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Original poster

Wedding guest hat or fascinator?

34 replies

goodasgold · 07/03/2012 10:12

This is the first wedding that I have been invited to that specifies a hat or fascinator. My friend is going to hire a hat. I'm not sure what to go for.

Are fascinators naff or not? Are they just for young girls?

I have a teal coloured dress and jacket to wear and I am quite short and small.

My hair is light brown and shoulder length.

Please advise me and tell me what shops to look in.

Thank you

OP posts:
schobe · 07/03/2012 10:22

Fascinators = naff x a million

What kind of a wedding specifies hats? The kind I wouldn't be attending, that's what kind.

However, my hatred of weddings aside, go with a hat.

Type would depend on outfit - what are you wearing?

Original poster
goodasgold · 07/03/2012 12:10

I will be wearing a teal coloured shift dress and fitted jacket.

I think a need a small hat so it doesn't swamp me. I have a big round moon face.

OP posts:
pinkhebe · 07/03/2012 12:12

We went to a fab hat hire shop when I got married (me, my Mum and my sister who was bridesmaid) The lady was wonderful and immediately knew what hats would suit our faces/outfits.

I hate fascinators and would recommend you go to a hat hire shop when it's not busy and take your outfit.

cazza40 · 07/03/2012 12:14

Get a hat ! Please do not go anywhere near a fascinator !

Original poster
goodasgold · 07/03/2012 12:21

Haha thanks I did think it would have to be a hat.

I don't live in the UK (where the wedding will be) so I'm not sure if I will be able to hire a hat, but that would be ideal because I can't see myself wearing it very often.

OP posts:
Alicadabra · 07/03/2012 12:22

Oh dear, I almost always go for the fascinator option. I didn't realise I was being naff. Blush Does it make it better or worse that the ones I've worn are pretty subtle? Little more than a decorative hairclip really.

But I just don't suit hats. And they're much more expensive and I can't make one myself. And they get in the way, then I have to suffer hat-hair when I take the hat off, then I have to find somewhere to put the hat, then I have to remember to find it again when I stagger home drunkenly leave. And I look awful in all the photos because I'm either under a hat or have flat hair.

Nope, sorry, I'll carry on being thought naff if a hat is the only alternative. Wink

dontellimpike · 07/03/2012 12:25

I assume that you have to take a lot more trouble with your hair if you wear a fascinator. I also think that they look rather weird en masse, so if other guests are wearing them you will look like an ostentation of peacocks.

Original poster
goodasgold · 07/03/2012 13:09

dontellimpike nice collective noun!

OP posts:
TheSmallClanger · 07/03/2012 18:26

You can get a decent hat in a department store for the same cost as hiring one.

mewkins · 07/03/2012 20:20

Do a SamCam and go for neither. Or do a Beatrice and wear a hideous monstrosity on your head that overshadows the whole day (figuratively and literally). That should teach people not to be so demanding! ;-)

GossipMonger · 07/03/2012 20:21

Tis a Mumsnet thing to think fascinators are naff.

GossipMonger · 07/03/2012 20:22

this

is perfectly lovely.

GossipMonger · 07/03/2012 20:23

as is this

schobe · 08/03/2012 10:54

I actually have an opinion independently of mumsnet, and I don't like those.

hth

Original poster
goodasgold · 08/03/2012 13:30

Mewkins I did think when I first saw the note that I could wear my tam o' shanter.

OP posts:
GossipMonger · 09/03/2012 21:11

Thank you for that Schobe.

Still does not mean that they are naff.

HTH

schobe · 09/03/2012 21:18

Just an opinion. That's what we're here for.

WhoKnowsWhereTheTimeGoes · 09/03/2012 21:37

I would always go with the hat, I don't like fascinators at all.

boogiewoogie · 09/03/2012 21:48

Oh dear. I'm in the naff camp then. The wedding that I'm going to next weekend specified no hats but fascinators were acceptable. I've bought a mini hat fascinator is that double tacky then?

WhoKnowsWhereTheTimeGoes · 09/03/2012 21:54

When did wedding invitations start specifying headwear? I have never come across this before. TBH I think it has to be whatever you prefer and suits you.

JambalayaCodfishPie · 09/03/2012 21:59

Using the term 'naff x a million' = very naff. Grin

BettyBathroom · 09/03/2012 22:04

Fascinators are naff, imo.

boogiewoogie · 09/03/2012 22:13

Just out of interest. Why is wearing a fascinator "naff"? You can get smart looking fascinators and naff hats.

It is my first time wearing anything on my head other than a hair clip. I'm quite petite and know that most hats will simply swamp me. A fascinator is more fascinating in my opinion. If you don't believe me then you should read this book :)

BettyBathroom · 10/03/2012 07:49

I'm sure there are some smart looking fascinators somewhere but the ones I've noticed just look over the top and ridiculous - maybe the more subtle versions can look classy and understated but when I think fascinators I never think classy, I think more Big Fat Gypsy Wedding. But if you have found one you like then I'm sure you'll ignore the opinion of some of the posters on this thread and rightly so!