Crafting An Indian Wedding Hat: A Step-By-Step Guide

Indian weddings are known for their extravagance, customs, and rituals. One of the most iconic elements of an Indian wedding is the groom's turban hat, known as a Sherwani or Pheta. It is made from a long scarf draped directly on the head and comes in various designs. This hat symbolises tradition and celebration and is an essential part of the groom's attire. Making a Sherwani hat involves creativity, precision, and an understanding of Indian culture and fashion.

Choosing the fabric

When choosing the fabric for an Indian wedding hat, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, the type of hat you are making will determine the fabric you use. For example, the Rajasthani Pagri, the Safa, and the Peta are commonly worn at Indian weddings and are made from fabrics such as silk or cotton. If you are making a turban, you might opt for a breathable fabric like cotton, especially if the wedding is taking place during hot weather.

You could also consider a more luxurious fabric like velvet, which is often used for wedding turbans, or silk, which is a popular choice for Indian wedding hats. Silk is a delicate fabric that can be easily manipulated and draped, making it a good choice for hats that require a lot of folding and shaping.

If you want to incorporate traditional colours, you might opt for red or white. Beige is also a common choice and can be paired with more vibrant colours and patterns.

The type of fabric you choose will also depend on the style of hat you are making. For example, if you are making a hat with a lot of embellishments like embroidery, sequins, and beads, you will need a fabric that can handle the weight and detail of these decorations. A fabric like cotton or silk would be a good choice in this case, as they are both durable and can be easily embroidered or embellished.

Finally, consider the overall look you are trying to achieve. If you want a regal and elegant look, opt for luxurious fabrics like velvet or silk. If you are going for a more simple and classic look, cotton or polyester might be a better choice.

Creating the base

To create the base for an Indian wedding hat, you will need cardboard, fabric, scissors, and a hot glue gun.

Begin by cutting out a piece of cardboard in a slightly conical shape, with the top wider than the bottom. This will form the basic structure of the hat. If you want a soft, rounded edge, cut the front into a V shape.

Cover the top of the cardboard with a thick, soft fabric, gluing it into place with the hot glue gun. You can use any type of fabric you like, but a thicker material will help to create a smooth surface and provide a good base for the rest of the hat.

Next, take a piece of silk fabric and glue it to the sides of the cardboard, making sure to cover the entire surface. You can use any type of silk, such as dupion silk or polyester satin, and choose a colour that matches the theme of your wedding.

After the outer sides are covered, carefully turn the edges of the silk fabric to the inside, completely covering the cardboard all the way to the top. This will create a neat finish and ensure that the cardboard is not visible from the outside.

At this point, you can add any additional decorations or embellishments to the base, such as embroidery, sequins, or beads, before moving on to creating the rest of the hat.

Adding decorations

Now for the fun part: decorating your hat! The type and amount of decorations you add are entirely up to you, but here are some ideas to get you started:

Fabric Embellishments

Add texture and visual interest to your hat by incorporating different types of fabric. For example, you can create fabric rolls or rosettes out of silk or other soft, thick fabric. Attach these to the side of the hat, overlapping them slightly to create a floral effect. You could also try tucking and draping the fabric to create different shapes and patterns. Secure the fabric with hot glue or by sewing it in place.

Beads and Jewellery

Add some sparkle to your hat by incorporating beads and jewellery. You can use pearl beads or other types of beads in a colour that complements your fabric. Sew these onto the hat in a pattern or design of your choosing. For a more statement piece, you can add larger pieces of jewellery, such as a brooch or earring. Simply glue or sew it in place, covering any unwanted loops or attachments with fabric or beads.

Trim

A trim can add a finishing touch to your hat and help to cover any rough edges. Look for a trim that complements the colour and style of your hat. You can use a trim made from the same fabric as your scarf, or choose something with a bit of sparkle or texture to add interest. Attach the trim by sewing it in place, making sure to tuck the edges under for a neat finish.

Feathers

For a truly luxurious touch, consider adding a feather to your hat. Look for a large, fluffy feather that will make a statement. Attach the feather securely to the hat, either by sewing it in place or using a strong adhesive.

Bullion Wire and Zari Work

Bullion wire and zari work are great ways to add texture and shine to your hat. Bullion wire is a thin, flexible wire that can be used to create intricate patterns and designs. Zari work involves using gold or silver thread to embroider onto the hat. Both of these techniques can be used to create beautiful, intricate designs that will truly make your hat stand out.

Securing the hat

Using pins or clips is an effective way to secure the hat and prevent it from slipping or becoming loose. This method is recommended for hats made with fabrics like silk or cotton, which are commonly used in Indian wedding hats for men. You can also use hot glue for a more permanent solution, as seen in the previous steps.

If you are the wearer of the hat, it is essential to feel confident and proud while donning it. The way you carry yourself reflects your comfort and enhances the overall elegance of the turbaned look.

Additionally, consider the occasion and weather conditions when choosing the right fabric for your hat. For example, a breathable fabric is ideal for warm weather or outdoor events.

Proper measurement is also crucial. Ensure that your hat is not too high and fits snugly on your head. Carefully measure your head circumference to achieve a fitted and comfortable result.

Additional Tips:

• Colour coordination: Match the colour and pattern of your hat with your outfit to create a stylish and cohesive look.
• Tying techniques: Learn different tying styles based on cultural traditions and personal preferences. Practise tying the hat to achieve a neat and well-balanced appearance.

Matching with your outfit

When making an Indian wedding hat, it is important to consider the outfit it will be paired with. The hat should complement the colours and style of the outfit, creating a cohesive and well-put-together look.

For instance, if the groom is wearing a traditional Indian sherwani, the most popular Indian wedding attire for men, the hat should be designed to match. The sherwani is a long jacket that typically falls just above the knees and is often ornately designed with intricate embroidery or stonework. The hat should complement these design elements without being too matchy-matchy. Consider choosing a hat with similar embroidery or stonework, or one that incorporates similar colours.

Another option is to pair the hat with a Bandhgala suit. The Bandhgala is a type of Indian formalwear that combines a tailored jacket with a kurta, a long shirt that falls just above or below the knees. The jacket typically has a stand-up collar and is often embellished with intricate embroidery or other decorative elements. When pairing a hat with a Bandhgala, look for one that complements the suit's colours and embellishments.

If you're looking for a more casual option, consider pairing the hat with a kurta pajama or a Nehru jacket. A kurta pajama is a traditional Indian outfit consisting of a long shirt and loose-fitting pants, often made from comfortable fabrics like cotton. The Nehru jacket is a tailored jacket that can be worn over a kurta or other casual outfits. When pairing a hat with these options, you can choose a more simple design, or go for a hat with minimal embellishments that still complement the colours of the outfit.

For a truly traditional look, consider the cultural and religious significance of the hat. For example, in Bengali Hindu weddings, the groom typically wears a topor, a conical headgear made of sholapith and usually white in colour. This type of hat is believed to bring good luck and is given to the groom by the bride's family. Pairing a traditional white topor with a simple, elegant outfit in complementary colours can create a respectful and stylish look.

When in doubt, consider choosing a hat that incorporates traditional colours like red, white, or beige, and fabrics like silk or cotton. You can also add embellishments like pearl chains, bullion, or zari work to match the outfit's level of ornamentation.

Frequently asked questions