Create Royal Wedding Hats For Women With Paper Crafts

Royal weddings are a grand affair, and the hats are always a talking point. From Princess Beatrice's bold butterfly-themed fascinator to Princess Eugenie's electric blue hat with dark purple flowers and feathers, the headwear is often just as exciting as the dress. If you want to create your own paper women's royal wedding hat, there are several options to choose from. You could try a paper cone hat, a paper plate hat, or a simple folded paper hat. For a traditional Bavarian look, you can even make an edelweiss hat out of construction paper or newspaper, decorating it with flowers or feathers. If you're feeling extra creative, you could try your hand at a paper version of a sinamay round crown hat, a straw safari hat, or a delicate fedora. The possibilities are endless!

Choosing the right paper

When making paper hats for a royal wedding, it's important to choose the right paper to ensure your creation is elegant and fits the occasion. Here are some key considerations for selecting the perfect paper:

Paper Type and Weight

The type and weight of the paper you choose will impact the overall look and structure of your hat. Heavier paper, such as card stock, is ideal for creating more structured and sturdy hats. Lighter paper, like construction or scrapbooking paper, is better suited for smaller hats or those with intricate details. If you're using a printer, ensure the paper weight is compatible with your machine. Generally, paper weights ranging from 65 to 130 lb cover are suitable for invitations, programs, and other stationery.

Paper Finish

The finish of the paper can also affect the final appearance of your hat. Uncoated cotton paper is excellent for ink absorption and can give your hat a classic look. On the other hand, a smooth, coated paper can lend a more elegant and modern touch to your design but may not be compatible with all printers. If you're printing at home, test the paper first to ensure it works with your printer.

Paper Colour and Design

The colour and design of the paper will depend on your personal preference and the theme of the royal wedding. You can opt for solid colours, such as pink for a whimsical princess cone hat or black for a witch's hat. Alternatively, you can choose paper with patterns or designs that complement the occasion, such as floral prints or vibrant colours for a festive look.

Paper Size

The size of the paper will determine the size of your hat. For larger hats, such as princess or witch hats, use poster paper, which provides ample surface area for designing and decorating. For smaller hats, construction or scrapbooking paper is a better choice. If you're making a cone hat, ensure the paper is twice as tall as the desired hat height to allow for overlapping when forming the cone shape.

Paper Samples

Before committing to a particular paper, it's a good idea to obtain samples to test their compatibility with your printer and design ideas. This will ensure that the paper you choose will yield the desired results and is suitable for your specific project.

Remember, the right paper will not only make your paper hat look elegant and royal-wedding-worthy but will also ensure the creation process is enjoyable and stress-free!

Cutting and shaping the paper

To make a paper woman's royal wedding hat, you'll need to start with cutting and shaping the paper. Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Choose the Right Paper: Select a sturdy paper that can hold its shape, such as construction paper, cardstock, or even newspaper. The size of the paper will depend on the desired size of your hat. For a larger hat, you might need a bigger sheet of paper, while a smaller sheet will create a more delicate hat.
• Cut the Paper to Size: If your paper is larger than the desired hat size, use scissors or a craft knife to cut it down to the appropriate dimensions. You can also trim the edges to create a specific shape, such as a rounded brim or decorative edges.
• Fold the Paper: Folding the paper will give your hat structure and help it hold its shape. Start by folding the paper in half lengthwise, then unfold it and fold it in half widthwise. You can also experiment with different folding techniques to create unique shapes for your hat.
• Create the Brim: The brim of the hat is a key element in shaping it. Decide on the desired width of the brim and fold the paper accordingly. You can make a narrow brim by folding the bottom edge of the paper up, or create a wider brim by folding the paper multiple times.
• Refine the Shape: Unfold and refold the paper as needed to achieve the desired shape for your hat. You can also try curling or bending the paper to create more fluid shapes. Play around with different folding and shaping techniques until you achieve the look you want.
• Secure the Folds: To ensure your hat holds its shape, use a small piece of tape or a dot of glue to secure the folds in place. This will help the hat maintain its structure as you continue to work on it.
• Cut Decorative Details: If you want to include cut-out details in your hat design, now is the time to cut them out carefully. You can create shapes like flowers, leaves, or other intricate patterns to adorn your hat. Remember to cut these details from the same paper to ensure a cohesive look.

The cutting and shaping process is a creative and experimental part of making a paper woman's royal wedding hat. Don't be afraid to try out different folding and cutting techniques to achieve the shape and style you desire. Once you're happy with the basic structure of your hat, you can move on to decorating and embellishing it to make it truly royal!

Adding decorations

Now that you have the basic structure of your paper hat, it's time for the fun part: decorating it!

If you're going for a royal wedding look, you might want to add some heights and drama to your hat. Consider adding a tall feather or two, or even a spray of feathers, for a touch of elegance and sophistication. You could also attach a large silk flower or a cluster of smaller flowers to one side of the hat, creating an eye-catching focal point.

For something more structural, you could create a bow or a series of twists and turns with the paper. This adds interest and detail to your hat, giving it a unique and modern feel. If you're feeling really creative, you might even try your hand at some paper quilling to add intricate details to your hat.

Don't be afraid to experiment with different colours, textures, and embellishments. You could add some glitter or sequins for a touch of sparkle, or go for a more subtle look with some elegant lace or veiling. Remember, the key to a great royal wedding hat is to have fun with it and make a statement!

If you're looking for some inspiration, take a look at some of the iconic royal wedding hats of the past. Princess Beatrice, for example, is known for her bold and unique fascinators, while Princess Eugenie often opts for more subtle and classic styles.

Sizing and fitting the hat

Measure the Head Circumference:

Start by measuring the head circumference of the person who will be wearing the hat. Use a flexible measuring tape or a piece of string to gently wrap around the head, just above the eyebrows and ears. This measurement will determine the size of your hat.

Choose the Right Paper:

Select a paper that is long enough to fit the head circumference with some overlap. You can use construction paper, newspaper, or even scrapbooking paper for a smaller hat. For a larger hat, consider using poster paper.

Create a Template:

Draw a semi-circle on the paper using the head circumference measurement as the diameter. Cut out this semi-circle to create a template for your hat. You can also decorate the paper with paint, markers, or stickers before cutting.

Form the Hat:

Curl the straight edges of the paper template towards each other until they meet and overlap. Adjust the amount of overlap to achieve the desired hat size. Secure the seam with tape, staples, or glue.

Create the Brim:

To create a brim, cut a strip of paper that is slightly longer than the circumference of your hat. Attach this strip to the bottom edge of the hat, either by gluing or stapling. You can adjust the width of the brim to your preference.

Finalize the Fit:

Try on the hat to check the fit. If it is too small, carefully cut along the brim to make it wider. If it is too big, cut the brim at the back and overlap the ends until you achieve the desired fit. Secure the ends with glue, tape, or staples.

Add Chinstrap (Optional):

If you want to add a chinstrap to ensure the hat stays in place, punch holes on either side of the brim. Thread an elastic band through the holes and tie a knot at each end. Adjust the length of the elastic as needed.

Now you have a well-fitted paper hat that is ready to be adorned with decorations and embellishments suitable for a royal wedding!

Royal wedding guest attire inspiration

Hats are a staple at British weddings, and even more so at royal weddings. If you've been lucky enough to score an invite to a royal wedding, you'll want to ensure your attire is on point. Here are some tips for royal wedding guest attire inspiration, with a focus on making a statement with your headwear:

Don't Be Afraid to Go Bold

Channel your inner Princess Beatrice or Eugenie of York and opt for an over-the-top, statement-making hat. These royal cousins are known for their bold and unique headwear choices. At the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton in 2011, Princess Beatrice paired her Valentino coat with an enormous taupe hat in the shape of an O, topped with a bow. Princess Eugenie, on the other hand, chose an electric blue hat adorned with dark purple flowers and feathers, which perfectly complemented her floral Vivienne Westwood suit.

Colour Coordination

Colour coordination is key when it comes to royal wedding attire. Take a cue from Princess Beatrice, who attended the French royal wedding of Prince Jean-Christophe Napoleon Bonaparte in 2019. She paired a floral dress with a pale blue trench coat and a pink wide-brimmed hat. The pink hat added a pop of colour to her ensemble and ensured she stood out from the crowd.

Fascinators

If a dramatic hat isn't your style, a more understated fascinator might be the perfect choice. Fascinators are a popular choice among royal wedding guests, offering a touch of elegance and sophistication. At the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton, Victoria Beckham, formerly known as Posh Spice, opted for a navy fascinator to match her dress. Another notable fascinator moment was when Kate Middleton, now the Princess of Wales, attended the wedding of a friend in 2011. She paired a graphic print dress with a subdued fascinator, creating a modern and polished look.

Monochrome Magic

A monochrome outfit, with matching hat or fascinator, is a surefire way to make a statement. Socialite Tara Palmer-Tomkinson attended the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton in a bold blue outfit, complete with a boat-shaped fascinator and elbow-length gloves. Similarly, at the wedding of Zara Phillips and Mike Tindall in 2011, TV presenter Kirsty Gallacher wore an unusual jade fascinator with teal sequins stitched into ribbons of fabric, complementing her multicoloured dress.

Pastel Dreams

Pastel hues are perfect for warm-weather celebrations. Take inspiration from Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, who opted for a gentle pastel ensemble at her daughter Laura Parker Bowles' wedding in May 2006. A soft, muted colour palette can be a sophisticated and elegant choice for a royal wedding, especially when paired with a delicate fascinator or hat.

So, if you're attending a royal wedding, don't be afraid to have some fun with your attire, especially when it comes to your headwear. Go bold with your hat choices, play with colours, or keep it understated with a fascinator. Whatever you choose, you're sure to make a stylish impression.

Frequently asked questions