Bachelorette Veil for the Bride: Colours, Slogans & DIY

The veil is the bride’s signature piece, and at the hen do it’s often a touch more over the top than at the wedding. It visibly puts the guest of honour centre stage, costs little and can be made yourself in a few steps. Here’s everything that matters: popular colours and lettering, the right size and fastening, and a simple guide to making your own.

What makes a good bachelorette veil

Unlike the delicate wedding veil, the hen party veil is allowed to stand out and be tongue-in-cheek. A short slogan like “Bride” or “Bride to be” makes it clear straight away who the day is about. Traditionally, the veil stood for the transition into married life; at a bachelorette party today it’s mainly a fun accessory and a great photo prop.

What matters is that it sits comfortably all day. A well-fastened veil made of light tulle won’t get in the way when you’re clinking glasses or dancing, while a heavy or badly fitting one soon ends up in the handbag.

Which colour for the veil?

White or a pale shade such as cream or champagne is the classic. But many brides deliberately save the white veil for the wedding and go for a bolder colour at the hen do. Rose gold, pink, black or a strong red contrast with the outfit and feel less like a dress rehearsal. Above all, the colour should go with the rest of the crew’s look; there’s no fixed rule.

Lettering and slogans

The veil usually carries short lettering. These are especially popular:

• “Bride”
• “Bride to be”
• “Future Mrs.” or “Mrs. [Surname]”
• “Team Bride”
• “Officially Off the Market”
• “Last Night of Freedom”

If you want something of your own, our collection of the best hen party slogans has plenty of templates. Personalised veils with a printed name or date need a bit of lead time, but they’re worth it as a keepsake.

Size and fastening

The fastening decides whether the veil survives the day. Hair combs and headbands hold most securely and stay put even when dancing, while clips and Velcro sit more loosely and are better suited to calmer activities or short hair. When buying, look for an adjustable style, so the veil fits regardless of head size and hairstyle.

As for length: a short shoulder-length veil is practical and doesn’t get in the way, while a long veil looks more dramatic but needs keeping an eye on while you party. For a night of dancing, the shorter version is the more relaxed choice.

Making your own veil

A homemade veil is cheaper, more personal and a lovely gift for the bride. You don’t need much: about a metre of tulle or lace, a hair comb and a needle and thread.

1. Cut the tulle to the length you want and fold it loosely in the middle.
2. Gather the top edge with a few stitches until it’s as wide as the hair comb.
3. Sew the gathered edge firmly to the comb so the fabric falls evenly.
4. Decorate as you like with small rhinestones, pearls or iron-on lettering.

A lovely custom: all the guests write their name or a short message on the veil with a fabric pen, and it becomes a keepsake of the day.

Combining with a sash and crown

The veil comes into its own in combination. A matching sash and a tiara or crown make the bride unmistakably the guest of honour, while the crew appear as a team in coordinated shirts or accessories. Make sure the colours and style go together, or the look soon seems thrown together. You’ll find more ideas for the bride’s look in our guide to the bachelorette party. And if you’re planning the schedule as well as the outfit, our itinerary generator puts together a complete day from real venues.