What Fabric Are Wedding Veils Made From? A Bride’s Guide
When brides start shopping for a veil, one of the most common questions is ‘what fabric are wedding veils actually made from?’
It’s a great question, because the fabric you choose affects the drape, feel, and overall look of your veil. From soft and floaty to structured and dramatic, different fabrics create very different styles.
Here’s your simple guide to the most popular veil fabrics, plus tips on how to choose the right one for your dress and wedding day.
The Most Common Fabric for Wedding Veils: Tulle
When you picture a wedding veil, you’re almost certainly thinking of tulle. This is the most popular fabric because it’s lightweight, sheer, and beautifully versatile.
Synthetic Tulle: Can be made firm or soft, and comes in different weights. Perfect for both short and long veils.
Silk Tulle: The most luxurious option. It drapes beautifully and feels incredibly soft and delicate. Silk tulle is the perfect choice for a couture veil.
Illusion Tulle: Very fine, sheer, and often used for single layer veils or minimalist looks where you’d like something light.
Tulle is also the best choice for embroidered veils, since it provides the perfect canvas for floral or personalised designs. Read on for more specific details about tulle.
Organza
Organza is a sheer, lightweight fabric with more structure than tulle. It has a subtle sheen that catches the light, making it a glamorous option for brides who want a little extra drama.
Looks crisp and holds its shape.
Best for shorter veils, as long lengths can feel a little stiff.
Chiffon
Chiffon is soft, floaty, and opaque compared to tulle. It gives a very romantic, flowing effect, almost like wearing a cloud.
Moves beautifully in the breeze.
Works well for modern, bohemian, or outdoor weddings.
Less common than tulle, but very elegant.
Lace
Lace veils are timeless and romantic. Sometimes the entire veil is made of lace, but more often, lace is used as a trim along the edges of tulle.
Works beautifully with lace wedding gowns.
Can add vintage or heirloom inspired charm.
Embroidered lace trims make a veil feel extra special and can be matched to your wedding gown.
Other Fabrics You Might See
English Net: Softer and less sheer than tulle, with a beautiful drape. A great alternative for brides who want more coverage or a heavier weight fabric.
Silk Organza: Similar to standard organza but more luxurious, with a lighter hand feel.
Velvet Ribbons or Satin Edges: Not full fabrics, but trims that can change the whole look of a veil.
How to Choose the Right Veil Fabric
When deciding on fabric, consider:
Your Dress: Aim to complement or mimic the style of your wedding dress in your veil. For instance, is your dress silk? A silk veil would likely pair best. Does your veil have lots of light layers and movement? You might want to choose a similarly light and very sheer veil. Does your dress have a lace trim or appliques? Aim to find a veil that brings similar or complementary lace so that your dress and veil looks cohesive.
Your Venue: Outdoor weddings often suit chiffon or lighter tulles that move in the breeze.
Your Style: Do you want crisp and modern, or soft and romantic? The fabric sets the tone. If you’re unsure, contact a veil designer or your boutique.
Your Budget: Silk fabrics are more luxurious, whilst synthetic tulle is more budget friendly. However, embroidery, embellishments and adding lace or appliques will affect the cost and overall look of your veil.
ARE ALL SYNTHETIC TULLES THE SAME?
Not at all!
Veil, accessory and wedding dress designers will know the correct tulle to complement your dress most. Synthetic tulle (which is the most commonly used fabric) can come at many different price points and in very firm, crisp weights, to incredibly soft or extremely sheer.
Make sure to convey the ideal effect you want to create and keep in mind that fabric will have a large effect on the final wedding veil.
Most wedding veils are made from tulle, but there are plenty of beautiful options depending on the look and feel you want. Whether you choose airy chiffon, structured organza, or a delicate lace trimmed design, your veil fabric will play a big role in how your bridal look comes together.
If you’re considering a bespoke embroidered veil, choosing the right fabric is especially important, it’s the foundation for the embroidery and ensures your design looks and feels exactly how you imagine it.
We specialise in embroidered veils! For more veil inspiration click one of the links below and become a Bespoke Bride.
Veils by Natasha Nicole Studio - Photography by Toria Frances
