Weddings have long been a classic opportunity to wear a fabulous hat, and this is certainly the case for the mothers of those getting married. It's the perfect excuse to have a bespoke hat or fascinator made just for you.
But what happens when the mother of the bride (or groom) thinks that just hats don't suit them? Or indeed, when they are not someone who naturally gets all glammed up?
Well, this was the exact thing that occurred when I got married. My mum isn't the dressy type, being happier in casual loose tops and trousers than a dress and heels. I could probably count the number of times that I've seen her with a full a face of make up. However, as the mother of the bride she found a dress she loved, and figured she best have a hat to suit - especially as her daughter is a milliner!
I was thrilled to have the chance to make some bespoke headwear for my mum. As she was travelling from Australia to the UK for our Kent wedding at Little Hermitage, I had to wait until fairly close to the big day to get started.
As with any bespoke commission we sat down and chatted through ideas, likes and dislikes. Mum had found a purple lace dress, which she was pairing with silver shoes and pearl and silver jeweller, which gave us our starting point.
Next came the process of trying on a range of different hat shapes and styles to see what best suited her face shape, hair and personal style. And, importantly, to see what she felt most comfortable and herself in.
We settled on a small light percher hat, which was rather like a small pillbox hat, but with added shaping for a bit of interest. I made this up in a purple sinamay to compliment the tones in the dress, then added a touch of silver netting and trimming, and hand-stitched on some tiny glass pearls to match the jewellery.
Mum was thrilled with the hat, something that was clear from the smile on her face when she tried it on and the fact that it stayed on throughout the entire wedding and reception - even on the dance floor!
Thanks go out to Lipstick & Curls for helping to make us all look and feel fabulous with our hair and make-up, and to Little Hermitage in Higham for being the most wonderful wedding venue!
*I'm writing this in late 2020, and we all know what this year has been like. Whilst things may be a little different at the moment, I'm still working away on bespoke hats and headpieces, so do get in touch. I'm able to offer virtual consultations, so we can chat through ideas without you having to leave the house, and I can show you shapes and style to give you some ideas and post swatches out too. Once when restrictions allow it you'll also be able to visit my Kent millinery studio for in person consultations and fittings, so you can try on a range of styles and see fabric options in person.