What fabrics are wedding veils made of what is the right option for you and your dress? As you start to get into the nitty-gritty of color, length, trims, and fabrics, it can feel a bit overwhelming.

I am going to break down the pros and cons of the different veil fabrics so that you can decide the right fabric choice for your wedding. Regardless of your personal or bridal aesthetic, there is a veil fabric that will make you feel beautifully bridal and special.   

Bonus: Make sure to request your free sample swatches if you have a few that you are interested in. 

Bridal Illusion Tulle

Bridal illusion tulle is the sheer fabric that is used on almost all wedding veils.

It is softer than traditional tulle – this is not your traditional “ballerina skirt” scratchy fabric. It comes in a wide variety of colors. It’s beauty is in the ultra see-through nature, which makes it ideal for any bride who wants to wear her veil over her face. After all, we don’t want to cover up all that gorgeous make-up you had done on your special day! 

Brides who suffer from headaches or migraines will appreciate how whisper-light the illusion tulle is on the head. You won’t even realize you’re wearing anything at all!  

 

I also appreciate how this fabric holds its shape and has more body and structure than other fabrics. If you request to have your veil made from the widest 108'' width bridal illusion tulle fabric and with a gathered stitch at the top, then it creates a traditionally puffy layering that frames the face as sweetly as a dream.

 

Pros	Cons
Ultra see-through can be designed to create extra full and puffy designs lightweight ideal for blushers over the face come in the widest 108’’ width option available in almost all colors	too lightweight to achieve a good drape if you are wanting a draped style cape or draped bridal veil

 

Glimmer Bridal Illusion Tulle 

This is a variation on the traditional bridal illusion tulle. Instead of a matte finish, it has the most subtle shimmer effect that picks up the lights on your wedding day.

The glimmer is woven into the weave of the fabric, so you won’t get sparkles falling off of this fabric.

 Since this fabric is a variation of the traditional bridal illusion tulle, this fabric has all the same prose and cons. With one very important additional bonus though - It is beautifully sparkly! 

 

English Net

English net, also sometimes known as Spanish tulle, is a super-soft netting that is perfect for brides who want the exquisite softness of silk without the outrageous price tag.

This netting is ideal for soft capes or veils because of its pliable nature. It is more see-through than chiffon yet not quite as sheer as traditional bridal illusion tulle. English netting also gives a slightly more vintage feel to your wedding veil.

The unbelievable luxury of the English net fabric means that you can keep the other veil embellishments more simple and let the fabric speak for itself. This luxe net has made a huge comeback in recent years and is now incredibly popular for modern brides.

 

For brides who are wanting a draped cape or draped veil, you will need to use a heavier and weightier fabric in order to achieve a graceful drape, and English net is my top choice for this.

 

 

Pros	Cons
Feels luxurious to the touch Achieves a good drape if you are looking into the draped style capes or bridal veils	not always available in the widest 108’’ width – it is typically available in 52- 60’’ width.

Pure Silk Veils

Made from the cocoon of the silkworm, this incredibly delicate fabric was made famous by the royals.

To truly feel like a queen, why not explore a pure silk veil? Be prepared with the cost that comes with it though. Genuine silk tulle generally starts at $60 - $100+ per yard. 

While I adore the natural elegance of this fabric, I am not as much a fan of how careful you have to be with it as it snags and tears easily. The inner little girl in you probably loves Meghan Markle’s 16 foot silk veil, but if you want a 16 footer silk masterpiece then make sure that you have a team of people to help you so that the silk veil does not snag.

 

Pros	Cons
the ultimate in luxury and known for being the highest quality	not vegan-friendly can be more difficult to care for

Silk Blend

 A more cost-effective version of the pure silk veil, this silk look-alike has all the beautiful draping qualities of the silk while being easier on the wallet.

It drapes like a dream and is one of the most popular options for minimalist and classic brides alike. You’ll fall in love with the gentle glide of this fabric against your skin. It is fit for a princess.

 

 

Pros	Cons
pure sophistication and luxury ultra soft and gentle against the skin more durable than silk comes in a variety of colors and widths	cannot achieve the “puffy” style of veil with this fabric as it is too weighty

Chiffon 

Be mesmerized by this vintage-inspired fabric that is the perfect combo of glamour and vintage style.  Unlike traditional tulle, this fabric does not have holes. Because of this, it is not as transparent. It is more opaque. It is also a heavier weave that ends up giving a very vintage-esque feel to any wedding veil style. It hangs straight down and without any of the “fluffiness” of a more classic illusion tulle veil.

If you are loving the simplicity of a raw edge or cut edge veil, then I would steer away from this fabric as it can fray without a proper edging. This fabric must be trimmed with a pencil edge, beading, or a lace trim so that it doesn’t unravel. 

 

 

Pros	Cons
more vintage feeling drapes beautifully ideal for vintage lovers perfect for draped cape veils	must be lined or trimmed or else the fabric will fray not ideal for blusher veils

Organza 

Similar in nature to chiffon, my brides fall head over heels for the slight sheen of the organza and the more structured design that really makes a statement.  This fabric also does not have holes. Because of this, it is less see-through. This fabric looks stunning trimmed with a pencil edge, beaded rim, or a lace trim.

  

 

Pros	Cons
vintage with a modern twist drapes beautifully provides an air of mystery because of its more opqaque nature has a subtle sheen	must be lined or trimmed or else the fabric will fray not good for blushers

Swiss dot

Be feminine and fun in a dainty polka dot tulle that adds texture and dimension to your bridal look. The elegance of this fabric is in how just how small these polka dots are - it adds a unique texture without taking over.

 

 

 

Pros	Cons
subtle texture that photographs beautifully fun and playful perfect for brides who want a bit more coverage around shoulders	more limited in color options

 

Russian Net Veils

Russian net is almost always exclusively used for the birdcage or bandeau style veil that seductively graces the eyes and nose.

This fabric has a very retro vibe with large holes. It is also called the “Merry Widow” fabric, but don’t let this odd name dissuade you from embracing the glamour of this large-weave fabric. I also love how this fabric looks for small fascinators and sweet hats.

 

Nontraditional Patterned Mesh Tulle: 

 

These more bold patterned fabrics are for the daring, statement-making brides.

Whether you are embracing twinkling star-studded tulle or a floral-embroidered netting, the sky is the limit for fabrics that alternative brides have been using for their wedding veils.

 

Pros	Cons
allows you to show off your personality with a customized print or design the nontraditional nature is a fun touch for photographers who love to play with accessories that are more unique	must keep your other jewelry more simple in order to pull off a statement piece like this.

Frequent Questions Brides Ask about Bridal Veil Fabrics 

What colors are veil fabrics available in?

You are going to get the largest range of color options if you choose a bridal illusion tulle or a silk blend fabric.

Most bridal illusion tulles are available in the following colors:

"White" - is a pure, bright white (similar to bleached paper).  If your dress is listed as just "White" (without anything additional), then this is the right color for your veil. Please keep in mind that most dresses are not a pure white though.

"Off White" - also called Diamond White or Silk White. It is just a tad bit darker than white. It is a color between white and ivory, but is closer to white on the spectrum. Diamond white wedding veils are perfect for “natural white” dresses, pearl, and even diamond white gowns.

"Light Ivory" - This is the most popular color. It is an ivory with less yellow undertones than a true ivory. Pairs perfectly with light ivory and ivory gowns.

"Ivory" - has warm creamy undertones. Pairs well with creamier pearl, vanilla, cream, eggshell, and ivory gowns. This color is ideal for you if your dress has strong "yellow" undertones to it.

"Blush" - a romantic neutral with an understated touch of the palest of pinks. Very close to champagne.

"Rosette" - a more bold and rich pinkish rose hue.

"Nude" - an earthy beige. Darker than champagne.

"Glimmer" - a neutral cream color with a subtle sheen and sparkle

Key Takeaway: Your wedding veil or cape does not have to match the color of your wedding dress exactly. In fact, it generally looks best in photos to have your veil be just slightly lighter in color as it brightens everything up. If you have a more unusual colored gown, then you will most likely need a bridal illusion tulle veil as you will have a broader range of color options.

How wide are the different veil fabrics?

Bridal illusion tulle is almost always available in the widest 108’’ width tulle fabric. If your gown has a very wide train, then make srue to go with a fabric that is 108’’ in width so that you keep the proportions in line. Some of the silk blend fabrics also come in the widest 108’’ width option.

All fabrics can be cut down in width if you prefer a style that is a bit more narrow. For reference, below is a 54’’ width veil that is stunning in the simplicity and ethereal narrow drape.

What style is best for my wedding dress?

Different fabrics evoke different feelings. Each has a beauty of its own. I suggest requesting some tulle samples to match with your gown before you buy your veil. If you are a visual person like me, then I know that this will help narrow it down.

If you're still undecided, a traditional illusion tulle wedding veil or silk blend works beautifully with most bridal dresses. These are the most common fabric choices.