Wedding fascinators, hats or hatinators?
Most people do not wear a hat or fascinator very often if ever so it can be a very daunting experience choosing a hat or fascinator for a wedding. Hats are generally an acceptable part of dressing for a wedding unless the bride stipulates otherwise – some brides see hats as too stuffy for a relaxed wedding. And while hats are not appropriate for an evening wedding, fascinators are fine.
Traditionally a wedding fascinator is worn on the right hand side of your head. To make a bold statement choose a design that sits at the front of your head. But bear in mind this can be uncomfortable and get in the way if you are greeting people with air kisses. One headgear rule worth following is that the detail should sit above your eyebrow. If you wear your hair with a parting place your fascinator there – some how it is more flattering – balance and style are always more important than etiquette.
Your milliner should advise you how to position your headgear. I always take a photograph of my clients with their fascinator or hat in place so they can show their hairdresser as styling your hair to suit your headgear is important. Something I have noticed is that people tend to wear fascinators and hats too far back on their head.
If you can’t decide on a hat or a fascinator, why not compromise with a Hatinator… This is a large formal design on a band. Fixed onto a narrow band that can be hidden under your hair, these are easy to wear and often imitate a hat shape. But importantly hatinators don’t flatten your hair like a hat. Saucer shapes are very popular to add height and elegance to a wedding day look.
I recommend finding your outfit before deciding on what you will wear on your head. A fascinator or hat does not have to be the same colour as your outfit but should add flair. Think of your look as a whole and that includes shoes and bag.
You probably won’t keep anything on your head all day. If you match your headgear to your shoes will your shoes still look right when it has been removed. If you are wearing a multi colour dress you could pick out one of the colours for your accessories, but don’t try to have all the colours in your fascinator.
Clients regularly tell me they don’t suit hats or fascinator but I always come up with a design that suits their face shape and personality. Agnieszka came to see me to have a jacket and fascinator made to complete her mother of the groom outfit. A few months after her son’s wedding, Aqnieszka was going to wear her outfit to another wedding and came to see me to have her fascinator redressed to make a bold statement, I added a birdcage, a long stripped quill and two curled pheasant quills. I also added more hand cut flowers with pearl beading that matched the appliqué on the jacket. Agnieszka enjoyed the opportunity to play with her look knowing at the second wedding she was not the centre of attention.
Whether you choose classic or contemporary, a hat or fascinator will complete your look.
For a summer event choose something made from straw – usually sinemay is used and can be dyed to any shade to match or compliment your outfit. In the winter something made from fabric or felt is more appropriate.
If you already have your wedding outfit, I am happy to design your accessories to complete your look – be it a fascinator, hatinator, hat or bag email [email protected]
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