose from a variety of feather colours and sizes to match your wedding colour palette and personal style.

Rhinestones and Crystals

Rhinestones and crystals are perfect for adding instant glamour and sparkle to your bridal look. They can be glued or sewn onto the veil, comb, or headband. You can opt for a subtle touch of sparkle or go for an all-over crystal or rhinestone design for a bold statement.

Flowers

Flowers, whether real or artificial, can be a beautiful addition to your birdcage veil. You can choose from a variety of floral styles, such as hand-sewn chiffon petals, 3D floral details, or lace flowers. Flowers can be attached to the comb or headband, or they can be used to cover the sewn parts of the veil for a more delicate look.

Pearls

Pearls are a classic and elegant choice for embellishing your birdcage veil. They can be used to create a gorgeous bridal look, especially when paired with crystals. You can opt for a veil with pearls scattered throughout or choose a style with trios of pearls for a unique, flower-like appearance.

Beads

Beads are another option for adding texture and interest to your birdcage veil. They can be used to create intricate patterns or designs, or they can be scattered throughout the veil for a subtle touch of shine. Like other embellishments, they can be glued or sewn onto the veil, comb, or headband.

Lace

Lace is a timeless and romantic fabric that can be used to embellish your birdcage veil. You can choose from various lace styles, such as hand-stitched beaded lace or lace flowers, to add a vintage or glamorous touch to your bridal look.

When choosing embellishments for your birdcage veil, consider your wedding dress style, face shape, and bridal hairstyle. Embellishments can be used to create a cohesive look that reflects your personality and tastes. Whether you prefer a subtle touch of sparkle or a bold, statement-making veil, the options for customisation are endless!

Frequently asked questions