Common Wedding Veil Embellishments
Types of Bridal Veil Add-Ons and Recommended Applications
May 25, 2009
There are, however, some things to consider before choosing an embellished veil. Know what to look for in a quality embellished veil before making a purchase. Some materials will stand the test of time, while others will yellow and deteriorate. Some embellishments photograph better than others. There are a number of factors to consider when choosing to have something scattered across a bridal veil.
Scattered Pearls
Scattered pearls offer a lovely, classic look. This style is best suited to a dress that already has pearl beading. It can be difficult to find a veil maker that uses genuine pearls, rather than artificial ones, on a veil, but if the bride wants to save the veil for posterity, genuine pearls are preferred. Swarovski glass pearls are the second best choice.
Scattered Crystals
Swarovski crystals provide the best sparkle and flash. Some Chinese manufacturers are starting to make reasonable crystals, typically marketed as “celestial crystals,” but they do not yet come close to creating the same sparkle and quality as Swarovski. If a bride wants a bit of crystal sparkle, Swarovski is the only way to go. Swarovski crystals should only be sewn on, not glued on.
Scattered Pearls and Crystals
For the bride who wants the sparkle of crystal and the slightly more dominant element of scattered pearls, a mix of both can be added to a veil. Typically, this creates a busier look. While usually embellishments should reflect some element of the wedding gown, sometimes a very elaborate veil looks best with a very simple gown.
Scattered Rhinestones
Again, Swarovski is the standard of excellence, and Swarovski rhinestones give even more sparkle and fire than their crystals (aka beads made out of leaded crystal). Rhinestones are flat-backed and are glued to a veil, so if a blusher is being used, it is important to know if the rhinestones are being glued to both sides of the veil (sandwiching the tulle in between the two rhinestones, so that sparkle is seen from both sides).
Scattered rhinestones should always be very small, no more than 3mm in diameter maximum. Because scattered rhinestones are flat-backed, larger rhinestones can catch the light from flash photography badly, and show up as black dots on the veil. Using very small rhinestones makes this undesirable effect extremely unlikely.
Scattered Flowers
Silk flowers can be sewn to a veil to create a gorgeous garden-party look. This is especially lovely on chapel and cathedral length veils, where the bulk of the petals and flowers can be concentrated near the bottom of the veil, away from the face, where such a dramatic element can distract from the bride.
The best veils with this embellishment feature handcrafted flowers made from genuine silk, rather than a synthetic that can yellow over time and isn't suitable for saving for future generations. Silk flowers should always be sewn, not glued on.
For more information on veils, read about veil fabrics, common edgings, and unusual edgings.
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