For those of you who didn’t see the news last week, I am now collaborating with veil designer and creator, Rebecca Anne Designs, to complete your whole bridal look. As well as having a bespoke accessory made by me, we can now design it around your bespoke veil. I have an absolutely stunning one off design in my studio for you to see!
Rebecca’s ethos is very similar to mine, we want to make you a unique creation which you can treasure forever. What does it mean to have a bespoke wedding veil made? Rebecca has embroidered a veil full of words and images that told the couple's story, including the place they got engaged. She has also drawn motifs of special flowers with another image or words hidden within the design for subtle meaningful additions - particularly reminding them of those who can't be there. Some choose to have the date they met as well as the wedding date embroidered. How special is that?!
Hello Rebecca, thank you so much for joining me on my blog! I’m so excited for our collaboration! I’d love to ask you some questions so our readers can get to know you a bit more…
Where are you based?
Thanks for having me. It’s such a pleasure to work alongside a fellow bespoke designer - I was honoured when you asked to offer my services alongside your own as we work in such a similar way! I work from my studio in Taunton, Somerset, but work with brides all over the U.K and beyond. Most of my bespoke brides work with me ‘virtually’ through emails and video consultations. I love finding out where my brides are from when they get in touch - I love how the set up of my business means I can ‘meet’ brides from anywhere in the world!
How did you get into making veils?
My background is in Fashion Design which I studied at University. Following an award with a British bridal designer, my internship led me to fall head over heels in love with bridal. I went on to manage bridal boutiques for almost a decade so I have lots of experience in styling which is very useful in guiding my brides when they’re unsure on styles and lengths. I adored working alongside brides and wanted to keep my hand in designing so it was a no-brainer to set up my own label.
Rebecca Anne Designs began in 2015 and I finally turned my passion into my full time job in 2020 when I rebranded and decided to solely focus on bespoke embroidered veils.
Do you only do bespoke or do you have an online collection you can buy from?
The main service I offer is bespoke but I do have an online collection too. At present my collections include The Wildflower, The Celestial and The Script. Brides can find these online to purchase through the website where they can select the style and length as well as adding personal touches such as their wedding date. I have found many brides use the collections as inspiration to work directly with me on a bespoke veil design. Bespoke means having a unique design made especially for you.
What have been your favourite bespoke requests?
I think my favourites so far have been those that are incredibly personal to the bride. I have a few script veils in particular in my design schedule for weddings this year that include such meaningful quotes and I feel so honoured to know the stories behind them. It’s a real privilege to stitch.
Do you have a choice of fabrics and colours?
I have a beautiful tulle I use which is perfect for the art form of embroidering such a delicate fabric. I mainly work on a light ivory with silky ivory thread but my suppliers have a range of colours so if a bride has a dress which is perhaps more of a champagne or rose colour then I can source a tulle and thread to closely match.
What sort of veils do you do?
All of my veils can come in any length - even if you are buying from the collection online and can’t see the length you’d like, it can be done! Every veil, whether it's from the collection or entirely bespoke, is made-to-order. This means your veil is made from scratch when you order. Many brides go for the long sweeping cathedral length which tends to be created anywhere between 99” and 118”. And I also have a lot of brides going for the 44” fingertip length which is perfect for those wanting something more relaxed for a micro wedding or if they want to feel comfortable wearing it all night dancing! Another option for the modern bride is to have a tulle cape rather than a veil. The current collection has a drape cape which can be attached at the shoulders of your dress but I've also created other styles which will be added to the collection later this year to purchase or inspire my bespoke brides!
Do your brides have to have an exact idea of what they want or can you guide them with a design if they are unsure?
Absolutely not! I have such a mix of enquiries. Some brides have seen my previous work or current collections and know exactly what they’d like. Others just admire my designs and know they want to work with me but aren’t sure where to begin. The best thing to do is get in touch! Even if that first enquiry is ‘this idea may sound crazy but could we….’, the answer is usually YES! The beauty of bespoke embroidery is that pretty much anything is possible and it’s such a lovely journey discussing the ideas and coming up with a final design together.
What is the lead time when working with you on a bespoke veil?
My main collection pieces are 6-8 weeks but bespoke can be a lot longer and my design schedule often ends up booking up beyond that. It is always best to get in touch as early as possible to begin the process of discussing design ideas because although my lead times are as mentioned, I can only take on so many commissions a month so once it’s booked up… it’s booked up!
What if I have decided to have a veil at the last minute, is it too late?
I always leave a little wiggle room for rush orders and usually have the capacity to accept a simple design for a quick turn around. So never be put off to get in touch and see!
How can I work with you to create a veil that will compliment my headpiece from Claire Austin?
Claire has such beautiful pieces - imagine having a veil to match! I have designed veils before with embroidery pattern work inspired by the shapes in my bride's headpiece. Together we can discuss the different ways we can place the pattern work onto the veil in a way that you’d love. Once you’ve chosen your piece from Claire, she can send me some detailed photographs of your accessories, or drawings of your bespoke design, and I can create a veil to compliment it. Thank you so much Rebecca! Your veils are absolutely beautiful, such imagination and craftsmanship goes into them, you are so talented!
I think I'd better introduce myself in case you are a first time reader of my blog! My name is Claire and I am an award winning wedding hair accessories designer from Torquay. Each and every one of my pieces has been carefully handcrafted for you, and only you, to wear with confidence on the most important day of your life. Working from my coastal studio, I create bespoke bridal accessories with a focus on style and sustainability, from stand out statement headpieces to ethereal and elegant hair vines.
Using only the finest materials, my designs are lovingly crafted using an array of Preciosa gemstones, Czech glass beads, pearl and seed beads, crystals and delicate diamantés. I hand-wire each creation using silver plated, champagne gold or rose gold wire for an extra dash of luxury.
I make hair vines, hair combs, pins, tiaras, crowns and earrings - the list is endless! My ceramic flowers are very popular and I can hand paint them to your chosen colour theme. Brides often like to have white flowers for their accessory and painted flowers for their bridesmaids and maid of honour hair pins. They make a great bridesmaid gift and are something they can have forever to remind them of your special day.
My headpieces are wonderfully flexible and can be worn in a variety of different ways, so if you’ve got your heart set on a particular hairstyle, you can count on a ‘Claire Austin’ piece to complement it perfectly. Each and every design can be worn with a veil, so the choice really is yours!
I really love the idea of making a headpiece with your veil in mind. Rebecca can compliment the flowers and materials we choose in her embroidery and perhaps if you have a special keepsake in your accessory like a loved one's brooch, Rebecca can pair it with their name or special date. The possibilities are endless!
I offer exclusive appointments in my studio for design consultations. We’ll sit down together with a glass of bubbly and a slice of cake in my studio for your exclusive design consultation. If you don’t live locally, we can arrange a video call to talk through the design online so that I can get to know you and your personality, whilst walking you through the materials and styles on offer or I can send you images and videos of materials via email or social media before coming up with a design – you’ll have the same experience except you won’t be physically in the room with me! Together, we’ll discover ideas within your dress, colour scheme, bouquet and more, unravelling layers of inspiration and capturing your unique style.
If you'd like to book a design consultation in the studio or online please send me a message via my contact form or on social media. I look forward to hearing from you :)
Thank you so much for reading - let me know what you think in the comments!
Love Claire xxx
Photos by Mark Bamforth Photography and Yeti Film
