Diy Wedding Veil: Embellishing With Rhinestones

Wedding veils can be expensive, so making your own is a great way to save money. The process is simple and can be done in an afternoon. Here's how to make your own wedding veil with rhinestones:

Step 1: Gather Materials

First, you'll need to gather your materials. You'll need tulle, a hair comb, ribbon, rhinestones, and a hot-fix applicator. You can also use fabric glue instead of a hot-fix applicator.

Step 2: Cut the Tulle

Next, you'll need to cut the tulle to the desired length. Decide how long you want your veil to be and cut the tulle accordingly. A typical veil would come down to the fingertips, but other popular lengths include shoulder, elbow, floor, chapel, and cathedral.

Step 3: Fold and Pin the Tulle

Once you've cut the tulle to the desired length, fold it in half lengthwise and pin the top and sides to prevent slippage.

Step 4: Trace and Cut the Desired Shape

Now, you'll need to trace out the desired shape at the bottom of the veil. You can use pictures of veils for inspiration or ask someone to help you get the perfect shape. Once you're happy with the shape, carefully cut along the traced line.

Step 5: Heat the Hot-Fix Applicator

If you're using a hot-fix applicator, heat it up. If you're using fabric glue, skip this step.

Step 6: Lay Out the Rhinestones

Lay out the rhinestones on the tulle in a random pattern, placing more rhinestones on the bottom and fewer on the top.

Step 7: Apply the Rhinestones

Follow the directions for applying the rhinestones. Be careful not to get glue on your workspace, as it can be difficult to remove.

Step 8: Assemble the Veil

Now, it's time to assemble your veil. Mark every half-inch across the width of the tulle and thread a needle through the dots, going up one and down the other to gather the edge. Scrunch the tulle until the gathers look nice and even.

Step 9: Attach the Comb

Measure the length of your comb and tie off your thread. Place the front side of the comb against the back side of the veil and secure the sides of the veil to the ends of the comb.

Step 10: Stitch the Comb and Trim any Loose Threads

Going through the teeth of the comb, whip stitch the two pieces together. Trim off any loose threads, and your veil is complete!

Choosing the right length for your veil

• Consider your dress style: The veil should complement and accentuate your dress without overpowering it or interrupting its flow. Look for key focal points on your dress as guidance for your veil. For example, a fingertip veil pairs well with a fit-and-flare dress as it ends where the skirt starts to flare out. If your dress has a full skirt, a chapel or cathedral-length veil adds drama and elegance.
• Think about the length: Veil length is a crucial factor. Common veil lengths include:
• Birdcage veil: Covers part of the face, perfect for retro or modern brides.
• Shoulder-length veil: Ends around the shoulders, ideal for informal weddings.
• Elbow-length veil: Reaches the elbows, flattering and versatile.
• Fingertip veil: One of the most popular lengths, it adds elegance without overwhelming the dress.
• Chapel-length veil: Extends to the floor, just beyond the hem of the dress, adding formality.
• Cathedral-length veil: The most dramatic option, trailing behind the bride.
• Match your dress colour: Ensure your veil complements the shade of your dress. For white dresses, pair with pure white veils. Ivory dresses should be matched with ivory veils. Blush or champagne dresses can be harmonised with veils that have a slight pink or champagne tint.
• Details matter: Embellishments like lace, beading or florals can enhance your veil, but a plain veil lets a detailed dress shine. Edging, such as a raw cut or lace trim, can also make a statement.
• Hairstyle is key: Your hairstyle will affect how your veil sits. Updos work with most veil lengths, while loose waves may need extra pins to secure the veil. Half-up, half-down hairstyles are versatile and pair well with most veil styles.

Measure for your fabrics

To make your own wedding veil, you'll need to measure yourself to ensure you're ordering enough tulle and other fabrics. Your veil measurements will vary depending on your height, where you position the comb in your hair, and your wedding dress.

To get your veil measurement, take a piece of string (that does not stretch) or a flexible measuring tape, and measure from where the veil will be attached in your hair, straight down your back, to the tip of approximately where you would like your veil to be at the longest point. This measurement does not have to be exact, it just gives you a basic idea of how long you would like your veil to be. Take a look at the black arrow in the photo below for a better idea as to where you should be measuring.

To be extra safe, add at least 5 inches to your veil measurement to make sure that you have enough fabric on hand.

Order fabrics and supplies

The first step in making your own wedding veil is to measure yourself for your veil. This will determine how much fabric you need to order. Measure from where the veil will be attached in your hair, down your back, to the tip of where you would like the veil to be. This measurement does not have to be exact, but it will give you a basic idea of how long you would like your veil to be.

When ordering your fabric, make sure that your fabric is soft, that it is a coordinating colour to your gown, and that it doesn't fray when it is cut. If you are making a long cathedral-length veil, you should try to find a fabric that is 108" in width rather than the more standard 54" width fabric. This will ensure that your veil is full and not too narrow.

You can also order a DIY Veil Kit to make sure you have everything you need.

Cut and stitch your fabric

Now comes the fun part! Get those creative juices flowing because you’re going to make this happen! Now is the part where you actually stitch and design your wedding veil.

This video will help you cut the perfect curve...

Cut the bottom of your fabric in a circular shape as shown in the diagram below and hand-stitch the top straight edge of the fabric to a comb. If you need more guidance, then you can download a veil or cape pattern.

The easiest and most popular veil to design yourself is the fingertip length raw edge veil.

If you run into snags during your stitching, then take a deep breath and walk away for a bit of time. You can come back with fresh eyes. Or, you can reach out for help and ask me a question about designing your veil.

Step-by-step guide to cutting and stitching your fabric

Step 1: Cut the tulle to length for your veil

Lay the tulle out on a large table (or a clean floor) and keep it folded in half lengthwise (this is how it was at the store). Put the folded edge nearest to you. At this point, you have two layers of tulle.

Now fold the tulle in half crosswise by grabbing the rightmost edge and folding it over so that it touches the leftmost edge. At this point, you have four layers of tulle.

Measure again how long you want the tulle to be (from the top of your head down) and cut the tulle to that length (keep it folded) if needed.

Step 2: Round out the corners of the tulle

Now round off the top left edge of the fabric by pinning to mark it and then cutting in a smooth motion. If you need a guide, try a large serving platter. You want to be left with a quarter-circle shape:

Step 3: Refold the tulle into veil layers

Unfold the tulle completely. At this point, you have one layer of tulle. The dashed orange lines below show where the folds used to be:

Fold the tulle crosswise from right to left, but you don't have to bring it all the way over. You can match the ends up for a single-length veil, or you can leave a few inches between the edges for a nice layered look. If you keep a shorter layer, it can be used as a blusher if you like. At this point, you should verify that the length is exactly what you want and if it's too long, cut one of the rounded ends shorter, as needed.

Turn the veil 90 degrees counter-clockwise so that the folded edge is at the top, farthest away from you, and the open rounded edges are closest to you.

Don't be surprised if the veil seems wider than it is long at this point. Once you gather it all up in the following step, the proportions will make a lot more sense.

Step 4: Gather the centre of the tulle

You will now have to decide whether or not you want the side edges of your veil's two layers to come all the way up to the top. If you choose to have the edges come up to the top, the top of your veil will be fuller and puffier.

This decision is particularly noticeable if you plan to put a ribbon trim on the edges, because the ribbon will clearly be only at the bottom or will go up to your head, depending on your choice. This diagram illustrates the two variations:

Once you choose from these two styles, you will be ready to gather the top of your veil. Depending on your choice, you will either gather up only the centre portion of your tulle (diagram on left), or you'll gather the entire width of the tulle (diagram on right).

Once you have decided how much tulle to gather, do so with a needle and strong thread, weaving in and out with small stitches.

Pull the thread to gather the stitched tulle so that it is only about 2 inches wide. Knot the thread securely.

This veil was gathered in the middle only, so there is no stitching on the sides.

Hold the tulle by the gathered area and give it a gentle shake, which will allow the sides to fall gracefully down with the rest of the tulle.

Step 5: Attach the veil to a clip or comb

To be able to wear the veil in your hair, you'll need to attach it to something. You can use a simple French comb, a barrette, or any headpiece you already have picked out.

Just take the gathered portion of tulle at the top centre and sew it securely to your clip.

If you are planning to wear a fancy tiara and want to be able to remove the veil for the reception but still keep the tiara on, just sew the veil to a simple French comb and you can wear both pieces at once, then easily take just the veil off later.

Step 6: Add optional ribbon trim to your veil

Your veil is ready to wear at this point, but you may want to decorate it further. A popular finishing touch is to sew a thin satin ribbon along the edges of the veil. You can do so easily with a sewing machine and some white thread.

When sewing, don't bother to try to get the ribbon right up against the end of the tulle -- it's far easier to just leave some extra and then come back and trim it later.

Now go back with scissors and trim the excess tulle right next to the ribbon. And don't worry about trimming it perfectly. I promise that nobody more than 2 feet away from you will even be able to see it!

Step 7: Add optional decorative elements to your veil

You may also choose to sew or glue tiny sparkling beads or gemstones randomly on your veil. If that's what you like, then do it. It's your veil, so it should be special and exactly the way you want it!

And if you want to spiff up your veil with a decorative clip at the top, check out this crazy idea we came up with. We created tiny flowers using wire and nail polish. (Yes, nail polish!) You can learn all about the technique and see the step-by-step in our book, Craft with Nail Polish.

Store veil in a cool, dry place until your wedding day

Storing your veil correctly is essential to keeping it in perfect condition for your wedding day. Here are some tips to ensure your veil stays pristine:

The storage environment

Keep your veil in its original packaging, layered with pH-neutral tissue paper, until you are ready to store it. Choose a clean area to open your veil, so that it doesn't pick up any dirt or dust. Keep pets away from the veil to prevent staining or damage.

Veil storage options

Use a wedding veil hanging hook with specialist clips to store your veil on a rail or in a cupboard without folding it. Alternatively, a wedding veil storage bag will protect your veil from dust and sunlight. For longer veils, a veil hanging attachment can be connected to the hanging hook to prevent creasing.

How to store a long veil

Longer veils, such as floor-length, church-length, or cathedral-length veils, can be trickier to store. A veil hanging attachment can help by gently folding the extra length without creasing.

What to do with your veil after the wedding

To preserve your veil, continue to store it in a pH-neutral, acid-free box or bag to prevent discolouration. If your veil is dirty, get it professionally dry-cleaned. Avoid ironing your veil, as the heat can damage the tulle.

Frequently asked questions