Little Hats, Big Impact: Diy Wedding Accessories

what to use to make littlehats for wedding

Wedding hats are back in fashion! Whether you're a guest, the mother of the bride or groom, or even the bride yourself, a hat can be the perfect accessory to top off your look. But with so many options to choose from, how do you know which hat to wear?

For female guests, there are two types of ceremonial hats: the hat and the bibi. Hats are brimmed headwear that is generally placed horizontally on the head. If you want to stand out without outshining the bride, opt for a floppy hat, panama hat, boater, or cloche. Bibis, on the other hand, partially decorate the hair and are placed on the right or left side of the head. They are often more discrete than hats and adaptable to most face shapes.

For male guests, the panama hat is a popular choice. This finely woven straw material is suitable for various hat shapes, including trilby, fedora, and traveller. If you want to express your confident personality and stay on top of fashion trends, the porkpie hat is a great option. And of course, the groom and his loved ones can't go wrong with the classic top hat, which will add a retro and vintage touch to their outfits.

When choosing your wedding hat, it's important to consider the wedding theme, your outfit, and your accessories. If you're wearing a flashy dress and tawdry accessories, opt for a hat in neutral colours like beige or grey. For a summers touch, go for a straw hat like a fedora, panama, or boater. If you want to display sobriety and elegance, a felt black hat like the floppy or fedora is a safe bet. And if you love being under the spotlight, stand out with a sophisticated hat with large brims and bold patterns.

So there you have it! A guide to help you choose the perfect little hat for your wedding. With these tips, you'll be sure to find the right headwear to complement your wedding look.

Characteristics Values
Materials Feathers, flowers, beads, ribbons, artificial flowers, combs, bases, veils, wool, straw, lace, pearls, silk, tulle, leather, fur, chiffon, embroidery, feathers, soft yarn, lace, ostrich plumes
Hat type Fascinator, cocktail hat, cowboy hat, boater, fedora, Panama hat, floppy hat, bibi, trilby, cloche, bowler, pork pie, top hat, bucket hat
Face shape Oval, square jawline, round
Hair colour Dark, fair
Skin tone Dark, fair
Season Summer, fall, winter, spring
Occasion Wedding, bridal shower, pre-wedding tea party, beach wedding, outdoor wedding, royal wedding, horse-racing event

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Choosing the right materials

Fabric Choices:

  • Sinamay: A popular choice for wedding hats is sinamay, a woven fabric made from natural fibres that holds its shape well and can be moulded into various designs. It is a versatile material that can be dyed to match your colour palette and decorated with feathers, beads, or veils.
  • Straw: For a summery, lightweight option, consider straw hats, such as the fedora panama or boater styles. These are perfect for outdoor weddings, providing shade and a stylish touch to your ensemble.
  • Wool or Felt: If you're attending a fall or winter wedding, opt for wool or felt hats. These materials offer warmth and can be found in various colours to match your outfit. Felt hats, such as the floppy or fedora styles, exude sophistication and elegance.
  • Leather: For a unique, modern twist, consider a leather hat. It adds a cool, contemporary edge to your wedding attire and pairs well with a personalized detail, such as "Wifey" embroidered at the back.
  • Lace: Delicate and romantic, lace hats or veils are a beautiful choice for brides or wedding guests. They add a touch of vintage glamour to your look, especially when paired with a birdcage veil.

Additional Decorations:

  • Feathers: Feathers are a popular embellishment for wedding hats, adding texture and a touch of whimsy. Whether you choose a small accent feather or a more dramatic display, they are sure to make your hat stand out.
  • Veils: Veils are a classic choice for brides and can be incorporated into your hat design. They add an air of mystery and elegance to your look, whether you opt for a birdcage veil or a longer, flowing veil.
  • Beads: Beads can add a touch of sparkle and glamour to your hat. Whether you choose delicate pearls or colourful beads, they are a beautiful way to enhance your hat's design and make it unique.
  • Flowers: Floral accents are a lovely way to bring a touch of nature into your wedding attire. You can choose artificial flowers or fresh blooms that complement your bouquet or the wedding's colour scheme.

Remember, when choosing your materials, consider the season, venue, and level of formality of the wedding. You want your hat to be comfortable, secure, and complementary to your overall look. Have fun creating your little hats for the wedding, and don't be afraid to add your unique touches!

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Design considerations

The design of a wedding hat should complement the wearer's face shape, hairstyle, and eye colour. For instance, those with dark hair should avoid dark bases and fabrics, instead opting for bright colours. Conversely, individuals with very fair hair should steer clear of pale colours, unless they are the bride, in which case, they can embrace their big day and wear an ivory-coloured headpiece. Those with a square jawline would benefit from softer lines, while those with round faces can experiment with sharp angles and slants. Asymmetrical designs are generally the most flattering, and oval face shapes suit almost any style of hat.

When it comes to materials, it is best to be subtle. A few feathers, some beading, or structured sinamay can be effective. Ribbons, artificial flowers, combs, and bases are also options to consider. It is important not to go overboard with one type of material, as this can detract from the overall aesthetic.

For male guests, the panama hat is a popular choice, made from finely woven straw material that suits various hat shapes, including trilby, fedora, and traveller. The porkpie hat is another option for those who want to express their confident personality and stay on top of fashion trends. For a more retro and vintage look, the top hat is a suitable choice.

Female guests have two main types of ceremonial hats to choose from: the hat and the bibi. The hat is a brimmed headwear that is generally placed horizontally on the head. Some options include floppy, panama, boater, and cloche. The bibi, on the other hand, partially decorates the hair and is placed on either side of the head, fixed with barrettes or a headband. It is often more discrete than a hat and adaptable to different face shapes and morphologies.

The choice of hat should also consider the wedding theme and the wearer's outfit and accessories. For instance, a flashy dress and tawdry accessories would be better paired with a hat in neutral colours like beige or grey. A straw hat like a fedora, panama, or boater can add a summery touch, especially when paired with a warm-coloured braid. For a more sophisticated and elegant look, a felt black hat like the floppy or fedora is a safe choice.

It is important to note that large-brimmed hats may obstruct the sight of guests sitting behind, so it is advisable to choose a hat that does not block their view.

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Hat-making parties

Choose the Right Materials

The key to a beautiful homemade wedding hat is to select the right materials and not go overboard. A few feathers, some beading, or structured sinamay can be very effective. Ribbons, artificial flowers, combs, and bases are also available to choose from. Remember, too much of one thing can spoil the overall look, so choose pieces that complement each other well.

Consider Face Shape and Hairstyle

It's important to design a hat that suits your face shape, wedding hairstyle, and eye colour. For instance, if you have dark hair, avoid dark bases and fabrics, as they will blend into your locks. Instead, opt for bright colours. Those with fair hair should steer clear of pale colours, unless you're the bride, in which case, ivory or pale colours are perfect. If you have a square jaw, softer lines will complement your defined features, while those with round faces can experiment with sharp angles and slants. Asymmetrical designs are generally flattering for all face shapes.

Add a Personal Touch

To make your hat truly unique, consider adding a personal brooch or other decorative elements. This will allow you to have an original piece with minimal effort. You can also embellish a store-bought headpiece by adding feathers, updating the trim, or attaching a veil.

Hat-Making Party Etiquette

If you're attending a hat-making party, it's essential to follow the host's instructions and bring any requested materials or tools. These parties are meant to be enjoyable and creative, so feel free to experiment and don't stress too much about creating the perfect hat. Remember to have fun and appreciate the opportunity to learn a new skill!

Popular Wedding Hat Styles

When it comes to wedding hats, there are numerous styles to consider. Here are some popular options:

  • Panama hats and fedoras: These classic styles are perfect for any wedding, offering both style and sun protection for outdoor events. Woven straw hats are ideal for summer beach weddings, while wool or felt are better suited for fall and winter weddings.
  • Cowboy hats: A staple in American style, cowboy hats are always a fun choice, especially for a western-themed wedding.
  • Fascinators: Fascinators are a fun way to add a touch of regal elegance to your look. They are commonly worn at bridal showers and pre-wedding tea parties.
  • Boater hats: A boater hat with a veil can be an elegant and nostalgic choice, reminiscent of "The Parent Trap."
  • Floppy sun hats: For a casual and cool look at a beach wedding, a floppy sun hat is a perfect choice.

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Wedding hat etiquette

If you're making a small hat for a wedding, you might be interested in wedding hat etiquette. Here's what I found:

If the couple has set a dress code, it's important to stick to it. If you're unsure, ask for more details. As a guest, you should avoid hat styles that draw too much attention unless the dress code or cultural attire calls for it.

For the Mother of the Bride

The mother of the bride traditionally wears a large, elaborate headpiece, often a brimmed hat or a saucer. However, if the wedding is small and intimate, a fascinator or saucer is more appropriate so as not to detract from the bride. For weddings after 4 pm, a cocktail hat, pillbox, button hat, or fascinator is likely the best option. A large brim would be out of place and might cast shadows in the low light.

The mother of the bride usually decides when other ladies can remove their hats and fascinators. Traditionally, she wears her hat until the end of the wedding breakfast, but ultimately, it is her choice.

For the Mother of the Groom

The mother of the groom should choose a smaller hat than the mother of the bride. This is a set rule across all social situations, reflecting the fact that guests should never outshine their hosts. If the couple is hosting the wedding, both mothers can opt for equally grand creations.

For Men

Men should always remove their hats when going indoors, especially in religious buildings. They should also remove their hats when speaking to a lady, particularly their new mother-in-law. It is considered rude to show the inside lining of the hat when removing it or tipping it.

For Women

Women's hats are considered fashion accessories and part of their ensembles, so they are not required to remove them when going indoors. Traditionally, ladies decorate their hats on the right-hand side, the opposite of men, who decorate on the left.

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Fascinators

When choosing a fascinator, it's important to consider the style of the wedding, your relationship to the couple, the colour scheme, and your personal taste. If you're wearing a subtle and monochrome outfit, a fascinator can add a splash of colour. On the other hand, if your outfit is colourful, you might want to opt for a more subtle fascinator.

The size of your fascinator should also be considered. If you have an updo, a small or medium fascinator will work well. If your hair is down with a bit of volume, a larger fascinator is a good choice. If you have long hair, you can put it up into a chignon and fasten the fascinator with an elastic band. For short hair, a beret-shaped fascinator is a good option, and if you wear glasses, choose a fascinator with a less detailed trim to avoid a 'busy' look.

The colour of your fascinator should complement your hair colour. Redheads suit deep green, teal, purple, navy blue, and cobalt blue. Blondes should opt for light colours like scarlet red, cobalt blue, light pink, taupe, or coral. Brunettes look great with bright, deep shades like hot pink, navy blue, red, and yellow. If you have grey hair, choose warmer colours like red, maroon, or dark blue.

When securing your fascinator, wash your hair the day before so it's not too slick, and use hairspray to keep it in place. You can also backcomb your hair for added grip. Fascinators can be secured with a headband, comb, hair clip, or elastic. If your fascinator has a comb, slide it forward into your hair until it grips firmly, rather than sliding it back. Elastic is a subtle and secure option if fitted properly.

Frequently asked questions

The trick to a beautiful homemade wedding hat is to not go overboard with your materials. A couple of feathers, some beading, or a structured fabric like sinamay can be really effective.

Panama hats and fedoras are a classic style for wedding guests. They offer a good balance between style and sun protection for outdoor events. Cowboy hats are also a fun option, especially for a western-themed wedding.

Unless the dress code or cultural attire calls for it, it's best to avoid wearing a fascinator to a wedding as a guest. Fascinators tend to be reserved for bridal showers, tea parties, and other pre-wedding events.

If you're wearing a flashy dress and lots of accessories, go for a hat in a neutral colour like beige or grey. To add a summery touch, choose a straw hat in a warm colour. If you want to display elegance and sophistication, a black felt hat is a safe bet.

If you're attending a royal wedding, a hat is a must. Kate Middleton, for example, brought back the trend of wearing hats to royal weddings. Just make sure your hat isn't too large and obstructs the view of guests sitting behind you!

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