Crafting Your Dream Cathedral Veil For The Big Day

Creating your own cathedral wedding veil is a fun and inexpensive project that can add a personal touch to your special day. With some careful planning and basic sewing skills, you can achieve a professional-looking veil without breaking the bank. In this guide, we will cover everything from choosing the right materials to assembling and customising your veil, so you can walk down the aisle in style.

Choosing the right fabric

The fabric you choose for your DIY cathedral wedding veil will play a big part in how it looks and feels. Here are some things to consider when making your decision:

Width

Most tulle fabrics come in either 54" or 108" widths. If you're making a longer veil, you'll need a wider fabric to avoid seams. A 108" width is suitable for cathedral veils, but you can also make a long veil out of a narrower fabric, which will result in a more minimalist look.

Colour

Your veil doesn't have to match your wedding dress exactly, but it should complement it. If you're going for a traditional bridal look, choose a veil that's the same colour as your dress or one shade lighter. You can also opt for a coloured veil in a hue that matches your wedding theme. White, off-white, light ivory, ivory, blush, and nude are popular choices for bridal veils.

Fabric Type

The most common fabric for wedding veils is bridal illusion tulle, which is softer than traditional tulle and comes in a variety of colours. It's also lightweight and sheer, making it ideal for blusher veils that cover the face. English net, or Spanish tulle, is another popular choice, known for its softness and pliability. It's perfect for draped veils and capes and gives a slightly more vintage feel. If you want a draped veil, you'll need a heavier fabric like English net to achieve a graceful drape. Other options include silk, silk blends, organza, and polka dot tulle.

Fray Resistance

Unless you plan to trim your veil with lace or ribbon, choose a fabric that's fray-resistant when cut. This will ensure that your veil doesn't start to unravel before your big day.

Comfort

You'll be wearing your veil for several hours, so it's important to choose a soft fabric that won't irritate your skin. If you're prone to headaches or migraines, opt for a lightweight fabric like bridal illusion tulle.

Measuring and cutting the veil

To make your own cathedral wedding veil, you'll need to measure and cut the tulle fabric to the desired length and shape. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Step 1: Determine the Length

Before purchasing the tulle fabric, decide how long you want your veil to be. Cathedral veils typically range from 108 to 120 inches (270 to 300 cm) in length, ensuring that they are at least 5 inches (13 cm) longer than the train of your wedding dress. This length measurement will guide how much fabric you need.

Step 2: Purchase Tulle Fabric

Buy a length of tulle fabric that is slightly longer than your desired veil length. For a standard veil, go for a length that's about 10 feet (3.0 m) long and 108 inches (270 cm) wide. If you prefer a smaller veil, you can opt for fabric that's around 72 inches (180 cm) wide. Remember to choose a good quality fabric for a better veil.

Step 3: Prepare the Tulle for Cutting

Find a clean, spacious area to lay out your tulle fabric. A large table or a clean section of the floor will do. Carefully unfold the tulle and lay it out flat, removing any wrinkles or creases.

Step 4: Fold the Tulle

First, fold the tulle vertically in half, aligning the edges neatly. Then, fold it horizontally in half as well, creating a rectangular shape. This double folding ensures that your cuts will be symmetrical.

Step 5: Mark the Curves

Using sewing pins, mark the curves you'll be cutting along. Start by pinning the layers of fabric together at the desired angle for the curve. Continue adding pins freehand until you've created an arc that suits your preferred veil shape. A sharper angle will result in a more dramatic and "intense" look, while a softer, smoother half-circle will be more conventional.

Step 6: Cut the Tulle

Place a cutting board underneath the area you've pinned to protect your work surface. Using a fabric rotary cutter, carefully cut along the outer edge of the pins. Take your time and cut just outside the pins to ensure a smooth line. Minor imperfections are okay since the bottom of the veil will drag on the floor, and the top will be hidden by your hair and the comb.

Step 7: Unfold and Inspect

Unfold your tulle fabric to reveal the full veil shape. Check for any stray threads or flyaways along the curved edges, and trim them neatly with fabric scissors. If you want a thicker veil with more layers, repeat the entire cutting process to create an additional layer of tulle.

Now that you've measured and cut your veil, you're ready to move on to the next steps of assembling and decorating your cathedral wedding veil!

Attaching the veil to a comb

Now that you've cut your veil to the desired shape, it's time to attach it to the comb. This process is quite straightforward and only requires some basic sewing skills. Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Prepare the comb: Cut a 12 by 2-inch (30.5 by 5.1 cm) piece of scrap tulle fabric. Wrap this fabric tightly around the teeth of a long-tooth hair pin comb. This will create a base for you to attach the veil.
• Secure the fabric to the comb: Use a needle and thread to sew a simple straight stitch through the fabric at the top of the comb. This will keep the fabric from unraveling and provide a secure base for the veil.
• Attach the veil to the comb: Take your time with this step and work slowly. Use a needle and thread to sew the top of the veil onto the fabric-wrapped comb. Push the needle into the fabric and pull it out from the top, spacing your stitches approximately 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) apart. Scrunch each section of the tulle for the veil and add a stitch until the entire veil is attached to the comb.
• Hide any imperfections: Don't worry if your stitches are not perfect. Any loose or stray threads can be tucked around a tooth in the comb or snipped away with fabric scissors. The gathered tulle will also help to disguise any imperfections.
• Add embellishments (optional): If you want to add ribbons, bows, or other embellishments to your comb, now is the time to do so. You can incorporate velvet or satin ribbons, sequins, flower appliques, or any other decorations that suit your style and the colour scheme of your wedding.

By following these steps, you'll be able to securely attach your handmade veil to a comb. This process is a great way to save money and add a personal touch to your wedding ensemble.

Embellishing the veil

• Lace trim: Adding a lace trim to the edge of your veil can create a romantic and delicate look. You can purchase lace appliques or pick lace fabric from a craft store and cut it to your desired shape and size. This is a popular choice for brides who want to add a touch of elegance to their veil.
• Beads and crystals: Sewing or gluing beads or crystals onto your veil can add sparkle and glamour. You can choose from various colours, sizes, and shapes to create unique designs. Consider using Swarovski crystals or glass beads for a more luxurious look.
• Pearls: As the most traditional stone for weddings, pearls can be a beautiful way to embellish your veil. You can use large or small pearls, combining them with rhinestones for added sparkle.
• Sequins: For a touch of shine and texture, you can sew sequins onto your veil. They come in various colours and sizes, allowing you to create different looks.
• Edging: Adding edging, such as ribbon, lace, or embroidery, can give your veil a finished appearance. Consider using edging along the bottom hem of your veil or around the bridal veil for a polished look.
• Appliques: You can find ready-made appliques in various designs, including lace, beads, sequins, and pearls. Appliques can be sewn or glued onto your veil to add intricate details and dimension.
• Colourful accents: If you want to add a pop of colour to your veil, consider using colourful beads, embroidery, or fabric flowers as embellishments. This can be a unique way to incorporate your wedding palette into your attire.

When embellishing your veil, it's important to choose the right areas for maximum impact. You can add embellishments along the edge of the veil, create a scattered look, or cluster them in specific areas. Remember not to overload your veil with too many different types of embellishments, as this can create a cluttered look. Instead, choose one or two types of decorations that complement each other and your overall wedding style.

Testing the veil

• Try on the veil: Put on the veil with your wedding dress or a similar outfit. This will help you see how the veil complements your dress and overall look. Check if the veil is secure and comfortable on your head.
• Inspect the details: Examine the stitching, any added appliqués, lace, or ribbons, and the overall shape of the veil. Ensure that everything is attached securely and that there are no loose threads or imperfections that might cause the veil to tear.
• Check the length: Your cathedral veil should be between 108 and 120 inches long, sweeping beyond the train of your dress. Ask a friend to help you measure the length of the veil while you're wearing it. This will ensure that it meets the desired length and doesn't need any adjustments.
• Test the flow and movement: Move around with the veil on. Dance, twirl, and walk as if you were walking down the aisle. This will help you understand how the veil moves and flows with your body. Make sure it doesn't restrict your movements or get tangled.
• Evaluate comfort and convenience: Wear the veil for an extended period to assess its comfort. Ensure that it doesn't feel too heavy or itchy and that it stays in place without causing any discomfort. Check if it is easy to put on and take off, especially if you plan to remove it during the reception.
• Get a second opinion: Ask a trusted friend or family member for their feedback. They can provide an honest opinion on how the veil looks and feels, and they might spot any areas that need adjustments.
• Make adjustments: Based on your testing and feedback, make any necessary alterations. This could include trimming the length, reinforcing stitching, or adding any final touches to ensure the veil is perfect for your big day.

Remember, it is always a good idea to test your veil in advance, giving yourself enough time to make any needed adjustments. This will help ensure that your veil is not only beautiful but also comfortable and secure as you walk down the aisle.

Frequently asked questions