Sash + Veil: dreamy, handmade wedding veils + accessories

I spent hours and hours trawling the internet for my wedding accessories, I was absolutely convinced I wouldn’t be wearing a veil.

In the end, my veil turned out to be one of my favourite pieces on the day. I genuinely don’t think I’d have even tried one on, had the lady in the wedding dress boutique not encouraged me, but once I did try, I was absolutely smitten. And, I have to confess – whilst my veil was being created, I’d spend ages prancing (preening?) at home in front of the mirror with a bed sheet trying to, you know, recreate all the veil feels 😉

It’s much easier for brides now two finds  a gorgeous veil online and with that in mind, please allow me to introduce you to Sash + Veil this afternoon – I’m going to let founder and veil/accessories designer Heather do the talking. Having been a fashion designer for a number of years before transitioning across to bridal, Heather is perfectly placed to have an eye for spotting trends and then translating them into the more timeless, accessible and covetable bridal accessories.

Photography by Kathryn Hopkins

“My signature style is ethereal draping veils embellished with watercolour tinted lace, clusters of twinkling crystals and pearls or veils scattered randomly with real flowers. I also have a collection of simple, elegant raw edge veils in shades ranging from pure white and milky ivories through to soft aquas and subtle blush pinks.” 

“Attention to detail is of paramount importance to me and I only use soft delicate and ultra sheer tulles paired with gold, silver or rose gold plated veil combs, wrapped in silk satin to coordinate with the veil.”

“My customers tend to be brides-to-be seeking a beautiful, fashion-forward veil but with the addition of an extra something to make it unique – this might be beading, sequins, embroidery, an embellished veil comb, or simply a soft coloured veil or perhaps a piece which incorporates your own elements to personalise it and make it special to you.”

“I graduated from Ravensbourne with a degree in Fashion and Textiles and the showpiece from my Final Collection was a hand-embroidered wedding dress and a commission I worked on in my first job after graduation was a very long veil scattered all over with tiny silk flowers – I think it all begun here!”

“I discovered my love of surface decoration during my college days and while my fellow students were tackling new software technology to design fabrics, I went off in the opposite direction, spending hours hand-embroidering and beading fabrics to use in my designs.   The decorated fabrics I use for my veils are always hand-embellished by me. I dislike the regular mass-produced appearance of pre-beaded fabrics and so I apply the pearls, crystals and sequins individually myself to achieve the effect my brides choose.”

“After graduating, I worked in several fashion studios in London learning couture hand sewing techniques and there honed my passion for beautiful fabrics, beading and trims before making the transition to bridal accessories, and these days predominantly wedding veils.”

“When I first started making veils, I chatted with my brides to find out what was important to them when choosing accessories, and most importantly their wedding veil. What could I provide that they were unable to find elsewhere? With this in mind, each of the veils in my collection has been thoughtfully designed with my customers’ needs in mind.”

“For example, my signature “Gemma” draped veil is created for a bride who wants a veil with a unique, unusual design but which doesn’t detract from her dress. It is also the perfect veil design to showcase your bridal hairstyle, draping gracefully around the back, leaving your hair and neck and the back of your dress exposed.”

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“My very versatile waterfall cut veils are the perfect choice if you are looking for a veil which can be pulled forward across your arms and shoulders without the need for a bolero or cover-up.  Brides often choose a waterfall cut veil to accessorise a strapless dress or to offer some coverage during the ceremony, the veil can then be pushed to the back for photos or to create a different look.”

“Many brides who come to me can’t find the right colour veil and so I can dye my tulle to your own choice of colour.  If you are looking for a veil to match or contrast with your dress, shoes or flowers maybe, I have the expertise to do that too.”

“Many of the veils leaving my studio are custom commissions and I am always very excited when a bride comes to me with her own ideas. I love working together with my customer to create a veil unique to her. I am currently reworking a customer’s mother’s veil into a piece for her own wedding. The original veil has a few small tears and marks so it has taken some rethinking and careful cutting to come up with a new design but it is so special to take this beautiful piece and prepare it to be worn at another wedding.”

“I have a large, airy studio in Colchester where I welcome brides to make an appointment to come along with your dress, your tribe and your Pinterest board, have a try-on and I can help you to choose the perfect veil.”

“For brides not close enough to come in, I offer a telephone consultation service and I am always happy to post out fabric samples and sketches and from there we can work via email or Skype to create your dream veil.”