Crafting Hats Fit For A Royal Wedding

Hats and fascinators are a staple accessory at royal weddings, with guests often wearing bold, creative, and innovative designs. When creating a hat for a royal wedding, it is important to consider the latest trends, such as tilted disc-shaped hats, berets, feathers, and colourful designs. The type of hat chosen may also depend on the season, with darker colours typically chosen for sombre occasions and lighter colours for celebrations. It is also essential to ensure the hat is comfortable and secure, as strong winds can be a challenge for guests at outdoor royal weddings.

Choosing a hat colour that matches the outfit

Choosing a hat colour that matches your outfit is an important consideration when preparing for a royal wedding. Here are some tips to help you select the perfect hat colour to complement your ensemble:

Consider the Colours in Your Outfit

Start by examining the colours of your outfit and the hat you plan to wear. If you have multiple coloured hats to choose from, think about which colour will best match the other colours in your outfit, such as your pants or shirt. You can create a simple yet elegant monochromatic look or add a pop of colour with your hat. Play around with different hues and see which combinations complement each other.

Multi-Coloured Hats

Multi-coloured hats are a great way to add a splash of colour to a neutral outfit. You can also match a multi-coloured hat with brighter items, but be careful not to overdo it to avoid looking like a circus clown.

Match with Shoes or Shirt

Another way to colour-coordinate your hat is to match it with your shoes or shirt. For example, a black hat pairs well with black shoes, such as sneakers or boots. A white shirt, on the other hand, can direct focus away from your torso towards the more colourful parts of your outfit. In this case, adding a neutral-coloured hat can create an interesting casual look without any bright, vibrant colours.

Black Hats

When it comes to versatility, black hats are an excellent choice as they complement both casual and formal outfits, adding a touch of sophistication. Beige or tan hats are also versatile options, offering subdued elegance suitable for various occasions and colour palettes.

Seasonal Colours

Consider the season when choosing your hat colour. For winter, brown, black, and grey hats are excellent choices to keep you warm and stylish. Spring is a great time to experiment with colours, patterns, and materials. Opt for light neutral colours, such as dusty pink. In summer, straw hats in light colours like off-white, cream, ivory, and light brown are perfect for protecting you from the sun while adding a dreamy touch to your outfit.

Hat as a Statement Piece

If you want your hat to be a statement piece, consider adding a pop of colour or choosing a unique shape. Royal weddings often showcase unusual and over-the-top hat designs, so don't be afraid to stand out.

Remember, the most important thing is to have fun with your hat choice and feel confident and comfortable in your royal wedding ensemble!

Picking a hat shape that is easy to wear

When it comes to picking a hat for a royal wedding, there are a few things to keep in mind. While there doesn't seem to be a specific type or style that is more appropriate, there are certainly some shapes that are easier to wear than others. Here are some tips to help you pick a hat shape that is both stylish and comfortable:

Go for a tilted, disc-shaped hat: According to leading British luxury milliner Vivien Sheriff, tilted disc-shaped hats are expected to be a popular choice as they are very easy to wear. They offer a good balance between elegance and comfort, ensuring you don't feel hidden by your hat.

Consider a blocked beret: Berets, especially the blocked beret shape, are a favourite among the royal family. They can be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion, and are a great choice if you want something a little more elaborate without sacrificing wearability.

Think about the season: Consider the season and choose a hat that complements the weather. For example, for a sombre occasion in the spring, you might opt for something subtle made out of straw.

Keep comfort in mind: Hats should be comfortable and easy to wear, especially if you're not used to wearing them regularly. Make sure the hat you choose is not too heavy or cumbersome, and consider the climate to ensure you don't get too warm.

Choose the right size: While bigger hats can be eye-catching, they can also be bulky and difficult to manage. Consider the size of the hat and how it will fit with your outfit and the venue. You don't want it to be so big that it casts a shadow on your face or gets in the way when greeting guests.

Don't forget the headpiece: If you're looking for something a little more understated, a fascinator can be a great choice. Fascinators are smaller, brimless hats that are usually attached to the hair with a clip or comb. They can be just as elegant and stylish as a full hat, but are often lighter and less cumbersome.

When choosing a hat shape for a royal wedding, it's important to strike a balance between style and comfort. Go for something that complements your outfit and the occasion, but also ensures you feel confident and comfortable throughout the event.

Using headbands, combs, elastic, or hat pins to secure the hat

When it comes to securing your hat for the royal wedding, there are several options to choose from, each with its own advantages and considerations:

Headbands

Headbands can be an effective way to secure your hat, especially if you have a sitting hat, such as a pillbox, that sits on top of your head. You can attach a thin elastic cord specifically designed for hats to the headband. These elastics are typically 11 or 12 inches long and have small metal barbs at the ends for secure attachment. You can purchase these elastics in various colors to match your hair color. Alternatively, you can create your own elastic by buying elastic cord and cutting it to the desired length. However, ensure you make a large knot at the ends to prevent slippage.

Combs

Combs are another option to secure your hat and can be easily stitched onto the hat's inner band. They are a good choice if you prefer a more hidden method of attachment. Additionally, combining a comb with a hat pin can provide extra security and a decorative touch.

Elastic

Hat elastic is a versatile and well-hidden option for securing your hat. You can attach it to each side of the hat, adjusting the length as needed. Hat elastic is typically available at any haberdashery store. When using elastic, ensure you create two small holes in the ribbon inside the hat, usually made of Petersham or millinery grosgrain material, to attach the elastic securely. The elastic should go underneath your hair, with the holes placed at the midpoint of each side of the hat near your ears.

Hat Pins

Vintage hat pins are a traditional and decorative way to secure your hat. You can find them in vintage stores, Etsy, or even thrift stores if you're lucky. Hat pins offer a secure hold and add a stylish touch to your royal wedding ensemble.

Selecting a hat with a brim

When selecting a hat with a brim for a royal wedding, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, the size of the brim can vary, from wide-brimmed styles to smaller, tilted disc shapes. The former provides a more dramatic and elegant look, often favoured by royalty and seen on notable guests such as Queen Margrethe II of Denmark, who paired her hat with an all-blue ensemble. On the other hand, the smaller, tilted disc hats are easier to wear and provide a more subtle statement.

The shape of the brim can also be varied, from flat brims adorned with floral details, as seen on Kate Middleton at Meghan and Harry's wedding, to curved brims that can be angled to one side for a jaunty, fashionable look. The placement of the brim can be varied too, with some hats having a brim that sits right at the top of the head, like Princess Anne's floral topper, or lower down, almost covering the eyes, as seen on Princess Diana's sister-in-law at Harry and Meghan's wedding.

The colour of the hat is another important consideration. For a royal wedding, bold and bright colours are often chosen, with guests opting for shades of blue, purple, and green. At Prince William and Kate Middleton's wedding, electric blue was a popular choice, with both Tara Palmer-Tomkinson and Princess Eugenie of York opting for this shade. However, it's important to note that softer, more understated colours can also be chosen, as demonstrated by Queen Elizabeth's daughter-in-law, Sophie Helen Rhys-Jones, who wore a hat in an understated shade that complemented her elegant coat.

Lastly, the brim of the hat can be adorned with various embellishments, such as feathers, flowers, or veils. For instance, at Princess Eugenie's wedding, Kate Middleton chose a burgundy fascinator with a bouquet of flowers and a matching veil. Alternatively, a simpler approach can be taken, with a brim that is plain and devoid of any embellishments, allowing the shape and colour of the hat to make a statement, as seen on Princess Beatrice at Zara Phillips' wedding.

Deciding between a hat or a fascinator

The Occasion

According to British Vogue editor Bronwyn Cosgrave, a fascinator is a "lighter alternative to a hat" and is more appropriate for events like the Royal Ascot. She notes that a royal wedding calls for something more, and fascinators are typically worn by younger women, while older women tend to opt for hats.

The Outfit

When choosing between a hat or a fascinator, consider the style of your outfit. A hat can add elegance and sophistication to your look, while a fascinator can be a fun and creative accessory. If you're going for a bold and statement headpiece, British milliner Janie Lawson advises keeping the rest of your outfit "demure, simple, and elegant".

Personal Preference and Comfort

Ultimately, the decision between a hat or a fascinator comes down to personal preference and comfort. Hats can be more cumbersome and may cast a shadow on your face in photos, while fascinators are typically lighter and less likely to block your radiance. However, if you're not used to wearing hats, a fascinator might be a more comfortable option as they are often attached with a headband, comb, or elastic, ensuring they stay securely in place.

Etiquette

While there is no strict etiquette requiring you to wear a hat or a fascinator to a royal wedding, it is considered part of the social fabric in British society. According to British milliner Louise Green, "For a royal wedding, especially in England, it has to be the hat... You can't go to the royal wedding without a hat."

The Weather

Consider the season and the weather on the wedding day. For example, for a sombre occasion in spring, a subtle straw hat might be more appropriate, while a colourful and elaborate hat or fascinator could be a perfect choice for a royal wedding in the sun.

Frequently asked questions