While once thought to protect brides from evil spirits on their wedding day, veils have stood the test of time to become an iconic wedding day accessory. From tiny birdcage styles to opulent cathedral-length veils and even wedding capes, iterations of this design are synonymous with wedding fashion. As a wedding illustrator with a background in fashion design, I noticed that most veils on the market looked very similar – white or ivory tulle with lace or minimal beading. And while there’s nothing wrong with that classic style, it simply doesn’t fit all marriers or weddings. That’s why I started offering custom wedding veils and capes: so every nearlywed could have a veil that perfectly reflects their style, taste, and wedding design. 

Designing a Custom Wedding Veil 

Designing a custom veil or cape is a very hands-on process for my couples. First, I have my clients send me photos of their wedding outfit, along with any inspiration photos they like of other veils or designs. I also ask that they send me any mood boards for their overall wedding design, so that everything feels cohesive. We then chat about their budget, timeline, and where the veil or cape needs to be shipped. We’ll get a general feel for length and style, while leaving the design open-ended until we find the perfect fabrics and embellishments. 

Once I have a general idea of what my client is looking for, it’s time to go shopping! Sourcing supplies is one of the most important parts of custom veil design, and I keep my clients as involved in the process as possible. I let my clients know what day and time I’ll be shopping so I can text them photos throughout the process and get real-time feedback. This teamwork is what allows me to create truly bespoke designs that perfectly fit each nearlywed. 

After all the supplies are acquired, it’s finally time to sew! This process can take anywhere from weeks to months depending on the intricacy of the design. Whether that involves hand-cutting lace applique or attaching hundreds of beads, I make sure that every inch of the veil can withstand the wear of a wedding day, while looking absolutely perfect for your photos. Making each custom veil or cape is a true labor of love. I don’t take it lightly that my couples have entrusted me with such a significant part of their wedding. 

A Unique Crystal Veil for a Silver Wedding Dress

This bride contacted me looking for a custom veil that would match her unique wedding dress. She chose to wear her mom’s wedding dress on her wedding day, which was actually a silver evening gown. Because of this, white and ivory veils simply didn’t match, and she knew that custom was the way to go. 

During the sourcing process, I came across this gorgeous, cool grey tulle that I knew would go perfectly with her dress while still feeling light and bridal. We added tiny silver crystals scattered around the veil to match the rhinestones and shiny lace of the gown. Since the dress itself didn’t have a train, we chose a fingertip-length silhouette, preventing the veil from overshadowing the dress. The result was a beautiful, delicate veil that perfectly complemented her unique wedding gown. 

Colorful Floral Wedding Cape 

One of my first bridal cape designs was for this bride. She was a nontraditional bride who knew she wanted a unique alternative to a veil. She had chosen a simple A-line wedding gown and wanted to go all out on a fun and unique cape design, incorporating fall colors. 

I immediately knew I wanted to use Italian tulle as the base of the cape because of its soft texture and perfect draping. We then shopped together for lace fabrics and found three that perfectly complemented her vision. First, we chose an ivory lace to create the cape's border, with a leafy vine motif that would stand out against the florals. I then created appliques from sequin floral lace and colorful 3D florals, creating a fun garden-inspired look on her cathedral-length cape. 

Royal Length Petal Veil 

My longest custom veil to date was for this bride. She described herself as “extra” but also wanted each element of her look to be balanced. Her wedding dress was a satin ballgown with a cathedral-length train and sparkle on the bodice and arms. She had a custom-made crystal crown and wanted a veil to match. I immediately knew that a veil with that much beading would be too heavy, so instead, I took inspiration from one of her example photos featuring ivory petals. 

The end product was an extra royal-length veil in a light ivory tulle that was the full length of my living room! I ordered a special silk organza from the UK and hand-cut petals, which I then hand-sewed onto the tulle in an ombre pattern. The result was a jaw-dropping statement veil that wouldn’t weigh her down and seamlessly blended with the rest of her wedding attire. 

Custom Wedding Veils by SamiaLynn Designs 

There are truly no limits to custom wedding veil design—if you can dream it, I can create it! I love working with my clients to bring their visions to life. If you’re struggling to find your dream wedding veil, let’s chat! Head over to my inquiry page to tell me all about your vision so we can create your perfect wedding accessory together. 

Vendors:

Photography: Nomad Photography
Venue: The Ravel Hotel

Photography: Our Two Hearts
Venue: The Williams Inn
Dress: Flair Boston
Florals: Passalongs Farm

Photography: Kesha Lambert
Venue: Mankin Mansion

Bridal veils have been around longer than any of our family wedding albums that are currently collecting dust at your grandparent’s house. There is just something about adding a veil to a white dress that SCREAMS wedding. What’s not talked about enough though is the brides that want a more subtle nod to the tradition. As wedding professionals who have worked with many brides before, we have heard time and time again that a veil just doesn’t feel right when tried on with the dress (or they just don’t like the concept all together). Today we wanted to share some alternative options to a veil that will still make a statement without necessarily blindly following tradition.

A Cape

Capes come in many shapes and sizes these days. The traditional twist to this is that almost all capes are made of tulle just like veils! Some capes clasp in front of you and cover your shoulders, some attach to the straps of your dress like wings. The details options on your bridal cape are endless, you can stick to plain tulle, or add anything from sparkles to lace to feathers

Caesar Style Veil

This is technically still a veil, but with a twist! Instead of one comb at the base of your head, this has two separate combs, but with tulle draping between the combs and down your back

Flower Crown

If you are a nature/BOHO type of human a flower crown is for you! Often times your florist can actually create this for you using the actual florals from your wedding. This is a great way to incorporate your wedding colors into your bridal look. You also have control over how dramatic this look becomes with how voluminous the crown is (and if you have long hair you can weave a few flowers in!)

A Birdcage

A birdcage veil is the perfect way to add a vintage spin to your wedding day. The veils came into popularity during war times in the 40’s due to a lack of fabric, but is a distinguished style from the Old Hollywood era which is where you will find the inspiration all over Pinterest!

A Statement Bow

Bows in all forms are probably the hottest bridal trend right now. Many brides have opted to let a bow be their hair piece rather than a veil that covers the back of the dress. Many are still tulle, but others are covered in pearls or made out of other unique fabrics.

Tulle Hair Scarf

This inspiration feels very much like a beach wedding or a romantic Greece getaway. Just like you would use any silk scarf to hold back your hair and add the finishing touches to an outfit, a tulle hair scarf will work just the same! And the best part is that this could easily be a DIY project with a few strips of ivory tulle

Are you a veil person, or will you be incorporating one of these veil alternatives into your wedding look? If you do, we want to see your pictures so tag us on IG! Reminder: SamiaLynn does offer a custom design service. Whether you’re looking for a cape or your version of a veil, this can be made for you.

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Samantha Shammas, Author and Owner of SamiaLynn