How to Make a Bridal Veil With a Tiara

Almost anyone can make a bridal veil with a tiara.

A bridal veil is a traditional piece of wedding attire. Three popular styles are the fingertip, blusher and cathedral veil. The fingertip veil is approximately 40 inches long from the top of the head to the tips of the fingers. The blusher falls to the tops of the shoulders and can be combined with other veils to make a layered effect. The cathedral veil is floor-length plus 6 inches, depending on the height of the bride. In 2009, veils cost $50 to $200, with tiaras adding an additional $50 to $200 to the total cost. With some planning, almost anyone can make a bridal veil with a tiara, and save money in the process.

Things You'll Need

• Bridal illusion tulle, 108-inch width
• Rotary cutter
• Rotary mat
• 108 inches of 1/4-inch Ribbon
• Seed pearls or crystals
• Toothpicks
• Craft glue
• 1 or 2 Veil combs
• Heavy thread
• Needle and thimble
• Tiara

Instructions

Fingertip Veil

1. Fold the bridal illusion tulle in half and weight it down with heavy objects, such as drink coasters, on top of the rotary cutting mat.

2. Measure 40 inches of fabric and cut in a straight line or curved arc across the bottom of the tulle.

3. Add embellishments, such as seed pearls or crystals, one at a time using wooden toothpicks. Dip the end of the toothpick in craft glue and touch a pearl or crystal to the tulle. Allow at least one hour for the embellishments to dry before moving to the next step.

4. Attach ribbon to the bottom of the veil. This can be done by carefully gluing ribbon along the bottom of the veil while folded in half. If you are proficient with a sewing machine, sew the ribbon onto the veil 1/2 inch from the bottom and cut away the excess.

5. Remove the weights, and using the heavy thread, sew a long, loose running stitch along the top of the veil. (Running stitches are simply in-out-in-out.)

6. Cut the thread, leaving plenty of thread hanging from both sides of the veil. Pull on these threads to gather the tulle. Tie a knot between the two ends to keep the material gathered.

7. Attach the gathered portion of the veil to the bridal combs using the heavy thread. Use the same method to attach the tulle and combs to the tiara.

Blusher Veil

1. Fold the tulle in half and weight it down with heavy objects on top of the rotary cutting mat. Measure 25 inches in length and cut the tulle using a rotary cutter on top of the rotary cutting mat.

2. Attach embellishments in the same method as the basic veil using toothpicks and a small amount of craft glue. The blusher is shorter than the basic veil and needs fewer embellishments for the same effect. Wait at least one hour for the embellishments to dry before moving on to the next step.

3. Attach ribbon to the bottom of the veil using glue or a sewing machine.

4. Remove the weights, and using the heavy thread, sew a long, loose running stitch along the top of the veil.

5. Cut the thread, leaving plenty of thread hanging from both sides of the veil. Pull on these threads to gather the tulle. Tie a knot between the two ends to keep the material gathered.

6. Attach the gathered portion of the veil to the bridal combs using the heavy thread. Use the same method to attach the tulle and combs to the tiara.

Cathedral Veil

1. Measure from the crown of the bride's head to the bottom of the bride's feet and add 6 inches.

2. Fold the tulle in half and weight it down with heavy objects on top of the rotary cutting mat. Measure the length determined by the measurements in Step 1, and use a rotary cutter to cut the material on top of the rotary cutting mat.

3. Attach embellishments in the same method as the basic veil using toothpicks and a small amount of craft glue. The cathedral veil is much longer and needs many more embellishments for the same effect. Wait at least one hour for the embellishments to dry before moving on to the next step.

4. Attach ribbon to the bottom of the veil. using glue or a sewing machine.

5. Remove the weights, and using the heavy thread, sew a long, loose running stitch along the top of the veil.

6. Cut the thread, leaving plenty of thread hanging from both sides of the veil. Pull on these threads to gather the tulle. Tie a knot between the two ends to keep the material gathered.

7. Attach the gathered portion of the veil to the bridal combs using the heavy thread. Use the same method to attach the tulle and combs to the tiara.

Tips & Warnings

• Cathedral veils are the most formal style of veil, and they often have blushers attached. The blusher can be made separate of the cathedral veil for ease of removal before the reception.

• Measure twice and cut once.

• Store the finished product out of direct sunlight, preferably in a garment bag, until the wedding day.

• Take a small kit of craft glue, heavy thread, needle and extra embellishments with you in case an embellishment falls off and needs to be replaced.

References

• The Knot: Accessories - Veil Glossary