The Tulle Guide
While wedding veils can be crafted from many varieties of tulle, navigating the different textures and finishes can feel a little overwhelming at first.
In my studio, I hand-select every bolt and roll of fabric for its unique quality and movement. This guide is designed to help you distinguish the subtle nuances that make each tulle special, ensuring your veil complements your gown perfectly.
If you have any questions at all, please do get in touch - I truly believe there is no such thing as a silly question, and I love helping my brides find 'the one'!
How to Choose Your Fabric
Before you read further, consider these three elements of your bridal look:
The Silhouette: Do you want a veil that flares outwards slightly around your body, for a classic, airy look (like my Fine English Tulle & Firm Pure French Silk), or a veil that drapes softly to the floor and flows with your every move (like my Soft English Tulle, Italian Silk-Style & Soft Pure French Silk)?
The Dress Detail: If your gown has an intricate back or delicate lace you want to showcase, look for fabrics with high transparency that won’t mask the details.
The Finish: Consider the "sheen." Would you prefer a completely matte finish for a modern look, or a subtle shimmer that catches the light as you walk down the aisle?
THE TULLE LIBRARY
~ SOFT ENGLISH TULLE
A very soft, draping tulle, flowing and airy, very similar to silk tulle. No stiffness at all. When you're standing still, it falls straight downwards from the comb, and when you move it flows around you. In full-length bridal veils it pools on the floor in soft folds - so romantic and dreamy! A matte finish overall, but has a very slight sheen in some lights.
~ available in Pure White, Soft White, Ivory, Deep Ivory, Blush Pink and Rose Pink.
~ ULTRASOFT ILLUSION TULLE
A very soft, extremely sheer English tulle with a fine diamond-shaped weave and a gorgeous drape. A beautiful sheen to the surface when in sunlight or candlelight. ~ available in Soft White, Ivory and Blush Pink.
~ ITALIAN SILK-STYLE TULLE
A soft and drapey, luxurious tulle with a silky feel, like being enveloped in a soft cloud. Offering a similar look and effect to pure silk tulle. The Pale Ivory is perfect for wedding dresses that are off-white, while the Champagne Cream shade is worth seeing if your gown is a warm ivory, or has hints of champagne or blush. ~ Pale Ivory, Champagne Cream
~ FINE ENGLISH TULLE
A traditional luxurious tulle with more structure and body than the soft tulle, very sheer, beautiful and lightweight. When you're standing still it flares outwards a little, and when you move it holds its shape. Not at all hard or scratchy. As it has more structure than the soft tulles, it fans out around your train in the most stunning way in full-length bridal veils, and stays in that position more easily than the very fluid soft tulles. A matte finish.
~ available in Ivory, Soft White, Pure White, Champagne and Blush Pink.
~ FINE ILLUSION TULLE
A fine, transparent tulle, with more body and structure than the silky soft tulles. Similar to the Fine English Tulle, but with a diamond-shaped construction. A matte finish.
~ Pure White, Soft White, Ivory, Deep Ivory, Champagne
~ POINT D'ESPRIT
A soft and drapey, buttery soft dotted tulle with a pattern of oval dots woven into it, 1.5 to 2cm apart.
~ Pale Ivory (if you're looking for a different colour please contact me)
~ ITALIAN SPOTTED TULLE
A flocked polka dot tulle from the banks of Lake Como in Italy, this tulle has a little structure and body to it, and gives the most amazing retro feel to your bridal veil. A matte finish.
~ available in Ivory or White
~ SOFT PURE FRENCH SILK TULLE
An exquisitely soft 100% silk tulle manufactured in France, the same tulle as was used for Catherine, Princess of Wales' bridal veil. This is the most luxurious choice of fabric for veils and feels incredible against your skin. Nothing flows and drapes as beautifully as this fabric! A matte finish, but with a beautiful, very slight sheen in some lights.
~ available in Ivory or White, or a range of delicate, ethereal colours as a bespoke order
- FIRM PURE FRENCH SILK TULLE
A 100% pure silk tulle from France with a slightly more structured feel, with a volume and "body" similar to Meghan, Duchess of Sussex's bridal veil. This incredibly luxurious silk tulle is available in all widths from Narrow to Extra Full, depending on whether you'd like a sleek, understated wedding veil or a much fuller, more dramatic veil. A matte finish, but with a beautiful, very slight sheen in some lights.
~ available in Ivory only
~ SOFT ITALIAN TULLE
Similar in feel and appearance to the Soft English Tulle, but available in a wider variety of colours. Silky-feeling with a soft drape. Slightly less transparent than the Soft English Tulle. A great choice if you want a bridal veil that's not ivory or white! A matte finish.
~ available in Champagne, Blush (pictured below), Pale Pink, Shell Pink, Rose, Coral, Lavender, Honey, Mink, Light Silver, Gunmetal, Aqua, Mint
~ PEARL TULLE
A soft, drapey tulle embellished with hundreds of small pearls. The pearls are attached via tiny silver clasps at the back of the fabric. Such a chic and modern veil fabric choice! A slight sheen to the surface of the fabric.
~ Pure White, Ivory, Deep Ivory, Champagne
The Next Step
Now that you've discovered the different personalities of my artisan tulles, it's time to see them in person. Order a curated samples pack today, and take the first step towards a veil that feels as beautiful as it looks!
While photos are a wonderful starting point, nothing compares to seeing these tulles against your own wedding gown. Lighting, skin tone, and dress fabric all play a part in the final look. I always recommend having your samples in hand for your next dress fitting, to ensure the perfect coordination.
Torn Between Two?
If you’ve explored the guide and find yourself stuck between two textures or shades, I recommend ordering both! Seeing them side-by-side in natural light is usually the 'lightbulb moment' for most brides. Once your swatches arrive, feel free to message me with photos - I love helping with the final selection.
Still Unsure? Let’s Chat Fabric.
If you’ve read through the guide and you’re still not sure which tulle will best complement your gown, I’m here to help. Whether you're trying to match a specific lace or wondering about the "heaviness" of a drape, I’d love to offer my artisan perspective!
Please include your wedding date, and tell me about your dress (e.g., "It’s a heavy crepe" or "It has a lot of 3D lace", or include a link to your dress online if possible - this will help me to tailor my advice. Please also tell me which fabrics you're considering, if you have an idea (Soft English Tulle, Italian Silk-Style, Fine English Tulle, etc).
Alternatively, feel free to send a photo of your dress to hello@blossomandbluebird.co.uk