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

A fascinator is a bold headpiece worn near the front of the head, usually on one side. It is often chosen as an alternative to a traditional hat for special occasions such as weddings. Making your own fascinator can be a fun project and is surprisingly easy to do in an afternoon or evening. This guide will take you through the steps to create your own unique and stylish wedding hair fascinator.

Characteristics of a Wedding Hair Fascinator

Choosing the right fascinator

Style of the Wedding

Consider the type of wedding you will be attending. If it is a formal and extravagant affair, you might want to opt for a traditional fascinator with a classic shape. If the wedding is more intimate and cosy, you could choose a smaller, elegant accessory.

Your Role in the Wedding

If you are the mother of the bride or groom, you may want to make a statement with a larger headpiece. Just ensure that it does not obscure the bride's face.

Colour Scheme and Personal Taste

Think about the colour scheme of your wedding outfit and the wedding's overall colour scheme. You can either match your fascinator to your outfit or choose a contrasting colour to make a statement. If you are wearing a subtle and monochrome outfit, for instance, you could add a splash of colour with your fascinator.

Size of the Fascinator

Select a fascinator size that complements your hairstyle. If you plan to wear your hair up and slicked back, a small fascinator would be a good choice. For hair that is up in a loose style, opt for a medium-sized fascinator. If you prefer to wear your hair down with some volume, especially if you have thinning hair, go for a larger fascinator.

Material and Season

Consider the season and choose a material that is appropriate for the weather. For a summer wedding, select a light and breathable material to stay cool. For weddings during colder months, opt for thicker materials such as wool or felt to keep you warm.

Securing a fascinator

Securing your fascinator is key, especially if you want to avoid it falling off and ruining your whole day. There are four main ways to secure a fascinator: using a headband, a hair clip, a comb, or elastic.

If your fascinator is a large showpiece, opt for a headband for added stability. A plain, smooth-surfaced headband that is at least 1 inch wide is best. Avoid any bumps or glitter on the surface that might interfere with the glue. Try the headband on first to ensure it is not too tight. Ideally, the underside of the headband should have some texture, which will help keep the fascinator in place. Apply a thick line of hot glue to the headband and press the fascinator base onto it. Hold it in place for 30 seconds to ensure it is secure.

For a much smaller fascinator, such as a delicate silk flower, use a hair clip. Avoid small clips, as they may not be strong enough to keep the fascinator in place. A large metal hair clip of at least 3 inches is best. Apply hot glue to the top of the clip and press the fascinator base onto it.

You can also use a comb to secure your fascinator, especially if it is a large showpiece. Slide the comb forward into your hair until it grips firmly, rather than sliding it back, which is a common mistake.

Elastic is another great way to secure your fascinator. It is more subtle than a headband but still secure when fitted properly. Try wearing the elastic behind your ears and around the nape of your neck. You can also use an elastic band to secure the fascinator by pulling your hair back into a chignon and fastening the elastic behind your hair. Pull some hair over the elastic to hide it and use a grip to secure any loose strands.

To ensure your fascinator stays in place, wash your hair the day before so it is not too slick, and backcomb your hair for added grip. Spray your hair with hairspray for extra hold.

Fascinator size and hair length

Smaller Fascinators for Shorter Hair

Smaller fascinators tend to look most striking with shorter hair. If you have short hair, a large fascinator may overwhelm your face and get lost in your hairstyle. Opt for small fascinators to complement your hair and outfit. Beret-shaped fascinators, in particular, work well with short hair.

Secure with Headband or Clip for Very Short Hair

For very short hair, look for fascinators with a headband or clip attachment. A fascinator headband uses an Alice band or hairband, usually fabric-covered to match the fascinator or your hair colour. A fascinator clip is typically a standard beak or alligator clip, ideal for securing smaller, lightweight fascinators.

Medium-Length Hair and Fascinators

For medium-length hair, you have more options. Secure your fascinator with a comb or clip, depending on what feels comfortable and secure. Combs work well with thicker hair as they need hair to grip onto. Clips, on the other hand, are suitable for most hair types and lengths.

Long Hair and Fascinators

Long hair can accommodate most fascinator styles, but consider the weight of the fascinator. Larger fascinators may require a headband for added stability, especially in windy conditions. You can also experiment with different positions to find the most flattering angle for your head shape and hairstyle.

When making a wedding hair fascinator, remember that the right size and attachment method will depend on your hair length and personal preference. Smaller fascinators with clips or headbands tend to work well for shorter hair, while medium and long hair can support a wider range of styles.

Fascinator material

Fascinators are the perfect accessory to elevate your wedding look. When it comes to choosing the materials for your fascinator, there are a few key elements to consider. Firstly, decide on the base material. Felt is a common choice for the base, as it is sturdy and can be easily cut into the desired shape, such as a circle, teardrop, oval, triangle, square, or star. The size of the base can vary depending on your preference, ranging from 3 to 5 inches for a dainty or dramatic look.

To add volume and coverage, you can layer mesh or tulle over the felt base. Sew the mesh or tulle onto the base using a needle and thread, ensuring that the colour of the thread matches the material. Feathers are another popular choice for creating a feathery base or adding volume. Hot glue is ideal for attaching feathers to the felt base. You can also use fringe trim glued along the outer edges of the base to hide any visible edges.

For embellishments, consider using ribbon, silk flowers, beads, sequins, paste-gems, or buttons. Create ribbon loops by folding and stapling the ribbon, then glue them onto the base. Silk flowers can be glued onto the fascinator, with the stems cut off to create a flat surface. Beads, sequins, or buttons can be glued onto the base to add extra sparkle.

When attaching the fascinator to your hair, opt for a sturdy headband or a large metal hair clip. Avoid using combs or small clips as they may not provide enough stability. The headband or hair clip should be smooth and plain, without any bumps or glitter. Ensure that the headband is snug but not too tight for a secure fit.

Colour combinations

When choosing a colour for your fascinator, consider your hair colour. If you're a redhead, deep green, teal, purple, navy blue or cobalt blue would work well. For blondes, try scarlet red, cobalt blue, light pink, taupe or coral. Brunettes should opt for bright shades such as hot pink, red, yellow or navy blue. And if your hair is grey, choose a warmer red, maroon or dark blue fascinator.

You can also add colour to your fascinator with flowers, feathers, ribbons or beads. For example, if you have a pink felt base, you could add pink dyed feathers. Or, if you have a green felt base, you could add peacock feathers. Silk flowers come in almost any variety and can be purchased from craft supply stores or online.

Don't be afraid to experiment with different colour combinations to find the perfect look for your wedding hair fascinator!

Frequently asked questions