How to Attach Your Veil to a Headpiece | Step-by-Step Guide
Your wedding veil is more than just a piece of fabric—it’s the finishing touch to your bridal look. Whether you’re going for a classic cathedral veil or a whimsical birdcage style, knowing how to attach your veil to a headpiece properly ensures that everything stays secure and looks stunning from the aisle walk to the final dance.
If you’re wondering how to attach your veil to a headpiece with ease and confidence, you’re in the right place.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process step-by-step and share a few handy tips so you feel wedding-day ready!
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
Before you begin the process of attaching your veil to your headpiece, it’s important to gather all the necessary tools and accessories.
Having everything within arm’s reach will make the process smoother and less stressful, especially if you’re doing a trial run or getting ready on your wedding day.
First and foremost, you’ll need your veil—whether it’s a fingertip-length, chapel-length, or birdcage veil, this is the key element of your bridal ensemble.
Next, select the headpiece you plan to wear. This could be a decorative comb, a classic tiara, a minimalist headband, a romantic floral crown, or even a barrette. The type of headpiece you choose will determine how your veil is positioned and secured.
You’ll also need a good supply of bobby pins, preferably in a color that matches your hair, to help anchor both the veil and the headpiece in place. These will be essential for holding everything steady throughout the day.
Step 2: Understand Your Veil and Headpiece Structure
Before attaching anything, take a moment to closely examine your veil and headpiece so you understand how they’re constructed. Most bridal veils come with a small plastic or metal comb already sewn in at the top.
This is what allows the veil to be secured into your hair. If your veil doesn’t have a comb, don’t worry—it’s quite easy to add one.
You can either hand-sew a comb onto the veil’s base or use small clips to attach it temporarily. Some brides even opt for Velcro strips or mini claw clips for a more secure, removable option.
The structure of your headpiece will greatly influence how the veil is positioned. For instance, if you’re wearing a comb or tiara, the veil can either be placed underneath or above it, depending on whether you want the headpiece to be visible from the front or if you prefer a more subtle, layered look.
With a headband, veils are typically placed underneath so the band remains the visual focus.
On the other hand, if you’ve chosen a floral crown, the veil is usually attached to the back and secured with bobby pins or clips.
Step 3: Prep Your Hair
Once you’ve gathered your supplies and understood the mechanics of your veil and headpiece, the next step is to prepare your hair. This step is crucial because how your hair is styled can affect how securely your veil and headpiece will stay in place.
Begin by styling your hair in your desired bridal look. Whether you’re going for an elegant updo, a romantic half-up, half-down style, or free-flowing curls, make sure the area where the veil will be attached—usually at the crown or back of your head—has enough texture and volume to grip onto.
To create this texture, you can gently backcomb or tease the section of hair where the veil comb will be inserted. If teasing isn’t your style, you can use a texturizing spray or light hair spray to add a bit of grip.
This is especially important if you have fine or slippery hair, as a smooth surface can make it difficult for the comb or pins to stay put. Once the hair is prepped and ready, you’re all set to begin attaching your veil to your headpiece.
Step 4: Attach the Veil to the Headpiece
Now comes the exciting part—attaching your veil to your chosen headpiece. The exact method will vary depending on what type of headpiece you’re using. Here are some of the most common combinations and how to secure them:
Option 1: Headpiece with Built-in Comb
If your headpiece features a built-in comb, like many tiaras, vintage clips, or decorative combs, the process is fairly straightforward.
First, position the veil comb in your hair—either just above or just below where you want the headpiece to sit. If you want the headpiece to be the focal point, place the veil underneath it. If you prefer the veil to drape from the very top, place it above.
Once you’ve chosen your placement, insert the veil comb into your hair at a slight downward angle, which helps it grip better and sit flush against your head.
Then, place the headpiece comb either just in front of or behind the veil comb. Finally, use bobby pins to secure both pieces by crossing the pins in an “X” shape over each comb for extra hold.
Option 2: Headband or Hair Vine
If you’re working with a headband or flexible hair vine, start by placing the headband securely on your head. Make sure it’s comfortable and won’t slide as you move around.
Next, insert the veil comb into your hair at the crown or the base of your chosen hairstyle, usually underneath the headband. This keeps the comb hidden and allows the veil to flow naturally from beneath the accessory.
To finish, use bobby pins to anchor both the veil and the headband discreetly. If the headband has loops or openings, thread the pins through them for a more secure fit.
Option 3: Floral Crown
For brides embracing a bohemian or rustic vibe, a floral crown makes a beautiful statement.
Start by placing the crown where it feels most comfortable—typically across the forehead or near the top of the head. Once it’s positioned, tuck the veil underneath the back of the crown.
Then, use small bobby pins or discreet hair clips to anchor the veil to either the crown itself or directly into your hair beneath it. Make sure everything feels snug and lies flat. After you’ve secured the veil, do a gentle tug test to ensure it’s stable.
This method gives you a whimsical, romantic look while ensuring everything stays in place throughout your special day.
Step 5: Test for Security and Comfort
Once your veil and headpiece are both attached, take a few moments to test the security and comfort of your entire look. This step is often overlooked but makes a big difference in how confident and carefree you’ll feel during your wedding day.
First, gently shake your head from side to side to mimic the natural movements you’ll make throughout the day. If anything feels loose or unstable, reinforce it with a few extra bobby pins or adjust the placement of the comb.
Next, ask a bridesmaid, stylist, or friend to inspect the back of your head to ensure everything is lying flat and evenly balanced. Check for any visible pins or awkward gaps between the veil and headpiece.
If the setup feels too tight, too heavy, or causes discomfort, now is the time to make adjustments. You can redistribute the pins, move the veil slightly higher or lower, or even try a different configuration to get the best fit.
Remember, you’ll be wearing this look for hours, so it should feel secure and comfortable from ceremony to reception.
Conclusion
Attaching your veil to a headpiece doesn’t have to be stressful—it’s all about choosing the right placement, using a few trusty pins, and giving yourself time to practice before the big day.
Whether you’re DIY-ing or working with a hairstylist, understanding the process can give you peace of mind and help your bridal look shine.
So take your time, do a few test runs, and don’t forget to snap a few selfies during the trial—after all, this is the moment you’ve been dreaming about!