Creating a Homemade Wedding Veil

Have you ever noticed that when you attach the word "wedding" to just about anything, the price just seems to triple? As if weddings aren't stressful enough, now you've got to worry about whether or not you can even afford to get dressed up for your special day! While I understand that a beautiful wedding veil is almost as important as the gown itself, I have a really hard time paying between $300 and $1,000 for something that is made from inexpensive material and a few glass beads and/or other accessories, especially when I can make a more sentimental version for a fraction of the cost.

Even if you are not a magnificent sewing expert, you can create your own handmade wedding veil that is just as fabulous as the ones you have seen in your stack of bridal magazines. Before we get started on the "how to for your I do", there are a few tips that you might want to be aware of. 

• Steer clear of hot glue guns: Especially of you are planning on a warm summer wedding, avoid hot glue guns at all costs. Not only does the glue become a wet, sticky mess in the heat, but it is not flexible at all, and even small movements can cause your veil to fall apart.
• Consider trying on your gown when measuring for your soon to be veil: Model your gown as you decide on the width, depth and length of your veil to ensure that it compliments your gown as it should.
• Remember that the material is very delicate: If you must wash or iron your veil, do so on the lowest, most delicate settings to avoid damaging the material.

Now that we've got that out of the way, let's get started!

Supplies Needed

• Tulle, Chiffon, or Both
• A Comb, Clip, Tiara or Hairpins (to hold the veil in place)
• Quality Thread
• Beads, Ribbon or Other Accessories
• Sharp Scissors
• Sewing Needle
• Sewing Machine (optional)

Creating Your Own DIY Wedding Veil

1. Decide on the length and fullness of your veil, and purchase enough material to accommodate your design. It's a good idea to place the fabric on your head to get a more accurate idea of what your veil will look like.

2. Cut your fabric to the desired length and shape. Veils can be anywhere from 20" to 120", depending upon your preference.

3. Finish the edges with ribbon or other trim. Carefully sew the selected material about 1/2 to 1 inch from the edge of the fabric, then cut away the remaining tulle or chiffon, making the trim the new edge.

4. Some brides prefer to use seed pearls or fashion gems as the trim on their veils. If you choose to do this, I recommend using fabric glue to secure them. It is much less time consuming, and typically gives a cleaner, more professional appearance.

5. Add additional layers of fabric for a fuller veil. Gather the edge that will be attached to your hairpiece (tiara, barrette, hairpin, etc.) and sew the fabric to secure your desired design.

6. Sew the gathered end of your veil to your hairpiece.

7. Add rhinestones, seed pearls, baby's breath, lace or whatever other decoration you choose to the veil with small stitches or fabric glue to create a piece that is truly unique.


If you have chosen to create your own fabulous wedding veil, be sure to start on your project early enough to give you plenty of time to correct any design flaws, imperfections, or to add additional bling, and just follow these simple steps, and you will be a glowing bride with a beautiful homemade wedding veil in no time.

Bio

This guest contribution comes from The Ribbon Retreat, a fabric and ribbon supplier for crafters. Among the many types of ribbon that are available are grosgrain, elastic, velvet, and offray ribbon.