What makes a veil cost what it does?

[Tybee]

Dear Everyone,

I must start this topic by saying that I have learned just about EVERYTHING I need to know from all of you!
So thanks in advance for any help you can give me on the followin question:

So excuse my confusion, but what makes a veil a quality veil?
I tried on a veil when I bought my dress that was listed at 450.00.
It was a long piece of tulle attached to a hair comb. It was pretty, and I liked it, it even had some pretty sequins on it, but how does this veil differ from the veils that I see listed on ebay for 30.00?
I don''t really need the sequins, in fact, I would rather have a simpler veil for my dress.
How did you brides pick out your veils?

If I purchase a less expensive veil, will people notice?

thanks all!
Tybee

 

[flopkins]

Honestly, I don't think there IS a difference from the ebay $30 and the salon $450. Really. Tulle (polyester/nylon - which is 99% of veils at stores) is about $1 per yard at the fabric store. It boggles my mind how much they charge for it at the salons. Unless you are paying for lace, silke tulle, detailed embroidery or beading, I would go for the cheapest you can find.

The veil my friend wanted for her wedding was $200 at the store. I made it myself for $50, and that was including the pattern, which was $15... so it was actually $30 for the materials.

Some of the expensive veils have nice metal/wired combs though, check for that because they hold much better than the cheaper plastic ones.. IMO.

ETA: Some sites will call tulle "bridal illusion"... as if it was something better than tulle. This is a load of s*** IMO. I have not been able to distinguish between them - thus, I think they are the same thing, they are just trying to rip you off.

try veilshop.com for exactly what you want - they have decent prices.

 

[qtiekiki]

If it''s just a simple tulle, I agree that it shouldn''t cost that much because tulle is so cheap. Llike flopkins, I made my own veils (an two tier elbow length with scattered pearls and a cathedral length with pearl edging) and it came out around $45. However it was a pain sewing on the pearl edging since I don''t know how to sew with a sewing machine, so I did it by hand. It took a lot of concentration and work, so I can understand why they would charge a lot for anything that required lace embroidery and beadings that can''t be machine sewn.

Since you want a simple veil, I would definitely go with ebay sellers or veilshop. I almost bought from both sites, but in the end I had the time and saved a few dollars even from those sites.

 

[Mara]

I don't think there is much difference....just insano markup!! On the simple ones that is. The edged ones or the hand-beaded, yes more work involved. But the basic one with the comb?

The veils I tried on in the store were not any more well-made than the one I got on eBay....if it had more sparkles or a tiara or something I guess that makes sense, but a basic veil is basic....I wasn't going to get one from the store for $300, no how and no way!! (esp since it's crumpled in my closet somewhere now...hee hee)

 

[kbarn21]

NOT to bust your bubble Flopkins....but Bridal Illusion Tulle is diffedrent from the tulle found in a craft store (the difference is the width and the material used to make the tulle).

I have started my own business making veils for people that are the same full, beautiful veils you find for several hundred....but of courese I don''t charge that since the bridal illusion, comb, and other thing needed to construct a veil are not expensive. The element that makes the store bought veils are twofold....1. time, and 2. mark up. my veils range from $50-$150 and can increase based on trims, edges, lace, etc.

My God Sister bought her veil online and paid $60....it was beautiful and no one knew that it wasn''t an expensive veil. Seriously no one is going to sit there during your ceremony and guestimate at how much your veil cost....they are there to see you and your fiance get married! Don''t worry about the little things, just enjoy the big picture!

 

[appletini]

I have been wondering the same thing myself...I will either borrow one or go to ebay. This thread has perfect timing.

 

[Tybee]

Appletini,
I''m glad.
lmurden inspired me to look at ebay since she got her wonderful veil there. I impulse bought one last night, and figured I would only be out 30.00 if I didn''t love it.

I get all my answers from pricescope! Thanks girls!

 

[lovelylulu]

hello ladies.

this is the perfect thread for me too!

but i''m in search of something a little different -- a lace veil. not the kind with a lace trim around the edge, but one that has a fairly delicate lace pattern all over. i''ve seen some described as belgium lace and think they are just so beautiful and perfect for my simple dress.

HOWEVER, i haven''t been able to track one down for under $$300-750!!!! I am looking for a longer veil, but even so i think that it''s ridiculous that a veil costs more than my dress!!!

does anyone have any suggestions -- other than making it myself -- which i don''t think i can do

thank

 

[njc]

Along with no one really noticing your veil (the quality), you may also want to take it off during the reception. I made it a point to keep mine on just becuase it was expensive.

 

[flopkins]

tybee- you must tell us how it turns out!

kbarn- perhaps I was a bit harsh in my opinion of bridal illusion, but what is it made of that is different from regular tulle? Most of the tulle and bridal illusion I have found (at both fabric stores and online) are nylon, and I have found tulle at the standard widths and at 108", which I use to make veils, no problem... There may be some differences in the netting, some claim it is softer etc... but my point is, you really should not be paying more than $2 per yard for tulle or bridal illusion, if you are making a veil yourself, and the term ''bridal illusion'' is often used to make the bride feel as if she is getting a far superior product than tulle - which I think is not always the case. The average bride is not going to be able to tell the difference, unless perhaps they compare the fabrics side by side - which is highly unlikely. Yes, there are differences in the quality of tulle - for example, the stuff at Wal-mart is not as good as the stuff I get from my local fabric store - the Walmart stuff is much rougher and the netting is slightly different. Then again, 100% silk tulle is $70/yard and also rougher than regular synthetic nylon.


lovelylulu- If you are looking for a quality lace veil, I doubt you will find anything less than the range you quoted. A friend of mine got a vintage lace veil from England (historical society) for $600 and her dress was $200. But she LOVED that veil, and it was absolutely stunning. She intends to pass it on as an heirloom. Good luck finding what you want!!

 

[lovelylulu]

hmmm. maybe i can find someone that is selling one...does anyone have any ideas about where to find a place like that. i know that people sell their once worn wedding dresses???

 

[flopkins]

lovelylulu-
I googled vintage lace veil and came up with this site:
http://www.honitonlace.com/

Don''t know if you''re in SF area, there''s a place in Berkeley I like:
http://www.lacis.com/
You might be able to call them and see if they can source what you''re looking for.