Creating Wedding Hats: A Guide To Fascinators And Hats

Wedding hats and fascinators are the perfect accessory to elevate your bridal look. They're decorative headpieces that can be attached with a hairband, comb, or hair clip, often adorned with feathers, flowers, or beads. In this discussion, we will explore the process of making wedding hats and fascinators, offering a unique and stylish touch to your special day. From choosing the right materials to adding your personal flair, get ready to unleash your creativity and design a headpiece that will make you feel like royalty on your wedding day.

Choosing the right base

Type of Base

The type of base you choose will depend on the style of fascinator or hat you want to create. Here are some common base options:

• Headband: A headband base is a popular choice for fascinators as it is easy to wear and provides a secure fit. It can be made from various materials such as plastic, metal or fabric-covered bands.
• Hair Comb: A hair comb base is ideal if you want to attach your fascinator directly to your hair. It offers a secure and discreet way to fix your headpiece, especially if you have an updo or thicker hair.
• Clip: A clip base, similar to a hair comb, allows you to attach your fascinator directly to your hair. Clips can be more versatile as they can be placed at different angles and positions in the hair.
• Pillbox: A pillbox base is a small, rounded hat that sits on top of the head. It is a classic and elegant choice, often adorned with veils, feathers or flowers.

Size and Proportions

Consider the size and proportions of your base in relation to the overall design of your fascinator or hat. If you're creating a larger, more dramatic headpiece, ensure your base is sturdy enough to support the weight and size of the decorations. Conversely, if you're opting for a more minimal design, a smaller and delicate base may be more suitable.

Colour and Material

The colour and material of your base should complement the overall aesthetic of your fascinator or hat. For a more subtle look, choose a base colour that matches your hair colour, such as black, brown or blonde. If you want your base to blend in with your decorations, consider using a base made from a similar material, such as a feather base for a feather fascinator.

Adding decorations

Feathers

Feathers are a classic choice for fascinators, adding a playful and elegant touch. You can opt for a delicate feather fascinator or go for something more extravagant, depending on your style. Feathers can be combined with other decorations, such as flowers or beads, to create a unique and romantic look.

Flowers

Floral fascinators are perfect for spring and summer weddings, adding a touch of nature to your bridal ensemble. You can choose between silk flowers, greenery, or a mix of blooms to pair beautifully with your floral hair accessories and bridal headpieces. For a delicate and romantic look, opt for smaller flowers with intricate details.

Beads, Rhinestones, and Pearls

For a touch of sparkle and glamour, consider adding beads, rhinestones, or pearls to your fascinator. These decorations can be used to create a statement piece or added subtly to a white bridal fascinator for a more understated look. Play around with different sizes and colours to create a unique design.

Veils

A veil can be a beautiful addition to your fascinator, especially if you're going for a vintage or romantic look. You can choose between a full veil that covers your face or a shorter birdcage veil that sits above your eyebrows. Veils can be paired with other decorations, such as feathers or flowers, to create a truly elegant and sophisticated fascinator.

Colour Choices

When it comes to colours, you can match your fascinator to your wedding dress, or choose a complementary shade. Popular colours for brides include white, ivory, and soft pastels. However, don't be afraid to make a statement with a bolder colour or a unique combination of colours. You can also incorporate "something blue" into your fascinator for a fun twist on the tradition.

Remember, the key to adding decorations is to have fun and experiment with different combinations until you find the perfect look that reflects your style and personality.

Using the right attachments

Fascinators are typically attached to the hair using a headband, hair clip, or comb. These attachments are usually built into the fascinator, so you don't need to worry about sourcing them separately. However, you can also use bobby pins to secure your fascinator if you feel it needs some extra support.

When choosing a fascinator with a headband, opt for a style that is comfortable and secure. The headband should be flexible enough to fit snugly on your head without being too tight. This type of attachment is ideal if you want to wear your hair down or in loose waves, as it will keep the fascinator in place without needing to secure it to an updo.

Fascinators with hair clips or combs are perfect for pairing with an updo hairstyle. The clip or comb can easily be slid into the hair to hold the fascinator securely in place. If you have thin hair or are concerned about the fascinator feeling heavy, you can also use bobby pins for added support. Simply slide them into your hair, crossing over the comb or clip, to create a sturdy base.

For a more dramatic look, you can choose a fascinator with a hair comb attachment. These are ideal for adding height and drama to your overall look, especially if you are wearing an updo. The comb slides into the hair, providing a secure base for the fascinator. This type of attachment is perfect for larger fascinators or for when you want to make a statement with your headwear.

When attaching your fascinator, it is important to consider the weight and size of the headpiece. Larger and heavier fascinators will need a more secure attachment, such as a comb or clip, to prevent slipping. If you have a delicate or lightweight fascinator, a headband or hair clip may be sufficient.

Matching your dress

When it comes to matching your wedding dress with a fascinator, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, you want your fascinator to complement your dress, not compete with it. If you're wearing a vintage lace gown, for instance, a bridal birdcage fascinator with a retro feel would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you've chosen a sleek, modern dress, a minimalist fascinator with a veil or a pillbox design will keep the look chic and sophisticated.

The colour of your fascinator is also important. If your dress is a solid colour, choose a fascinator in a coordinating shade, or pick out an accent colour from a patterned dress and match your fascinator to that. If you're wearing a bright white dress, avoid cream or ivory fascinators as these shades will look dirty in comparison. Instead, opt for a fascinator in a bold colour if you're feeling daring, or a pastel shade for a softer, more understated look.

The style of your fascinator is also key. If your dress is simple, you can afford to go for a bolder fascinator with bright colours, unusual shapes and extravagant trimming. However, if your dress has bold patterns and textures, keep your fascinator simple with smooth, elegant shapes and one or two colours.

Finally, don't forget to consider the season. Felt, wool and silk fabric-covered headpieces are ideal for colder seasons, while straw, sinamay, pari-sisal and silk are perfect for summer.

Styling your hair

Your hairstyle will play a crucial role in how your fascinator looks. If you're wearing an updo, opt for a larger fascinator or one with a hair comb attachment to add height and drama. A classic updo, chic bun, or loose waves can be paired with a fascinator for a stylish and elegant look. For those with long hair, loose waves or half-up styles can also be paired with fascinators, especially if you choose a fascinator that complements your hairstyle for a seamless look.

If you're leaving your hair down, a fascinator headband or a hair clip style will help to secure the accessory in place while adding a touch of bridal magic. You can also experiment with different hairstyles before your big day to figure out the perfect combination that makes you feel comfortable and fabulous. Updos, half-up styles, and loose waves are all versatile options that can be dressed up with a fascinator.

When choosing a fascinator, consider the colour and embellishments. Fascinators come in a variety of colours, but for brides, white, ivory, or soft pastels are often the most popular choices. If you want to make a statement, go for a fascinator with rhinestones, pearls, or feathers. For a more subtle and elegant look, opt for a white bridal fascinator adorned with delicate flowers or lace.

Frequently asked questions