DIY Wedding Veils

Have you ever seen the show “Say YES to the dress” or “Found the Gown”?  If so, you know that the finishing touches to your bridal attire are really what can transform a girl in a pretty white gown to an actual bride.  As I discuss ways to save money on weddings, as you brides-to-be start doing research and checking price tags and quotes from vendors, you will know that the devil is in the details.  A lot of times, it is all the little things that take a budget friendly bride over the top.

When shopping for my wedding dress, much like these shows – the bridal consultant dazzled me up with wedding veils and bridal accessories to take me from being on the fence, to saying YES to the dress.  Being that I was shopping for a dress that day, and not additional accessories – I didn’t think to even consider looking at the price of anything she adorned me with, however when I went back for my first fitting to pick up the dress I ordered, I took a look around the store a bit and was taken aback with sticker shock!  I’m sure this has happened to you, but seriously…spending over $100.00 on a wedding veil (for even the most simplistic style) was just NOT something I was comfortable doing – my planned “splurge” was going to be on my shoes (more about this later).  Anyway – it just did not make any sense in the world to me to spend $100+ (up to $250) on a piece of lace/tulle that I will wear only once.  

So, me being me…I started doing a bit of research on how to save costs on this and I uncovered a couple of options for brides like me with a tight wedding budget!  I have found an awesome store where you can save significant $$$ on your bridal veil (simple with the option to add-on) or a DIY option.  Both will be discussed below.

Affordable Wedding Veils can be purchased online or in stores at Joann's.  This is a nationally recognized fabric store that sells ready made veils for as little as $11.00!  Can you imagine that?  They even sell supplies and materials to add lace, rhinestones, beads, lining or anything else to your veil – or completely make it yourself! 

If you are going to make it yourself – plan for an hour or two and then follow the simple instructions below. 

Supplies:

Tulle, Needle, Strong Thread, Comb/Barrette

    Gather Supplies:  The main thing you will need is tulle fabric (found at Joann’s or any other fabric store).  You can typically get this in 72” and 108” widths.  For a fuller veil – use the 108” wide tulle.  Depending on how long you’d like your veil – you can adjust the length of fabric you purchase.  I always suggest buying a little extra just in case – but a general rule of thumb for this veil project is: measure from the top of your head to the point where you want your veil to end, and purchase DOUBLE that amount of tulle in length.  (For example, typical fingertip-length is between 3 and 4 feet, so you’ll need to purchase 6 to 8 feet of tulle <2 to 2 ½ yards>). 

  

     Cut the Tulle: The fabric store will supply you with tulle that is folded in half.  Keep it folded length wise as you lay it out on a clean table (or floor) with the folded edge nearest to you so that it makes two layers of tulle.  Next, fold the tulle in half crosswise so that the edges touch and you have now 4 layers of tulle.  Then you will want to round the top left corner of the fabric (pin to mark it and cut in smooth motion.

     Arrange the layers: Completely unfold your tulle once you have rounded the edge and it should look like a large oval (rectangular).

Once you’ve cut the tulle and unfolded – create a new fold in the tulle by crossing right to left.  If you want a single length veil – fold over completely, if you want a layered look, don’t fold it over all the way.  Like this.  Verify that it’s the length you want, otherwise cut the bottom shorter.  (If you use the layered look, you can use the top layer as a blusher as well).

     Gather the tulle:  You have the option of gathering all, or a portion of the top of your veil.  You have to decide whether you want the edges to combine at the top or not. The picture shows you the two variations.  If you plan on embellishing your veil at the bottom with a ribbon or lace, gathering the entire edge will be very noticeable as well as be puffier at the top. 

 

Once you have decided how much tulle to gather, you will need a strong piece of thread and begin to weave in and out with small stitches.  Pull on the thread to gather the tulle so that it is only about 2 inches wide and knot the thread securely. 

 

     Attach to Comb or Barrette: Once complete, grab the gathered and threaded portion of tulle and securely attach to a comb or barrette (your preference).  I like the comb idea because typically this is an easier way to remove the veil from your hair if you want to during the reception after pictures. 

     Feel free to use a fancy barrette or tiara.  You can either place in front of the fastened veil on your head or depending on the tiara, you can even fasten it directly to that. 
 

Decorating the Veil (totally optional!): At this point, you can wear your veil but you may choose to decorate your veil per your own interest, dress, or preference.  Some people will add rhinestones sporadically throughout the back of the veil, some will sew ribbon or lace to the bottom of the veil.  You have several options and it’s entirely up to you.  Here are some examples of decorative ideas and finished veils.

 

Congratulations!  You are done!! 

Take a look at some of these budget friendly veils that you can change and decorate yourself - saving hundreds for your wedding!