Can you fix a hole in a veil?

Can you repair a veil that's been ripped or has a hole in it? Well, it depends. We'll discuss some of the common types of veil damage and how they can be addressed.

Finding a tear or hole in your wedding veil is a moment that can induce immediate panic before your wedding day. Snags, holes and tears in wedding veils can be caused when the veil is dragged over the sharp edges of furniture, jewellery or fingernails, or even accidentally stepping on the train with bare feet or heels. Often noticing a hole or tear comes at an inopportune time, and is a common discovery when pulling out heirloom veils from storage or when borrowing a veil from a friend who had previously worn the veil to their wedding. So, can you repair a veil that’s been ripped or has a hole in it? Well, it depends on the type and extent of the damage, as well as its location.

1. Tears and holes on a wedding veil

Small tears: Whether you should attempt to fix a small hole or tear depends on its location. If the tear is on the blusher which will sit over your face, any attempts to repair the tear will be visible. However, if the hole is positioned down the veil and nestled within gathers, it’s more likely to be less noticeable so delicately stitching the fabric together with invisible or very fine thread is an option to minimise the visibility of the repair. Avoid glues and instead focus your repair work with a needle and clear thread.
Larger tears and holes: For larger holes or tears that are caused by heels on the train or from furniture, we recommend trimming the veil from the point of the tear. Unfortunately this will dramatically reduce the length of the veil which can be a heartbreaking realisation for many brides.
Tears and holes close to the edge: If the hole or tear is near the edge of the veil, it may be possible to trim back the width of the veil to remove the damage. This is an effective option if your veil has a raw edge (no trim) and features a wide width.

Above: A small tear can be carefully repaired with a fine monofil transparent sewing thread. Align the fabric and stitch in a zig zag formation to close the hole. Unfortunately it will still be visible but is an option for small tears in an inconspicuous location.

Above: Where a large tear or hole is on the train or at the edge of the veil, we recommend trimming the veil from the point of the tear. Unfortunately a tear of this size is difficult to disguise. The result will be a shorter or narrower veil.

2. Detached lace or embellishments

If the lace trim or applique has come loose on your veil, they can be carefully re-stitched to the veil with invisible thread or thread that matches the colour of the veil. This requires precision to ensure the lace aligns perfectly with the existing pattern and doesn’t warp the fabric.

If beads, sequins or other embellishments are missing, replacements can often be sewn on. Finding identical or similar replacements is crucial for maintaining the veil’s original look.

3. Frayed edges on a raw edge veil

Frayed edges can be trimmed and rolled edges can be re-hemmed to give the veil a new, neat finish. Depending on the veil’s style and your preferences, this might involve a simple rolled hem or the reattachment of lace or ribbon edging.

We recommend trimming the veil with sharp tailor scissors to ensure a clean, crisp edge. Paper scissors or scissors that aren’t designed for tulle fabrics and netting will damage the veil.

4. Rips at the comb or attachment point

If the veil has torn away from the comb, it can be difficult to reattach comb if the veil itself is torn. However, it will depend on whether the veil is a drop veil (no gathers) or a gathered veil. Doing so may change how the veil sits at the top of your head, so this will depend on the location of the rip or hole.

5. General weakening or age-related damage

For older veils that have become fragile or weak, reinforcement may be necessary. This could involve adding a second layer of tulle to a gathered veil to supporting the delicate fabric.

6. Repairs may minimise the visibility of the tear but won't remove them

Tulle and netting fabrics are unforgiving, and the very nature of fine fabrics makes them difficult to successfully repair. While some types of veil damage can be repaired or disguised, the success of the repair depends on the skill of the person doing the work and the extent of the damage. For minor issues, DIY repairs might be possible, but for more serious damage, any attempts at repairs will still be visible and may take away from the beauty of your veil.

Above: The tear can be stitched together to prevent further rips, however it will still be visible.

7. Buy a new veil or consider transforming the veil into a new one

If the veil is plain, it may be possible to repair the veil by adding patches of lace appliques. This will transform the veil into an embellished veil but could be an option to disguise the hole if the veil has sentimental value to your family. In instances of large tears and holes, purchasing a new veil may be the best option if length is important to you. This may also be a good option if your wedding dress is simpler with no detailing, so as it will be difficult to disguise the damage.

If your veil is embellished at the top section of the veil (near the comb), it may be possible to trim off the veil from the point of the damage. While not ideal if you envisaged a long veil with your dress, a waltz length or fingertip veil is a flattering length that suits many dress silhouettes.

Need personalised styling advice?

We are here to guide you through the exciting journey of accessorising your wedding dress and bridal looks.

We would love to work with you to bring together your vision. Email us photos of your wedding gown, bridal hairstyle and examples of styles you love from our collection. We can then get back to you with ideas and recommendations.

SHOP READY TO SHIP VEILS

Our collection of ‘ready to ship’ wedding veils are available for domestic or international express shipping.

DANCER | Waltz length veil
$ 195.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
CALLA LILY | Sheer wedding veil
$ 315.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
AUDREY | minimalist wedding veil
$ 295.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
THE WALTZ | Ballet veil
$ 215.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
AVA | Elbow length veil
$ 125.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
BLAIR | Sheer fingertip veil
$ 165.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
PARKER | Birdcage Veil
$ 85.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
MARISA | sheer fingertip veil
$ 145.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page