Crafting Wedding Fascinators: A Guide To Making Your Own

Fascinators are a popular choice of headwear for weddings. They are a great alternative to a traditional hat and can range from large, extravagant showpieces to smaller, elegant accessories. In this article, we will explore the different ways to make fascinators for weddings, including choosing the right style, colour, and size, as well as providing a step-by-step guide on how to make your own fascinator at home. We will also discuss the different ways to secure a fascinator and offer tips on how to complement your look with this fashionable accessory.

Choosing the right fascinator

Style of the Wedding

The type of wedding you're attending will influence your choice of fascinator. If it's a formal and extravagant affair, you might opt for a traditional fascinator with a classic shape. On the other hand, if the wedding is more intimate and low-key, you may prefer a smaller and simpler design.

Your Role in the Wedding

If you're the mother of the bride or groom, you might want to choose a larger and more statement fascinator to stand out and make an impression. Just be careful not to obscure the bride's face!

Colour Scheme and Personal Taste

Consider the colour scheme of your wedding outfit and the wedding's overall theme. You can either match your fascinator to your outfit or use it as an opportunity to add a pop of colour. Choose a style and colour that align with your personal taste and the level of formality you want to convey.

Size of the Fascinator

Fascinators come in various sizes, from small and elegant to large and extravagant. Choose a size that complements your hairstyle. As a general rule, if you plan to wear your hair up and slicked back, go for a small fascinator. For a loose updo, a medium-sized fascinator works well, while hair down with volume can accommodate a larger piece.

Material and Seasonality

Consider the season and choose a material that will be comfortable. For summer weddings, opt for light and breathable materials, while winter weddings call for thicker fabrics like wool or felt.

Face Shape and Hair Colour

Select a fascinator that flatters your face shape and complements your hair colour. Taller headpieces can add height, while rounder headpieces can balance out thinner faces. As for hair colour, redheads should look for deep greens, teals, and blues, blondes can opt for scarlet red or light pink, and brunettes can rock bright shades like hot pink or yellow.

Remember, the most important thing is to choose a fascinator that makes you feel comfortable and confident. Make sure it's securely fitted so you can relax and enjoy the wedding day without worrying about your headpiece.

How to secure a fascinator

Securing a fascinator properly is key to avoiding an awkward fashion mishap. There are several methods to keep your fascinator in place, depending on the type of headpiece you're wearing. Here are some tips on how to secure a fascinator:

• Headband: A headband can provide stability and security, especially for larger fascinators. Choose a headband that matches your hair colour to make it less visible. Thin metal headbands are lightweight and can be easily hidden, while thicker headbands may be more comfortable for some.
• Hat Elastic: Hat elastics are commonly used for pillbox or mini hat styles. Place the elastic around the lower back of your head, hiding it within your hair. You can also use bobby pins with small loops at the back of the fascinator for added security. Hat elastics that match your hair colour will be less noticeable.
• Comb: Combs are a great way to secure your fascinator and allow for positioning at any angle. They are also invisible, leaving others wondering how your fascinator stays in place!
• Hair Clip: Milliners use different sizes of hair clips depending on the size and weight of the fascinator. Small metal crocodile clips are perfect for smaller pieces, while larger alligator clips are used for bigger headpieces.
• Hair Preparation: Wash your hair the day before, as freshly washed hair may be too slick for pins and grips. Backcomb or tease your hair to add volume and help the fascinator stay in place. Spray with hairspray for extra hold.
• Placement: Fascinators are typically worn on the right or left side of the head, just above the eyebrow. Avoid wearing it too far forward, as this can look awkward. The elastic band should go behind the ears and around the nape of the neck, not under the chin.

Fascinator fashion tips

Fascinators are a fun and fashionable accessory to wear to weddings, and they are often more practical than a hat. They come in a variety of styles, from large extravagant showpieces to smaller elegant accessories. Here are some tips to help you choose and style a fascinator for your next wedding:

Choose the Right Style

The style of fascinator you choose should depend on the type of wedding you're attending. For a formal or traditional wedding, a classic shape in a subtle colour will be more appropriate. If the wedding is more intimate and casual, you can opt for a more relaxed and colourful style. If you are the mother of the bride or groom, you may want to choose a larger headpiece, but be careful not to obscure the bride's face!

Colour Scheme

Consider the colour scheme of your wedding outfit, as well as your personal taste. If you're wearing a subtle or monochrome outfit, a colourful fascinator can add a splash of brightness. On the other hand, if your outfit is already colourful, you may want to choose a more neutral or matching fascinator.

Size and Hairstyle

The size of your fascinator should complement your hairstyle. If you have long hair, consider putting it up into a chignon or a loose style to balance out the fascinator. For medium-length hair, a loose updo or half-up style can work well. If you have short hair, a beret-shaped fascinator will be particularly flattering.

Material

Choose a material that is appropriate for the season. For summer weddings, opt for light and breathable materials, while winter calls for thicker fabrics such as wool or felt.

Face Shape and Features

Choose a fascinator that flatters your face shape. If you have a round face, consider a taller, more elegant style. For thinner faces, a full, round shape like a disc can add width. Also, consider your hair colour when choosing a fascinator. Redheads should look for deep colours like emerald or navy, while blondes can opt for light colours like pink or taupe.

Securing Your Fascinator

Make sure to secure your fascinator properly to avoid any mishaps. You can use a headband, hair clip, or elastic to attach it to your hair. Backcombing your hair can also help to add grip. If you're worried about your fascinator falling off, a headband with an added comb can provide extra stability.

Fascinator-making supplies

Fascinators are a great alternative to a traditional hat for weddings and can be made quite easily. Here are the supplies you will need to create your own fascinator:

Base:

The base of your fascinator is important as it will provide the structure and shape. You can find ready-made fascinator bases online or in craft stores. These typically come with an alligator clip, strap, or comb attached, making it easy to secure the fascinator to your hair.

Fabric:

Tulle is a popular choice for fascinators as it is lightweight and can be easily pleated or gathered to create a circular shape. You can also use satin, lace, or mesh fabric for your fascinator, depending on the desired look.

Embellishments:

Embellishments add a touch of glamour and whimsy to your fascinator. Consider using artificial flowers, feathers, veils, or ribbon to decorate your creation. You can also add sparkle with rhinestones, pearls, or gold accents.

Glue:

A hot glue gun will be your best friend when it comes to attaching embellishments to your fascinator. It provides a strong and quick-drying bond, ensuring that your decorations stay in place.

Needle and Thread:

In addition to glue, you may want to use a needle and thread to sew the fabric onto the base and secure any delicate embellishments. This adds extra security and ensures that your fascinator lasts through multiple wears.

Hair Accessories:

To wear your fascinator, you will need to attach it to your hair securely. In addition to the clip or comb that comes with the base, you may want to use bobby pins or hair elastics that match your hair colour to ensure your fascinator stays put throughout the event.

With these supplies, you'll be well on your way to creating a beautiful and unique fascinator for your next wedding or fancy event!

Step-by-step fascinator-making guide

Step 1: Gather your materials

To make a fascinator, you will need a fascinator base, tulle, artificial flowers, wired ribbon, and embellishments such as feathers or rhinestones. You will also need a needle and thread, hot glue, and hair clips, a strap, or a comb to attach the fascinator to your head.

Step 2: Prepare the tulle

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 start building a circle. Secure the pleats with a clip and then stitch them in place. Continue this process until you have made a full circle of tulle pleats.

Step 3: Attach the tulle to the fascinator base

Centre the tulle circle on the base and sew two small circles in the centre to secure it. The stitched circles will be hidden by the other embellishments.

Step 4: Add the large embellishments

Attach the wired ribbon and artificial flowers to the fascinator base using hot glue. Cut the stems off the flowers and glue them one by one to create a posey effect.

Step 5: Add the finishing touches

Use gold curly ting or other sparkly embellishments to add a touch of whimsy to your fascinator. Snip some short ends off the curly ting and insert them with hot glue into the centre of the posey, creating the illusion that they go all the way through.

Step 6: Attach the fascinator to your head

Use hair clips, a strap, or a comb to secure the fascinator to your hair. If using hair clips, be sure to backcomb your hair for added grip. Slide the comb forward until it grips firmly in the hair.

Step 7: Style your hair

If you have long hair, put it up into a chignon or a loose style to complement the fascinator. If you have short hair, consider a beret-shaped fascinator to create a striking look.

Frequently asked questions