Did you know that a veil is really not all that difficult to make? Well, if you are like me and not particularly handy with a needle and thread, then it is not entirely easy, but it is definitely still possible. What is really great about making your own veil is that it is completely the cost-effective way to go (unless you get really carried away).

What I mean by that is, if you go to a bridal store and buy a veil, it is probably going to run you anywhere from $50 to $200 or more! If you go to a craft store and buy the materials needed to make a veil it will probably be around $30 or less! To me, this means that you don't have a lot to lose. If you try to make a veil yourself and you end up absolutely hating it, you only lost $30 and you can either try again or choose to spend the extra money on buying one at a store.

So, how do you make a veil? Well, here's the thing, every veil is different and there are ton of different styles out there. So, depending on what you want your veil to look like, it will be different as to how you make it. So, to be honest with you, I won't be telling you how to make a veil in this article, but rather how to go about making your veil. Here's what I recommend:

For my wedding, a friend of the family - Cheri, made my veil. She did a really great job and so when I recently asked her how to make a veil she told me to check out the following website to see some different veil styles: * http://www.veilshop.com - there are lots of pictures to look at to get some ideas, so look around and see what styles you like.

Here is a list of items that Cheri gave me that you will probably need to make your veil once you have decided how you would like it to look. All of these can be found at your local craft store (and if you don't know what some of them are, just ask the store personnel and they will give you a lot of help).

• White floral wire
• Heavy button hole thread to gather top edge of tulle (correct name for the veil fabric)
• Silk flowers/pearls/beads
• Velcro (if veil is to be detachable)
• Fabric from dress or similar fabric to cover head frame
• Wide ribbon to cover the inner portion of the headpiece
• Batting to add dimension if using a headband or barrette
• Plastic combs to keep headpiece/veil in place.

Once you have decided on the style and you have gathered the items necessary to make your veil, it is time once again to get creative. If you know how to sew, then you probably won't have a lot of problems. But, if you need some help, talk to some family members and see if there is anyone who can give you a hand. Your craft store can also be a great help. Sometimes they even offer classes - or may be willing to give you a class - on how to make a veil.

My local craft store is Jo-Ann Fabrics and I really like their store, so I contacted their website (* Joann.com) to see if they had any advice for you. They directed me to this address: http://www.joann.com/content/projects/projectsArchive.jhtml?CATID=25281 - check out "Bridal Veil Champagne".

Okay, here is my last piece of advice to you about your veil. If you have beading on your wedding dress and it is possible to get it altered a few months before your wedding - do so! Ask the seamstress to save the beads, sequins, etc. for you. Then, you can use the exact same materials on your veil as are on your dress. You can even glue or sew beads or sequins onto the tulle portion of your veil to add a bit of glitz to it.

No matter what, have fun with it! The goal is to reduce your stress by reducing the amount of money you spend on your wedding - but, if this project is going to drive you crazy then ask for help or hand it off to someone who has the time and energy to tackle it!

I hope this is a good start for you towards saving money on your veil and wedding! And, good luck to you in all you do!

Sincerely,
Kelly Kons, kelly@bwedd.com
http://www.Bwedd.com/TrueCompanions/

* Brilliant Wedding Pages does not promote any websites, stores, or companies mentioned in this article and is not responsible for any experience you may have with their company or their products.