It’s not unrealistic to think you can make your own wedding veil. With a little patience and know-how, you’ll be saving lots of money and get to wear the exact veil you’ve always envisioned. Sometimes what sparks an interest in sewing your own veil is the fact that you can’t find anything you like in the stores. Or, it could be that the price of the veil you fall in love with is just too much. Maybe you just love to sew.
No matter the reason why you want to attempt to craft your own veil, you can feel confident that you’ll end up with the perfect head dress for your big day. Is this your first foray into sewing? If so, try to find a mentor. It can be a grandmother who sewed all her life or a class teacher at the community center who offers sewing instructions. It will go a lot more smoothly if you have someone on hand to call when questions arise.
Start sketching out or thinking about the style of veil you would like to wear. Is it long and flowing? Is it just a short veil with a pillbox hat? Or do you want a full lace veil that trails way down the aisle behind you? Should it cover your face? Or should it be more casual?
Don’t start making your wedding veil until you are positive you have decided on your dress. There are several reasons you should wait. First, you may change your mind on the style of dress you intend to wear. If you make your veil first, it might not necessarily match your new dress. Second, your dress will be a distinct shade of white or cream. The last thing you want is for your whites not to match or your creams to clash.
Once your dress is purchased, get started on your veil. You will need to purchase the fabric for your veil at a good fabric store. Go to one where there are knowledgeable sales people who can answer questions, not just ring up your purchase. Ask how much yardage you should buy and how much extra you should build in for any errors or changes.
You will need to pick out a pattern. The fabric stores will have pattern books, but you can also find a pattern online. Choose one that is designed for your level of sewing expertise. Don’t attempt a project that’s way over your head at a time you are already under pressure. If you find the style you want is too hard, you can ask someone, perhaps a professional seamstress if she’ll either help or take over the job.
Get everything you need for your veil in one trip. That includes the fabric, any lace or ribbon trim and any accents you intend to use on it. The reason for the one trip is not only that it saves you time, but you also don’t want to find out the store has run out of something if you need more of one of the items you chose. Keep in mind that dye lots will match if you pull from just one for all the yardage you need.
Sit down with the pattern and read it. Lay out all the fabric pieces and then reread. As in building projects, you want to measure twice, cut once. Make sure your fabric is facing the side it should and that you have followed the instructions to a T. Then begin your cutting.
Leave yourself enough days to really take your time with the cutting and sewing. You don’t need the extra hassle of having to rush. Once your wedding veil is done, keep it away from heat or flame that can make quick ruin of your hard work. Store it in a garment bag so that your pets won’t make it into a bed for themselves. On the big day, bring it out and enjoy the fruits of your labor.
Now, sew your own wedding gown!
