Create A Wedding Fascinator: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wedding fascinators are a fun way to express personal style and honour tradition. They are a type of headwear accessory that looks like a hat but is not a full-sized hat. Fascinators are attached to the head with a clip, strap, or comb. Making a fascinator is an easy project that can be completed in an afternoon or evening. This paragraph will discuss how to make a wedding fascinator hat, from the materials needed to the step-by-step process, so that you can create your own elegant headwear for your next fancy occasion.

Choosing a fascinator style: vintage, modern, romantic, or edgy

When choosing a fascinator style, you can opt for vintage, modern, romantic, or edgy looks. Here are some ideas to help you decide:

Vintage Style

Vintage fascinators offer a glimpse into the past, evoking a sense of retro glamour. Think Hollywood charm, reminiscent of bygone eras. You can find vintage-style fascinators with classic silhouettes, intricate lace details, or feathers that add a touch of old-world sophistication. Some vintage fascinators draw inspiration from specific historical periods, such as the Roaring '20s or the Victorian era. They often feature unique embellishments like silk flowers, veils, or beaded lace, making them perfect for weddings, costume parties, or special occasions.

Modern Style

Modern fascinators showcase contemporary designs, incorporating sleek and stylish elements. These can include bold colours, unique shapes, and minimalist or intricate details. Modern fascinators often feature a combination of materials such as silk, wool, and feathers, creating a sophisticated and chic look. They are perfect for those who want to make a statement at weddings, parties, or even daily wear.

Romantic Style

Romantic fascinators exude charm and femininity, often featuring delicate details like flowers, bows, or soft pastel colours. These fascinators are perfect for weddings, garden parties, or any event where you want to embrace your romantic side. They add a touch of elegance and whimsy to your ensemble, with floral accents or flowing tulle creating a dreamy aesthetic.

Edgy Style

Edgy fascinators are for those who want to make a bold statement and stand out from the crowd. They often feature unique shapes, dramatic accents, or unconventional colour combinations. Think spikes, feathers, or bold embellishments that push the boundaries of traditional headwear. Edgy fascinators are perfect for those who want to showcase their unique sense of style and aren't afraid to make a fashion-forward impression.

Fascinators come in a wide range of styles, allowing you to find the perfect one that suits your personality and the occasion. Whether you choose vintage, modern, romantic, or edgy, your fascinator will undoubtedly add a touch of elegance and whimsy to your wedding ensemble.

Using a fascinator base

If you opt for a headband, you can glue your chosen creative accessories directly onto it. You can also create a base by cutting a circle out of felt and adhering it to the headband, hiding any stitches or glue on the underside of the fascinator.

If you prefer to use a clip or a comb, you can either glue or sew these to your fascinator base. For a comb, sew it inside the base. For a clip, you can glue the clip directly onto your base.

To create a base using felt, cut out a circle or oval shape that is large enough to hold all your creative elements without taking away from the beauty of your design. You can then carefully glue your chosen accessories, such as silk flowers, beads, feathers, ribbon, tulle, or jewels, onto the felt.

Once you have decorated your base, you can attach it to your chosen headband, clip, or comb. If using a headband, you can add an additional strip of felt to the back to give extra security to your fascinator.

Attaching the fascinator to your hair

Attaching the fascinator securely to your hair is essential, so it stays put throughout the event. There are several ways to do this, depending on your hair type and the style of your fascinator.

Firstly, you can use a clip. This is a common method, as it is quick and easy to secure and remove. You can buy fascinator bases with alligator clips already attached, or you can sew or glue clips onto a solid base. Clips are a good option for most hair types, but if you have fine hair, you may need to use additional grips or pins to ensure it stays in place.

Another option is to use a comb. Combs are a good choice if you have thick or curly hair, as they can be easily slid into place and provide a sturdy anchor for your fascinator. Again, you can buy bases with combs attached, or attach your own.

If you are concerned about the security of your fascinator, you could also use a combination of a clip and a comb. This will ensure it stays put, even with lots of movement.

Finally, some fascinators come attached to a headband, which can be a good option if you want to avoid any potential damage to your hair from clips or combs. Headbands are also a good option for those with fine or slippery hair, as they will not slide out easily.

Embellishing with flowers, feathers, or tulle

Embellishing your fascinator with flowers, feathers, or tulle is a fun way to express your personal style and make a statement. Here are some tips and ideas to get you started:

Flowers

Flowers, whether fresh or artificial, add a romantic and elegant touch to your fascinator. You can choose flowers that complement the colours of your outfit or go for a contrasting shade to make a bold statement. For a subtle look, opt for small blooms like baby's breath or delicate silk roses. If you want to make a bigger impact, go for larger flowers like peonies or orchids. You can attach the flowers to your fascinator base using hot glue or needle and thread. For a secure hold, consider using a combination of both methods.

Feathers

Feathers are a classic choice for fascinators and can add a touch of drama and glamour to your look. Choose from a variety of colours and sizes to create the desired effect. For a subtle approach, use small, soft feathers in neutral tones. If you want to make a statement, go for larger, more colourful feathers, such as ostrich or peacock feathers. Feathers can be attached to the base of your fascinator using hot glue. Play around with their placement to create a unique and eye-catching design.

Tulle

Tulle is a versatile fabric that can be used to create a delicate and ethereal look for your fascinator. To create a tulle halo effect, gather the top edge of the tulle by pleating it and stacking the pleats on top of each other. As you stack the pleats, gradually turn them to form a circle. Secure the pleats with clips and then stitch them in place. Continue this process until you have created a full circle of tulle pleats. Sew the tulle circle onto the fascinator base, centring it and stitching two small circles in the middle to secure it.

Feel free to mix and match these embellishments to create a unique and personalised fascinator. Get creative and experiment with different combinations of flowers, feathers, and tulle to make a statement at your next fancy event!

Buying a fascinator or making your own

Fascinators are bold, fashionable headpieces that are typically worn at formal events such as weddings, races, and other special occasions. They are often made using a combination of materials such as feathers, flowers, beads, and fabric. You can either buy a fascinator or make your own.

Buying a fascinator

If you're short on time or don't trust your crafting skills, buying a fascinator is a great option. Many online and brick-and-mortar stores sell fascinators, with some even offering custom-made pieces. When buying a fascinator, consider the following:

• Occasion: The type of event you'll be attending will dictate the style of fascinator you should buy. For example, a wedding or formal event calls for a more elegant and understated fascinator, while a derby or party may allow for a more fun and colourful option.
• Colour: Choose a colour that complements your outfit and suits the occasion. If you're attending a wedding, you may want to avoid wearing white to avoid upstaging the bride.
• Size and weight: If you plan to wear your fascinator for an extended period, opt for a smaller and lighter option to ensure comfort.
• Attachment: Fascinators can be attached to the head in various ways, including headbands, combs, clips, or straps. Consider your hair type and preferred positioning when choosing an attachment type.
• Price: Fascinators can range from affordable to quite expensive, so set a budget before you start shopping to avoid overspending.

Making your own fascinator

Making your own fascinator can be a fun and creative project, allowing you to design a unique headpiece that perfectly suits your style and outfit. Here are some things to consider:

• Materials: Fascinators can be made using a variety of materials, including feathers, flowers, beads, fabric, and more. Choose materials that complement each other and suit the occasion.
• Base: The base of your fascinator can be a headband, a plastic hair comb, or a circular piece of felt or other fabric. The base provides the structure for your fascinator, so choose something sturdy.
• Design: Before you start crafting, do some research and decide on a design. Look for inspiration online or in magazines, and create a mood board to help you visualise your final product.
• Time and skill: Making a fascinator can take a few hours, and while it doesn't require expert crafting skills, a basic level of sewing and gluing ability is needed.
• Cost: The cost of materials will vary depending on the type and quality you choose. Buying materials individually can add up, so consider using leftover craft supplies or decorations to keep costs down.

Frequently asked questions