Creating A Navy Wedding Hat: A Step-By-Step Guide

Navy wedding hats are a popular choice for those seeking a modern take on traditional occasionwear. With a variety of styles available, from wide-brim hats to petite headbands and oversized asymmetrical pieces, navy wedding hats can be crafted from a range of premium materials, including tulle, lace, satin, silk velvet, chiffon, velvet, and organza. Many online retailers, such as Etsy and Amazon, offer a diverse selection of navy wedding hats, with prices catering to various budgets.

Choosing the right fabric

When it comes to choosing the right fabric for your navy wedding hat, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, you'll want to select a fabric that complements the overall style and theme of your wedding. Navy is a versatile colour that can be paired with various fabrics to create different looks, from elegant and sophisticated to fun and whimsical. Here are some fabric options to consider:

• Satin: Satin is a luxurious and elegant fabric that can give your wedding hat a sleek and sophisticated look. It has a beautiful sheen that will add a touch of glamour to your ensemble. A satin hat in navy can be an excellent choice for a formal or evening wedding.
• Silk: Silk is another luxurious fabric option that will give your wedding hat a delicate and refined appearance. It is known for its softness and lustre, making it perfect for creating a romantic and elegant look. A silk hat in navy can be an ideal choice for a spring or summer wedding.
• Velvet: Velvet fabric adds a touch of opulence and warmth to your wedding hat, perfect for a winter wedding. It has a soft, plush texture that can elevate the sophistication of your hat. Look for silk velvet or crushed velvet in navy to create a unique and lavish statement piece.
• Tulle: Tulle fabric is often associated with weddings due to its delicate and ethereal quality. It can add a whimsical and fairy-tale-like touch to your wedding hat. Consider a navy tulle hat with intricate detailing or embellishments for a unique and dreamy look.
• Lace: Lace fabric is romantic, intricate, and timeless. It can add a touch of vintage elegance to your wedding hat. A navy lace hat can be an excellent choice for a vintage-themed or outdoor wedding. Look for delicate lace patterns that complement the style of your dress.
• Organza: Organza is a lightweight and airy fabric that can give your wedding hat a delicate and ethereal appearance. It is often used in layers or ruffles to create volume and texture. A navy organza hat can be an excellent choice for a summer wedding, as it will keep you looking cool and elegant.

When choosing the right fabric for your navy wedding hat, consider the season, venue, and overall style of your wedding. Select a fabric that not only complements your dress but also reflects your personal style and makes you feel confident and comfortable on your special day.

Adding embellishments

Feathers

Feathers are a popular choice for wedding hats and can add a touch of elegance and drama. You can find navy hats with feathers already attached, or you can purchase feathers separately and attach them to your hat base. Feathers come in various sizes and styles, so you can choose something subtle or go for a more statement-making look.

Veils

A veil can add a touch of mystery and glamour to your wedding hat. Opt for a birdcage veil that covers part of your face or a blusher veil that falls over your eyes. Veils can be attached to the hat base or secured with a clip or headband.

Flowers

Flowers are a versatile embellishment that can be used to create a romantic or whimsical look. You can choose artificial flowers in navy or complementing colours, such as cream or pink. Look for flowers made from materials like silk or satin for a luxurious feel.

Bows

A bow can be a beautiful and elegant addition to your wedding hat. Tulle, satin, or velvet bows can be attached to the side, back, or top of the hat. Play with different sizes and textures to create visual interest.

Beads

For a touch of sparkle and glamour, consider adding beads to your wedding hat. You can sew beads onto the hat base or attach them with fabric glue. Choose beads in complementing colours or go for a subtle touch of sparkle with clear or iridescent beads.

When adding embellishments to your navy wedding hat, consider the overall style and theme of your wedding and choose decorations that reflect your personal style and taste.

Using a fascinator base

Once you have your base, you can start to decorate it. One option is to add 1 or more layers of mesh or tulle. You can sew this on with a needle and thread, or you could use glue. You could also add a fringe trim to the outer edges of the felt circle, using hot glue to secure it.

Now it's time to add your embellishments. You could try ribbon loops, a spray of feathers, or a silk flower as a centerpiece. You could also add beads, sequins, paste-gems, or buttons. Get creative and add anything you like!

Finally, you'll need to attach your fascinator base to a headband or hair clip. Make sure you use a smooth-surfaced headband or hair clip that's at least 1 inch wide. Apply a thick line of hot glue to the top and press the felt disc onto it. Hold it in place for about 30 seconds to ensure it's secure.

Incorporating navy into the design

Navy is a versatile colour that can be incorporated into a wedding hat design in many ways, from subtle hints to bold statements. Here are some ideas to consider when making a navy wedding hat:

Fabric Choice

Navy is a rich and elegant colour that can be the primary shade of your hat's fabric. Consider using textiles such as tulle, lace, satin, silk velvet, chiffon, velvet, or organza in a deep navy hue as the base for your creation. These fabrics offer a range of textures and sheens, adding depth and dimension to your design.

Dramatic Details

For a bold statement, incorporate dramatic details in navy. Oversized bows, feather accents, veils, and botanical-inspired panels can be crafted from navy fabrics or adorned with navy embellishments. For instance, a large navy satin bow can be the focal point of your design, or a veil can be accented with navy lace trim.

Contrasting Colours

Navy pairs beautifully with a variety of colours, so consider incorporating contrasting hues. For a classic combination, pair navy with crisp white, creating a striking visual appeal. Alternatively, you can opt for softer contrasts, such as cream, ivory, or blush pink, which complement navy elegantly. These colour combinations can be used for the hat's base, accents, or both, creating a cohesive and stylish design.

Embellishments

Embellishments are a wonderful way to incorporate navy into your design. Consider adding navy-hued beads, pearls, or crystals to your hat. These embellishments can be sewn onto the fabric, glued in place, or attached with a delicate wire. They will add a touch of sparkle and elegance to your creation.

Feathers

Feathers are a popular choice for wedding hats, and they come in a variety of colours, including navy. Consider using navy feathers as accents or as the main feature of your hat. You can choose long, dramatic feathers that cascade down the side of the hat or opt for shorter, softer feathers that create a more subtle effect.

Sourcing materials

Fabric

Navy wedding hats can be crafted from a variety of fabrics, each offering a unique look and feel. Tulle, lace, satin, silk velvet, chiffon, velvet, and organza are all popular choices for wedding hats. These fabrics offer a range of textures, from the soft and flowing chiffon to the structured and luxurious satin. Consider the overall style you wish to achieve and select a fabric that complements it.

Embellishments

Embellishments are key to creating a stunning navy wedding hat. Feathers, flowers, bows, veils, and other decorative elements can be added to your hat to give it a unique and elegant touch. Feathers, for instance, can add a dramatic and elegant flair, while bows and flowers provide a charming and whimsical feel. Embellished veils are also a popular choice, offering a touch of mystery and glamour. Consider combining multiple embellishments for a truly unique hat.

Hat Base

The base of your hat is its foundation. You can find ready-made hat bases online, such as cartwheel or pillbox-style bases, which provide a great starting point for your creation. These bases are often made from materials like sinamay, a natural straw fibre, or felt, offering a sturdy and malleable surface to work with. When choosing a hat base, consider the size and shape that best suit your desired hat style.

Trimmings

Trimmings and ribbons can add a polished and elegant finish to your hat. Look for navy-coloured trimmings, such as grosgrain or satin ribbons, to complement the colour of your hat. These trimmings can be used to create decorative accents, such as bows or trim lines, adding a touch of sophistication to your design. You can also opt for feathers or veiling in navy to create a cohesive and stylish look.

Headbands

Many navy wedding hats incorporate headbands, which provide a comfortable and secure way to wear your creation. Look for navy-coloured plastic or fabric headbands that can be easily incorporated into your design. You can decorate the headbands with feathers, flowers, or other embellishments to make them stand out. Alternatively, opt for a simple, sleek headband to let the hat take centre stage.

Frequently asked questions