Crafting A Charming Wedding Hat: A Step-By-Step Guide

Whether you're the bride, groom, or a guest, a hat is a fun accessory that can top off your wedding look. From cowboy hats to vintage-inspired boaters, the possibilities are endless. If you're feeling creative, you can even make your own hat to complement your outfit and stand out from the crowd. When making your own wedding hat, it's important to consider your face shape, hairstyle, and eye colour. Be subtle with your choice of materials, and don't go overboard with too many feathers, beads, or other embellishments. You can also join a hat-making party to benefit from the expertise of professional milliners who can guide you in creating a unique and stylish hat for your special day.

Choosing the right design for your face shape

When making a cute hat for a wedding, it's important to consider the shape of your face to ensure the hat suits you and your features are flattered. Here is a guide to help you choose the right design for your face shape:

Oval face

An oval face is considered the ideal face shape as it can suit almost any style of hat. People with oval faces can experiment with different shapes and sizes to match their hat to their outfit or mood. Classic hats for an oval face include fedoras, sun hats, and wide-brimmed hats. If you want to be more adventurous, try a bowler hat, pork pie hat, beret, flat cap, or bucket hat. The only rule for oval faces is to avoid hats that make your face look too long.

Long face

If you have a long face, look for hats with a low crown and wide brim to help shorten the length of the face. Ideal hats include a fedora with a short crown and wide brim, a pork pie hat, or a wide-brimmed sun hat. Avoid beanies as these will elongate your face.

Round face

For a round face, choose hats with angular, rather than rounded, styles. Hats with a low crown and a wide brim will help elongate the face and give it a more angular appearance. A fedora, a trilby with a wide brim, a tall top hat, or a high crown hat are good options. A beanie hat pulled low over your face will also elongate your face. Asymmetric designs will also jazz up your outfit.

Square face

If you have a square face, soften the strong angular features with a hat that has rounded or curved edges. A fedora with a rounded crown, a bucket hat, or a wide-brimmed sun hat will work well. Wear brims at an angle to create flattering, soft shapes.

Heart-shaped face

Heart-shaped faces typically suit hats with medium brims that are wider at the bottom to help balance the proportions of the face. Hats such as a baseball cap, newsboy, or fedora will de-accentuate the wideness of the upper face and the narrowness of the jaw. Avoid floppy brims as the extra volume may appear exaggerated.

Diamond-shaped face

For a diamond-shaped face, how you wear the hat is important. Wear the hat further back on your head to mitigate the potential for a shortened face. Pick a beanie or pull-on hat that can be styled further back, or something with a shallow crown, like a pork pie hat.

Selecting the right materials

Colour

Firstly, consider the colour of your hat. If you have dark hair, avoid choosing a dark-coloured hat as it will blend into your locks. Instead, opt for bright and bold colours that will stand out. Conversely, if you have very fair hair, steer clear of pale colours, unless you are the bride, in which case a delicate ivory-coloured headpiece is a beautiful choice. For men, a classic panama hat in neutral colours like beige or grey is always a stylish option.

Face Shape

The shape of your face will play a significant role in determining the style and material of your hat. If you have a square jaw, softer lines will complement your defined features, while those with round faces can experiment with sharp angles and slants. Asymmetrical designs are universally flattering and can add a unique touch to your look. If you have an oval face, congratulations! You have the luxury of choosing from a wide range of hat styles and materials.

Type of Hat

The type of hat you choose will also dictate the materials you use. For a guest hat that is sure to impress, consider a floppy hat, a panama hat, a boater, or a cloche. These styles offer a variety of options and can be made from materials such as straw, wool, or felt. If you want to make a statement, a large-brimmed hat with extravagant patterns can be a show-stopper, but be careful not to obstruct the view of other guests! For men, the panama hat is a versatile choice that can be adapted to various shapes, including trilby, fedora, or traveller.

Occasion

Consider the occasion and the overall theme of the wedding. If you're attending a summer wedding, a straw hat like a fedora, panama, or boater can add a stylish and seasonal touch to your outfit. For a more formal or elegant wedding, a felt hat in black or neutral colours like the floppy or fedora style is a sophisticated choice. If you're the bride, a hat can be a beautiful alternative or addition to a veil, especially for outdoor ceremonies to shield your eyes from the sun.

Creativity

Don't be afraid to get creative and experiment with different materials. A couple of feathers, some beading, or structured sinamay fabric can add a unique and elegant touch to your hat. Ribbons, artificial flowers, and combs are also great options to enhance your hat's design and make it stand out. However, remember that less is more, and too much of one material or embellishment can detract from the overall look.

Knowing what hat to wear for your wedding role

Whether you're the bride, groom, or a guest, wearing a hat to a wedding can be a fun way to express your personal style and complete your outfit. Here are some tips to help you navigate hat etiquette for your wedding role:

Bride:

If you're the bride, the right hat, veil, or headpiece can enhance your wedding ensemble and make a stylish statement. When choosing your bridal headwear, consider the silhouette you want to create. Do you want to go bold and beautiful, or demure and elegant? You can also opt for a swoon-worthy tulle chapel veil or a duchess satin wedding hat. If you're having an outdoor wedding, especially in a sunny location, a hat can also serve a functional purpose by providing shade.

Groom:

For grooms, the decision to wear a hat depends on the formality of the event and the dress code. In traditional formal settings, such as church weddings, grooms are typically expected to go bare-headed. However, in less formal settings, wearing a hat can be a way to express your personal style. If you're concerned about balding or hair loss, consider a paperboy hat, fedora, or even a baseball cap in a darker colour to match your suit. Just remember to discuss it with your partner and choose something that aligns with the overall theme and style of your wedding.

Wedding Guests:

For female guests, the rules are a bit more flexible. You can choose to wear a hat, especially if it complements your style and aligns with the wedding's aesthetic. Just be mindful of the size of your hat, as you don't want to block someone's view during the ceremony. Fascinators or smaller hats like cloches or boaters are a good choice if you want to stand out without outshining the bride.

For male guests, the same considerations of formality and dress code apply as for the groom. If it's an indoor formal setting, a bowler hat or newsboy hat is appropriate. For informal settings, ball caps or cowboy hats can work. Remember, it's best to avoid wearing a hat to an evening wedding, and always remove your hat during the ceremony, especially in religious buildings.

In conclusion, when deciding whether to wear a hat to a wedding and what type to choose, consider the formality of the event, the dress code, the location, and the couple's preferences. Hats can be a fun and fashionable addition to your wedding attire, just make sure they don't detract from the happy couple's special day!

Making a hat with friends at a hat-making party

Invite Your Friends and Set the Mood:

Create invitations for your friends, letting them know about the hat-making party. You can set a theme or simply ask them to bring their creativity and enthusiasm. Prepare your space by laying out the materials, putting on some upbeat music, and arranging refreshments for your guests.

Choose the Right Materials:

Before the party, source a variety of hat-making materials, including different types of fabrics, ribbons, artificial flowers, combs, and bases. You can also provide feathers, beading, and sinamay, a woven fabric that holds its shape well. It's important to have a range of options so your friends can mix and match to create their unique hats.

Consider Face Shape and Colours:

Encourage your friends to design hats that complement their face shapes and wedding hairstyles. For instance, those with dark hair might opt for bright colours, while ladies with fair hair can choose bolder hues. Asymmetrical designs and softer lines often work well for square jawlines. Don't forget to consider the wedding colour scheme and the season when selecting colours and materials.

Provide Guidance and Expertise:

If possible, invite a professional milliner to your party or seek their advice beforehand. They can provide guidance on hat-making techniques, offer styling tips, and even help with sewing if needed. Their expertise will boost your confidence and ensure that your creations are both beautiful and secure.

Add a Personal Touch:

Suggest ways to add a personal touch to the hats. This could be in the form of a unique brooch, a personalised message, or a meaningful accessory. For instance, a hat for a honeymoon could feature the bride's married name. These special details will make the hats even more memorable.

Make it a Social Affair:

Hat-making can be a social and enjoyable experience. While you craft your hats, share ideas, offer suggestions, and admire each other's creations. You can even turn it into a hen party or a pre-wedding gathering, making it a fun and productive get-together with your friends.

Remember, the key to a successful hat-making party is to have fun, be creative, and support each other in crafting unique and stylish wedding hats. Enjoy the process, and you'll not only have beautiful hats but also wonderful memories with your friends.

Choosing a hat that matches your outfit and the wedding theme

Face Shape and Hair:

Firstly, consider your face shape. If you have a square jaw, opt for softer lines to complement your defined features. Round faces can experiment with sharp angles and slants, while asymmetrical designs flatter all face shapes. If you have an oval face, almost any style will suit you. Additionally, your hair colour and style should be taken into account. For instance, those with dark hair should avoid dark bases and fabrics, instead opting for bright colours that stand out. Conversely, very fair hair works well with pale colours, especially if you're the bride.

Materials and Colours:

When it comes to materials, be subtle and don't go overboard. A few carefully chosen elements, such as feathers, beading, or sinamay, can be more effective than an abundance of different materials. As for colours, if your dress is flashy and your accessories bold, opt for a hat in a neutral shade like beige or grey. For a summery feel, a straw hat like a fedora or boater is a great choice, especially when paired with warm-coloured braids. To exude elegance and sophistication, a black felt hat like a floppy or fedora style is a safe bet. If you want to stand out, choose a hat with large brims and unique patterns, but be mindful not to go overboard and look like a clown; pair such a hat with a classical and timeless outfit.

Wedding Theme and Dress Code:

Consider the wedding theme and dress code. For example, if you're attending a western-themed wedding, a cowboy hat would be a fun choice. Beach weddings call for sun hats or vintage-inspired boaters, while woven straw hats are perfect for summer beach weddings, and wool or felt hats complement fall and winter weddings. If the wedding has a regal theme, a fascinator adds a touch of royalty to your look, but be mindful of the dress code; fascinators may be more suitable for bridal showers or pre-wedding tea parties unless the invite specifically mentions hats.

Etiquette for Guests:

If you're a guest, avoid hats that draw too much attention unless the dress code or cultural attire dictates otherwise. Steer clear of large-brimmed hats that might obstruct the view of other guests, and ensure your hat's colour doesn't clash with your outfit.

With these tips in mind, you can confidently choose or create a hat that matches your outfit and the wedding theme, ensuring you look stylish and appropriate for the occasion.

Frequently asked questions