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

Fascinators are a timeless and chic hair accessory that can elevate your look for weddings, high tea, derby parties, and other special events. If you're looking to make your own wedding fascinator, you can choose from various materials such as feathers, flowers, tulle, veils, beads, and pearls. You can attach the fascinator to your hair with a clip, headband, or comb, and even add a stand-alone birdcage veil for a more elegant touch. Customization options are also available from select retailers, allowing you to incorporate personal touches like family heirlooms into your headpiece. With the right combination of materials and creativity, you can design a unique and elegant wedding fascinator that suits your style and personality.

Characteristics of "How to Make Wedding Fascinator"

Choosing a fascinator base

• Size: Decide on the desired size of your fascinator. Do you want a small and delicate piece or a larger, more statement-making accessory? The size of the base will determine the overall proportions of your fascinator.
• Shape: Fascinator bases come in various shapes, including teardrop, round, and pillbox. The shape you choose will influence the overall silhouette and style of your headpiece. Consider the type of look you want to achieve, whether classic, modern, or something in between.
• Material: Fascinator bases can be made from different materials such as sinamay, wool felt, mesh, or straw. The material you choose will impact the texture and overall aesthetic of your fascinator. Some materials may also be easier to work with when attaching feathers, veils, or other embellishments.
• Comfort: Ensure that the base you choose is comfortable to wear. Consider the weight of the base and how it will be secured to your head. A comfortable base will ensure you can enjoy your special day without any headaches, literally and metaphorically!
• Colour: Select a colour that complements your wedding outfit and theme. Fascinator bases can be found in various colours, from classic neutrals like black, white, and navy to more vibrant shades. You can also opt to decorate and embellish your base to match your colour palette.
• Attachment Method: Decide how you want to attach your fascinator to your head. Some bases come with built-in clips, headbands, or combs, while others may need to be secured with a separate hair clip or headband.

When choosing a fascinator base, consider browsing online marketplaces or specialty stores to find a wide variety of options. You can also opt to customise your base by adding veils, feathers, flowers, or other decorative elements to make it unique and personalised.

Adding a veil

Veil Length and Style:

The first step is to decide on the length of your veil. Common wedding veil lengths include shoulder, elbow, fingertip, ankle, and chapel. If you want a blusher veil, which traditionally covers the bride's face as she walks down the aisle, you'll need to add that length to your measurements.

Materials and Cutting:

For a simple veil, you'll need tulle, a comb, scissors, thread, and needles. Cut the tulle to your desired length, rounding the corners for a softer look. If you're making a blusher veil, cut the tulle to the shorter length and ensure the longer piece measures the length of the second veil.

Attaching the Comb:

Gather the folded edge of the tulle to the necessary width using a whip stitch. Then, attach the comb, paying attention to the direction of the teeth so that the veil sits correctly on your head.

Embellishments:

You can add embellishments to your veil for extra glamour and to complement your wedding gown. Consider adding antique lace, silk flowers, satin ribbons, or pearls. For a vintage look, use large netting, or try layered wisps of tulle for a more delicate appearance.

Birdcage Veils:

Birdcage veils are a popular choice for fascinators. They are shorter veils that cover just the face and are often seen with rhinestones, pearls, or other decorative elements. You can attach the birdcage veil to a comb or a headband, depending on your preference.

Remember to coordinate the colour of your fascinator and veil with your wedding aesthetic. Whether you choose a traditional white or ivory, or a colourful fascinator with veil, this accessory will surely add a unique touch to your special day.

Incorporating flowers

Flowers are a beautiful addition to a wedding fascinator and can be used to create a variety of looks, from elegant and understated to bold and whimsical. Here are some tips and ideas for incorporating flowers into your DIY wedding fascinator:

Choosing the Right Flowers

When selecting flowers for your fascinator, it's important to consider the overall colour palette and theme of your wedding. You can choose artificial flowers that complement your dress or the bridesmaid dresses. Look for small silk flowers, preferably with nice leaves. It's best to buy flowers sold in bushels at a craft store, as they tend to have more variety and better prices than those in the wedding aisle. Keep in mind that you might need to buy more flowers than you think to ensure you have enough leaves and petals to work with.

Deconstructing the Flowers

Before you begin assembling your fascinator, you'll need to carefully deconstruct the flowers. Gently pull each flower off its stem, keeping the petals intact. Remove the green cup of leaves at the bottom of the flower, and decide whether to keep or remove the centre of each flower—this can be done as you sew the flowers in place. Remember that you can also use the petals and leaves from larger flowers if you need more material.

Creating the Base

The base of your fascinator is important for attaching the flowers and other embellishments securely. Cut a piece of wool felt into your desired shape. You can also cut a second piece of felt for the backing, which will add structure and neatly hide all the stitching. Attach an elastic hairband that matches your hair colour to the base by sandwiching it between the two pieces of felt. Sew around the edge of the felt, being careful not to catch any of the flowers or embellishments in the stitching.

Arranging the Flowers

Now for the fun part—arranging the flowers! Start by sewing or gluing the larger flowers to the base, forming a base layer. Then, add smaller flowers and leaves to create dimension and fill in any gaps. You can replace the flower centres with glass pearls or beads for an elegant touch. Sew through the centres of the flowers and pearls to secure them in place, knotting the thread on the backside between each flower for added security. Continue adding flowers, leaves, and embellishments until you're happy with the overall look.

Adding Tulle

Tulle can add volume and softness to your fascinator. Gather a piece of tulle by pleating it and stacking the pleats on top of each other, gradually turning them as you go to create a circle. Stitch the pleats in place, then sew the tulle circle onto the fascinator base. You can also add a pouf of tulle or netting under the felt as a playful nod to the traditional veil.

With these steps and a bit of creativity, you can design a stunning floral wedding fascinator that's sure to turn heads at your wedding or special event!

Using feathers and other embellishments

Adding feathers and other embellishments is a great way to add flair to your wedding fascinator. You can use feathers to add a whimsical touch, while other decorative elements like rhinestones, pearls, beads, quills, and luxe fabrics can enhance the design.

Types of Feathers and Embellishments

• Ostrich feathers are a popular choice for wedding decorations and can add a luxurious and elegant touch to your fascinator.
• Peacock feathers are another option, with their vibrant colours and eye-catching pattern.
• Soft feathers in pastel or metallic shades can complement a wedding outfit, especially if you're looking for something delicate and romantic.
• For a bolder statement, consider using feathers in bright, vibrant colours.
• Other embellishments like rhinestones, pearls, beads, and quills can add sparkle and shine.
• Luxe fabrics such as satin, tulle, or lace can also be used to create a unique and stylish fascinator.

Attaching Feathers and Embellishments

• Use a hot glue gun to attach feathers and embellishments to your fascinator base.
• If you're using a lot of feathers, you can attach them to a piece of felt first for added stability before gluing them to the base.
• Feathers can be glued directly onto the base or arranged in a bouquet-like formation.
• Embellishments like rhinestones, pearls, or beads can be glued onto the base or sewn on for added security.
• If you're using ribbon or lace, try forming them into loops like a bow and attaching them with glue.

Placement and Design Considerations

• Consider the placement of your feathers and embellishments to create a balanced and attractive design.
• Experiment with different textures, colours, and sizes to make your fascinator unique.
• Add feathers or embellishments to fill in any gaps or cover any visible parts of the base.
• If your fascinator has a lot of volume or embellishments, you may need to adjust the size or placement of the base to ensure it's comfortable and secure.
• For a cohesive look, match the colours of your fascinator with your wedding outfit, accessories, or colour palette.

Remember, the key to a successful wedding fascinator is to express your personal style and creativity. Don't be afraid to experiment with different feathers and embellishments until you find the perfect combination that suits your fashion sense and the overall theme of your wedding.

Attaching it to your hair

Wedding fascinators are a great option for brides who want a chic hair ornament but would rather not wear a long, traditional veil. There are several ways to attach a fascinator to your hair, including:

Clips

Fascinators can be attached to your hair using a clip. This method is simple and secure, making it a popular choice for wedding fascinators.

Headbands

Another option for attaching a fascinator to your hair is to use a headband. This can be a comfortable and secure option, especially if you have a lot of hair or thick hair.

Combs

A comb attachment is a secure way to fix your fascinator to your hair, and is a good option for those with thinner hair.

Birdcage Veils

Birdcage veils can be added to many wedding fascinators to enhance the look. These veils can be attached to the fascinator using a comb or clip, and can be a beautiful way to frame your face.

Frequently asked questions