DIY Bridal Wings
Veils are a fantastic DIY wedding project. By creating your own bridal wings, you can add personal touches such as: choosing a non-traditional color or adding lace from your grandmother’s wedding dress. DIY bridal wings or veils can be creating simply with tulle fabric and a sewing kit or be more involved and require advanced sewing or embroidery skills. Watch or read several how-to tutorials before getting started.
Our Favorite Wings & DIY Patterns
At Denver DIY Bride, we love the DIY sewing patterns and custom made wings, capes and veils from One Blushing Bride. Alisha also creates beautiful custom veils and accessories that are incredible and will make your day special. Image from One Blushing Bride.
What Are Bridal Wings?
Bridal wings are a veil alternative. Bridal wings are usually two pieces of tulle or similar fabric that are attached to each shoulder sleeve or strap of a wedding dress. Wings are easily removable without the risk of ruining your hairstyle. Wings elongate silhouettes, add drama to your wedding look and are a memorable veil alternative.
1. Measure The Length You Want
Bridal wings are made from two pieces of veil material which attach to your dress at the shoulders. Unlike veils, bridal wings are almost always cathedral length. While you can make bridal wings shorter, take into consideration the drape of the fabric you are using and the overall effect you are trying to achieve. To get an idea of the length you want, measure and cut two six foot lengths of yarn. Tie one to each shoulder. Look in a mirror, ask a friend to take photos. How long are the lengths of yarn on you? Do you like the length considering the style of your dress? Trim the yarn as desired and use the length from the knot at your shoulder to the end for your length. Add 4 inches for seam allowance & attachment. Still unsure? Many bridal wings available for purchase are about five and a half feet long.
2. Select the Fabric
When choosing fabric for your bridal wings you will want to consider drape, hand feel and workability. Drape is the way the fabric falls. Tulle is a traditional veil material that is quite stiff and will hold shape. Tulle does not feel as soft as other fabric types and while it is fairly easy to work with, it may be too stiff for bridal wings. Silk tulle and silk chiffon are not stiff and drape well. Both fabrics are soft to the touch. Bridal wings are generally made from soft fabrics in order to achieve the ethereal look they give your outfit. If you are unsure, go to a fabric store and look at several different types of fabrics.
A bolt of tulle fabric is enough to make several wings and decorations.
Make a fashion statement with blue chiffon veil fabric.
Lace fabric is a great choice for a veil when paired with a unadorned dress.
3. Attachments
Unlike veils, bridal wings can be attached with a ribbon that has been sewn in, a pearl tipped pin or bejeweled broach, or even a well hidden safety pin. The attachment style will impact your overall look, so choose a method that is not only easy to attach and detach, but also complementary to your desired aesthetic.
Pearlized pins are a simple way to attach bridal wings.
Large safety pins are secure and effective for attaching wings to your dres.
Vintage broaches are a true statement. They may need to be paired with another attachment device for security.
Add Sparkle!
When you choose wings instead of a veil, you have more options to wear tiaras, hair vines and other accessories. This AW Hair Vine adds sparkle and a touch of vintage glamour to any outfit.
4. Add Lace & Trim
There are endless styles of lace and trim that can be added to your bridal wings. These are just a few of the possible options. What ever color you want or style you want, there is some sort of option out there. Vintage lace is a beautiful option. Look for lace on vintage dresses and linens in thrift shops. Lace or adornments can be attached by hand sewing, glue or spray adhesive depending the weight and size of the items. If you find beautiful vintage lace that has yellowed, you may be able to restore it. Check out this tutorial from Really Handmade.
Pearl trim is a classic option we love that can add weight to a veil to enhance the drape.
This gorgeous two tone lace adds dimension and glamour to your DIY veil.
We love vintage style trims that accent classic and vintage style weddings.
Romantic & Magical DIY Weddings
DIY bridal wings are a fantastic way to add not so subtle style and taste to your wedding ensemble. They are a great project for beginners or experienced crafters. Like all veils, they are entirely optional. If choosing a veil, wings or a cape is stressful or challenging, skip it! Add flowers or jeweled clip to your hair instead. Or go unadorned. It’s your wedding, your style. For styling ideas, check out this post from One Blushing Bride.
Visit Denver DIY Bride’s Fashion & Beauty page for more DIY bride ideas and supplies!