Ditch the Veil! Go Vintage With a Fabulous Fascinator

What’s the fascination with fascinators? The whimsical millinery is soaring in popularity again, topping the heads of women everywhere––from royalty like Kate Middleton to the lovely ladies at summer’s horse racing events to yes, even the wedding aisle! The fascinator is a stunning alternative to a traditional bridal veil, and adds a hint of vintage flair to the special day. However, even brides seeking a modern vibe can find bridal couture designers with more contemporary creations.

The spring and summer wedding season is upon is, and the fascinator is one piece of formalwear we expect to see a lot more of! Casual and formal weddings alike have room for the fascinator or a cocktail hat. For an outdoor wedding or reception, these delightful headpieces are a great choice for the bridal party or the guests to add a little excitement to the day.

If vintage is your aesthetic, the fascinator is a perfect complement. Reminiscent of the attractive headgear of the roaring 20s and the simpler formal wear of the 30s, fascinators and cocktail hats add that artistic touch of embellishment to a wedding outfit. Color and texture stand out with a small headpiece––rather than the sweeping tulle of a traditional veil, a bride can try something with antique lace, silk flowers, satin ribbon or pearls. The fascinator can be as simple or as extravagant as she likes, using the piece to accent the statement of the gown.

And the headpiece doesn’t have to be white. In fact, why not try a little color? Couture wedding gowns are slowly seeing a shift to off-white and blushing pastel hues instead of the stark tradition of pure white. A stylish headpiece might be easier to match to a couture gown and customize to a bride’s aesthetic. Even when wearing a classic white dress, a fascinator can add a hint of color for a bride seeking a modern twist on old traditions. Use the headpiece to pull in color from the bridal bouquet, or calmly accent the wedding decor.

Plus, you don’t have to ditch the veil completely. It’s not uncommon to see fascinators, new and old, accompanied with much smaller veils that cover just the face. Typically called birdcages or blushes, they combine tradition with style and ease. The mini-veil can be made with large netting for a vintage look, or layered wisps of tulle.

Layered Feathers

A regal approach to the fascinator trend comes from bridal couture designers, where these beautiful formal headpieces are styled almost like crowns. Instead of jewels and precious metal, these styles are more like works of art formed from intricately layered feathers, cascading flowers, or bold ruffles of ribbon.

Another option for incorporating fascinators into the wedding is to include the style in the bridal party. Bridesmaids wearing matching (or mismatching, as is the trend!) dresses and headpieces can really pull together the look. Coordinate colors with the ladies, so the fascinators accent and complement instead of compete or clash with bridesmaids dresses and decor. Imagine the pictures!

The mother of the bride can also consider a fascinator, especially if the bride and her bridesmaids do not. It’s a classy and timeless way to showcase an elegant style, which the mother of the bride encompasses anyway. She can use a headpiece to add texture and movement to her outfit for the day, while maintaining a sense of formality and tradition.

Finally, a fascinator makes a wonderful accessory for the wedding reception as well. A bride should always find a way to make her day work according to her personal taste. If a veil is important to you or your dress, then absolutely don’t ditch it on your big day. But if a fascinator fascinates you, by all means don’t rule it out either! Opt for a small one to adorn your crown at the wedding reception, the rehearsal dinner the night before, or maybe even the bachelorette party or bridal shower. It’s a wonderfully versatile style for any formal outfit, and a fashionable bride will certainly find a way to make it work!

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