Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to the Marvellous Millinery FAQ page! Here, you’ll find answers to questions I'm asked every day about my Bespoke and Ready to Wear hat collections, my appointment process, details about visiting my Winchester studio and other general hatty-related queries! Please remember, if you don’t find the answer you’re looking for here, please don’t hesitate to contact me - I’d be delighted to assist!

Wearing Hats
Explore this section to learn more about wearing hats, including traditional wedding hat etiquette, tips for choosing your perfect style and guidance on when it’s appropriate to remove your hat during an event.

Bespoke Hats
Find out why choosing a bespoke hat could be the perfect option for you, with detailed information about the process and the personalised service you can expect at Marvellous Millinery.

Ready to Wear
Discover everything you need to know about my exclusive Ready-to-Wear hat collection, including how to purchase, delivery details and the exceptional quality of each unique piece.

About Us
Here is where you'll find answers to general information about Marvellous Millinery such as how to book your appointment, parking facilities and an idea of how long to set aside for your visit.

Visit Winchester
Many customers choose to ‘make a day of it’ by extending their visit to enjoy the local visitor attractions, browse some of the independent boutique shops and relax in the city’s charming cafes and restaurants.
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Should a Mother of the Bride always wear a hat?While there’s no rule that a Mother of the Bride must wear a hat, it’s a cherished tradition that adds elegance and highlights your special role in the wedding. A beautifully designed hat not only completes your outfit but also reflects your personal style and complements the day’s theme. Many mothers say that wearing a Bespoke or Ready to Wear hat helps them feel confident, polished and truly part of such a momentous occasion. If you choose to wear one, I’d be delighted to help you find the perfect piece to celebrate this special day.
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How do I select the hat that's right for me?Choosing the perfect hat is a personal journey, and I’m here to make it enjoyable and effortless. The key is finding a design that complements your outfit, enhances your features, and feels comfortable all day. 1. Face Shape & Confidence: Certain hat shapes flatter specific face shapes. Wide brims can balance a fuller skirt, while smaller perching styles add height and elegance. Ultimately, it’s about feeling confident and loving how you look - my motto is, “Look Amazing and Feel Fantastic!” 2. Outfit Coordination: Your hat should harmonise with your outfit’s colours and style. Whether it’s bold patterns or subtle hues, I’ll ensure your look is polished and cohesive. 3. Comfort, Occasion & Theme: A well-fitted hat is essential for comfort and should reflect the event’s theme, formality, and season, whether it’s a wedding, Royal Ascot, or another special occasion. Finding the perfect design often involves considering the venue, time of year, and day’s plans. I’ve created hats with subtle motifs like butterflies, tartan or even little apples to celebrate the individual theme of each event - making your hat as unique as the occasion itself! 4. Personal Style: Your hat should celebrate you. From understated elegance to bold statements, I’ll help create a design that’s authentically yours.
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I am a petite lady, can you suggest hats that might be suitable for me?Absolutely! For petite ladies, it’s important to choose a hat that complements your proportions without overwhelming your frame. 1. Avoid Oversized Brims: Opt for medium or smaller brims to maintain balance and elegance. 2. Perching Hats: These stylish, smaller designs add sophistication without overpowering your look. I have lots of samples like this in my Bespoke Hats Portfolio, as well as nearly all of the hats in my Ready to Wear Hat Shop are also in this style. 3. Vertical Accents: Feathers or trims with height create the illusion of added height. 4. Asymmetry: Asymmetrical styles draw the eye upward and balance proportions. 5. Tailored Fit: A neatly fitted hat ensures comfort and avoids looking oversized. The key is choosing a hat that enhances your beauty, suits your style and feels comfortable. Together, we’ll find the perfect piece to make you feel fabulous on the big day!
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Who in the Bridal Party would traditionally wear a hat to the wedding?Traditionally, the Mother of the Bride and the Mother of the Groom are the most likely members of the bridal party to wear hats, as they hold prominent roles in the wedding. Their hats often reflect their importance, adding a touch of sophistication and completing their wedding attire. Other guests who may choose to wear hats include: 1. Grandmothers of the Bride or Groom: Hats can add elegance and formality for these honoured family members. 2. Bridesmaids: Whilst not as common, bridesmaids can wear coordinated headpieces, fascinators, or smaller hats, particularly at more formal weddings. 3. Close Family Members: Aunts or other immediate family members may opt for hats or fascinators, particularly if the wedding has a traditional or formal dress code. 4. The Bride (Optional): Occasionally, brides wear a small hat or fascinator for their big day, especially perhaps if it is for a second wedding or maybe as a ‘mature bride’. It’s worth noting that hats are often chosen based on the formality of the wedding as well as personal preference. Whether you’re considering a bespoke hat for yourself or exploring ideas for others in the bridal party, I’m happy to guide you in selecting designs that harmonise beautifully with the wedding’s style and theme.
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How long should I keep my hat on for?Many of my customers are Mothers of the Bride, a role with special significance on the wedding day. Whilst there are no strict rules about the length of time you wear your hat, tradition suggests keeping it on during formal moments such as the ceremony itself, photographs, toasts and speeches to maintain an elegant and polished look. As the day moves into a more relaxed evening celebration, guests often remove their hats. However, etiquette traditionally dictates that no one does so until the Mother of the Bride removes hers, as a mark of respect for her role. Ultimately, it’s about feeling confident, comfortable, and enjoying every moment of this special day in your own individual style.
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My daughter’s wedding is in the winter, can I still wear a hat?Absolutely - a winter wedding is the perfect opportunity to wear a stylish, season-appropriate hat. Things to consider are: 1. Seasonal Materials: Luxurious fabrics like felt, velvet, or wool add elegance and warmth. 2. Rich Colours: Deep tones such as berry, navy, or forest green complement a winter palette beautifully. Please follow the link to see my full Bespoke Hats Colour Chart for inspiration. 3. Winter Details: Feathers, crystal veiling, or metallic accents reflect the season with sophistication. 4. Practicality: Indoor-friendly styles with cosy crowns and lighter trims work well for photos and comfort. 5. Layered Accessories: Complete your look with a tailored coat, gloves, or a luxurious stole for added warmth. A winter hat combines elegance with practicality, ensuring you look stunning for this special occasion - whatever the season!
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I am Mother of the Bride for a ’destination wedding’ overseas - help!Congratulations on this exciting occasion! A destination wedding is a wonderful chance to embrace the setting and climate, whilst still looking every inch the proud Mother of the Bride. May I suggest considering these points: 1. Lightweight Materials: Choose breathable fabrics like silk or sinamay for comfort in warmer climates. 2. Compact Styles: Smaller hats or fascinators are easier to pack and travel with - many customers pack their pillbox hats safely in a biscuit tin, to travel safely inside their suitcase! Lots of these style hats are available from my Ready to Wear Hat Shop, as well as in my Bespoke Hat Portfolio if you'd like me to create something for you in your own colour combination. 3. Hat Box Tips: If you would prefer a larger hat, I offer designs that I fit into special sized hatboxes that can act as your carry-on luggage. (Do confirm this is acceptable with your airline for peace of mind.) 4. Weather Practicality: For outdoor weddings, hidden combs, discreet headbands or concealed hair-elastics ensure your hat stays safe and secure in potential sea breezes 5. Comfort First: A well-fitted, lightweight hat ensures all-day comfort while complementing the wedding’s style and theme. With us planning thoughtfully together, you can celebrate your daughter’s wedding overseas with elegance and ease.
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Is it important to tie-in with the colour scheme of the wedding?While it’s not essential for the Mother of the Bride to match the wedding’s colour scheme, coordinating your outfit with the palette adds harmony to photos and shows thoughtful consideration. 1. Complement, Don’t Match: Choose shades that work with the wedding colours, for example soft neutrals or dusky pink to pair with blush and navy. Please browse my Bespoke Hat Colour Chart for more inspiration. 2. Incorporate Accents: Add touches of the chosen wedding colour through trims, flowers or embellishments on your hat. 3. Prioritise Your Outfit: Focus on a hat that complements your outfit, using the wedding theme as an inspiration for details. 4. Stay Elegant: Choose a design that enhances the wedding’s aesthetic, without overshadowing the bride.
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Why order a Bespoke Hat?A Bespoke Hat is the ultimate expression of individuality and elegance, tailored exclusively to complement your outfit and celebrate your role as the Mother of the Bride or Mother of the Groom. These once-in-a-lifetime occasions deserve a hat that goes beyond the ordinary, with a design that thoughtfully weaves together multiple colours from your dress and accessories, showcasing impeccable attention to detail. Please follow the link to browse the huge range of designs I am able to create for you, in my Bespoke Hat Portfolio. I often find that a Mother of the Bride or Mother of the Groom has been fortunate to finally find a dress to wear to the wedding, but then has struggled trying to find a hat that hits all three aims; that it suits their style and personality that it compliments their outfit that it is suitable for the wedding venue Boutiques may offer one or two options that pair with their dress, but the selection is often quite limited. Many ladies have discovered that visiting my studio provides the ideal solution. Here, they can explore a wide range of sample styles and choose a hat that’s tailored to their needs. Hats can be ordered in the perfect colours using my Colour Chart to match their dress and shoes, all while enjoying the experience of having a bespoke, made-to-measure design created just for them. Every hat I make is completely unique, giving customers the confidence that no one else at the wedding will be wear exactly the same!
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What should I bring along to my appointment?Most customers bring along the dress and shoes to the appointment (or a swatch of fabric from their dressmaker) so that we can go through the colours in the Bespoke Hats Colour Chart and all the different millinery samples to find the perfect hat and colour that suits. At this point, many customers take the opportunity of ordering matching accessories such as a clutch handbag, silk stole, or a string of Freshwater Pearls highlighted with crystals in the same colour - all of which beautifully complete their look and ensure they feel truly radiant on their special day.
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How long does it take you to make my Bespoke Hat?Orders normally take between six to ten weeks to complete, depending on the season and how busy I am (I’m much busier in the Spring/Summer). This allows time for obtaining all the raw materials as well as allocating my time to make the pieces for you. But I always say to my customers, book an appointment with me as soon as you have your dress and shoes sorted - that way we can plan to have your outfit ready for you in plenty of time for the big day without any last minute worries. Please telephone 📞07968 337446 for more information. I can offer a ‘Brisk Bespoke’ service for an additional fee from a limited range of options - I endeavour to help every customer as best as I can! In addition, I have a capsule collection of Ready To Wear hats in a wide variety of colour combinations that are available for immediate purchase exclusively through this website.
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Can I bring a friend along for a second opinion?Of course! Some ladies find it very helpful to bring along a trusted friend or relative with them (perhaps the Bride herself for example) to help them make the decision. But on the other hand, some ladies like to have a clearer mind and would prefer to choose something by themselves. It’s entirely your decision! (Please bear in mind though, I would say that my studio can get a little cramped at times if children or toddlers are brought along to appointments as well - perhaps they might unfortunately be a bit of a distraction?) What I’ve realised often works well is that the customer and companion ‘make a day of it’ by enjoying the luxury of having a bespoke consultation to order her new hat, followed by a lovely lunch somewhere or perhaps enjoying afternoon tea at one of the many beautiful hotels near here. For example, Lainston House Hotel is just at the end of the lane, or there is the Hotel du Vin and The Ivy in town, to name just a few of the lovely venues nearby.
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Can you help me if the colour of my dress is difficult to match?Most of the hats I make are a lamination of three layers of sinamay fabric, which can either be all the same shade giving a very strong single tone, or a combination of different colours layered together to create an 'in between' shade. This is an ideal solution if the colour of your dress is 'in between' the different colours on my sinamay Shade Card. In addition, I also have an extensive range of different silks and fabrics that can be incorporated as an accent colour to match your dress in a different way, perhaps trimming a hat that is a complimentary neutral shade. For example, if you are wearing a green dress with 'nude' shoes, we might select one of the 'nude' tones for the base of the hat and accent it with a beautiful handmade green silk rose, or perhaps a green silk bind, or maybe some green feathers or crystals that match your dress exactly - you have the choice of any combination of the above!
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My shoes are a different colour to my dress - can both shades be in my hat?Certainly - and it's one of the joys of ordering a bespoke hat! I have often incorporated two (or more) different colours of a customer’s outfit together, in the hat and accessories that they’ve ordered from me. For example, a lady might be wearing a soft pink dress and will want to team it with a tonal ‘nude’ shoe - so I would be able to include both of these colours in their hat and make their outfit look effortlessly polished.
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Can my order include fabric remnants from my dressmaker?Yes, remnants of fabric from your dressmaker or alteration service can be included in the design to trim your hat and/or to cover a clutch handbag. I am happy to liase directly with your dressmaker as to quantities of fabric/timings etc if you wish me to do so. Using this service brings your outfit together perfectly as it is exactly the same material/dye batch etc. Having said that, I also have a very wide variety of silks, organzas and velvet colour samples to select from in my studio, so that the flowers and trims can be made with fabric that I supply in order to decorate your new hat.
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How similar will my order look to the sample?Please rest assured that I take great effort to replicate the sample that you see in my studio to the hat that I make for you. Obviously there are little variations as everything is done by hand and not mass-produced by machine, but what you see as the sample is what I replicate as best as I can for you, but in your own colour combination.
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Can you make a bespoke hat ‘at the last minute’?It’s always worth contacting me as sometimes I can offer an Express Bespoke Service for a small additional fee, even if your event is less than six weeks away. In most cases I am able to help most of my customers right up until the last minute by providing at least something to wear on the day! Often, many ladies have taken advantage of my Ready to Wear hats in such circumstances. However, I always say, the longer you can give me the better it is for both of us, and I much prefer to know that your order is waiting for you to wear in your wardrobe - rather than rushing it too much at the last minute!
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Do you take a deposit for Bespoke Orders?A deposit of 50% is taken at the time of placing your bespoke order, with the balance being due when the order is collected. This enables me to secure the allocated 'making time' in my studio for your order, as well as obtaining all of the raw materials I'll be needing to create it. Payments can be made by Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Apple Pay, G Pay, online banking transfer, cheques or cash.
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Are Bespoke Orders changeable or returnable?Please note that everything that I make for you is made to order by hand, to your specifications. Therefore I am unable to offer any refunds or exchanges for orders, either during the making process once the deposit has been paid and the order started, or after the item(s) has been collected or delivered, because I will have made them specifically for you and therefore they would not be suitable for anyone else.
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How much does a bespoke hat cost?Everything that you see in the Bespoke Portfolio is made specifically to your personal requirements and therefore each piece is unique - you won’t see another exactly like it at your own special event! Because there are so many variables that can go into the final design, pricing each bespoke piece is also individual for each order. Please telephone 📞07968 337446 for more detailed prices for each design and information on how I can incorporate your ideas into your own personal order. Please be aware that the amount I quote you at the time of taking you order is the total price of your finished order - there will not be any hidden supplementary fees when you come to collect. All my samples in the studio have swing tickets attached, stating how much each one would be to order 'as it is', but in your own colour combination. Additions or changes to that design sample would be a different price (higher or lower depending on your requrements), but that new amount would be quoted in writing on your order and agreed with you at the time. To give you some idea of the starting prices for my designs, here is a list to help guide you: Larger Picture Hats start from £395 Pillbox Hats are priced from £285 Saucer Headpieces are from £335 Fascinators start at £235 Winter Occasion Wear Hats start at £395 Matching Clutch Handbags start from £335 Silk Stoles are priced from £295
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Why buy a Ready to Wear hat?Purchasing a Ready-to-Wear wedding hat from Marvellous Millinery is an effortless way to add elegance and sophistication to your special occasion look. Here’s why it’s the perfect choice: 1. Expert Craftsmanship: Each hat is meticulously designed and handmade in my Hampshire studio, combining years of expertise with an eye for timeless style and modern trends. 2. Available for Immediate Dispatch: My exclusive Ready-to-Wear collection offers a range of beautifully crafted hats that can be purchased through my online Hat Shop, and delivered to you in a flash - the ideal solution for those needing a marvellous new hat at short notice. 3. Diverse Selection: The collection features a variety of unique designs in fashionable colours, ensuring there’s something to suit every outfit and personal taste. 4. Attention to Detail: Every hat is made with the same precision and attention to detail as my bespoke creations, ensuring a high-quality accessory that will make you look and feel fabulous. 5. Uniqueness Guaranteed: No two of my hats are exactly alike. You can rest assured that your hat will be a unique piece, ensuring you stand out for all the right reasons. 6. Convenience with Expertise: Although these hats are ready-made, I’m still available to offer styling advice to help you select the perfect one for your outfit and occasion - please telephone me on 📞07968 337446. When you invest in a Ready-to-Wear hat from Marvellous Millinery, you can enjoy the confidence of wearing a distinctive, expertly crafted piece that completes your wedding look beautifully.
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How do I buy a Ready to Wear hat?Every hat in my Ready To Wear Shop is UNIQUE and is the actual item available for sale. To buy, please telephone 07968 337446. I can either send your purchase to you by courier, or you can visit my studio in Winchester to try it on and take it away with you that day.
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Are the photos of the actual hat I am looking to buy?Yes - I make each unique hat individually, then photograph it from different angles to give you a good impression of how it will look when worn. I then store each hat safely in the dark, in a smoke-free environment until it is sold. The hats you see in my Ready to Wear Online Hat Shop are NOT on general display in my studio for other people to view - they are kept very safely tucked away. PLEASE NOTE: Each photograph is of the actual hat you are considering buying - please rest assured that I do not make another one to send out to you that may (or may not!) look like the one in the pictures online.
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Is delivery included in the price?Yes - delivery to within the UK is included in the price you pay. I use a 48 hour 'Signed For' courier service to deliver your order to you as swiftly as possible.
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Can I order a Ready to Wear Hat in the colours of my outfit?Each of the Ready to Wear hats in my Online Shop is a unique creation so unfortunately I cannot offer these designs in other colours. However, lots of ladies like the design ideas that are in some of these hats, so I can often incorporate them into a Bespoke Hat which I would make especially for them.
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Can I order duplicates of the same hat for my Bridesmaids?All of my Ready to Wear hats in my online Hat Shop are unique and therefore un-repeatable. However, I am able to make multiples of the same hat from my Bespoke Hats range - please see my design portfolio for more inspiration.
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How long will it take to receive my purchase from your Online Shop?Once I receive your order, I take 1-2 working days to carefully wrap your new hat and arrange for a courier delivery it to you. I use a 48 hour ‘Signed For’ delivery service. I keep you informed by email throughout the different stages of your purchase transaction.
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Why do some hats look further away in your photographs of them?I have taken photographs of every hat in the Ready to Wear Online Hat Shop of the same mannequin head (which is size 21”/53cm or Small). This is in order to give you a sense of perspective when comparing one hat to another. However, when a hat has taller decorations on it (for example a long quill) I take the photo at a distance in order to show you as much of the hat as possible - this means that the hat is further away from the lens in some photographs - but please remember they are always displayed on exactly the same mannequin.
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Do you have a Returns Policy for hats in your Online Hat Shop?Yes I have a Returns Policy that is detailed fully in the Shop T&Cs - there is a link at the bottom of every page on my website. Put simply, all I ask is of you is that if you wish to return your purchase to me, please notify me by email or telephone within two days of receiving it, and then return it to me in a saleable condition within seven days.
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Is your shop in the town centre?I see customers by appointment only in my Millinery Studio, which is located in my private garden. I live just on the edge of town near Waitrose on the Stockbridge Road. Please telephone 📞07968 337446 for your 1-2-1 consultation. My address is: Marvellous Millinery, The Rose Garden Studio, 4 Mornington Drive, Dean Lane, Winchester, SO22 5LR
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How quickly can I come and see you?I offer appointments in my studio seven days a week so that I can fit in around your schedule. We can check our availabilities when you call, who knows we might be able to see each other on the same day! Please telephone 📞07968 337446 to make your booking.
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Can you repair or alter my own hat?At Marvellous Millinery, I specialise in creating bespoke ladies occasion wear hats that are meticulously handmade to the highest standards. Therefore I'm sorry to say that I do not offer a repair or alteration services for customers’ own hats. My focus is on designing unique pieces that perfectly complement your outfit and celebrate your own special occasion. Please be assured, if you’re seeking a new hat that reflects your personal style, I would be delighted to work with you to create something truly exceptional. In addition to my Bespoke service, I also offer an exclusive collection of unique Ready to Wear hats for immediate purchase if time is short.
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Do you offer Hat Hire?Each hat I create is a one-of-a-kind design, crafted to meet the bespoke requirements of each individual customer or offered as a unique piece for my exclusive Ready to Wear collection. As such, my hats are available solely for outright purchase, ensuring they remain truly special and personal to their wearer.
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Can I park near your studio?Yes - there is ample parking immediately outside my front door. My workspace is situated just a short distance away at the end of the garden. A fairly level paved path with a couple of shallow steps provides convenient access.
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Do I have to make an appointment for a consultation?Yes please - however I’m delighted to offer appointments seven days a week to fit around your schedule. Simply telephone me on 📞07968 337446 to book your one-to-one private consultation. You’ll visit my specially designed, air-conditioned studio in the peaceful setting of my Winchester garden, where we’ll work together in complete privacy to find the perfect hat for your special occasion.
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Are there toilet facilities at Marvellous Millinery?Sorry to say there are no customer toilet facilities available at Marvellous Millinery. The nearest toilet with public access can be found at Costa Coffee near Waitrose, which is just at the bottom of Dean Lane about 3 minutes away.
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How long should I allow for my appointment?I'd suggest allowing approximately 1–1.5 hours for your appointment to ensure plenty of time to discuss your needs and try on different styles. It's much easier for you if you can bring along your outfit or a swatch of fabric with you as well as the shoes you plan to wear, this will help us coordinate the design of your hat to bring your outfit together perfectly for you.
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Are there any local landmarks or attractions I can visit whilst in Winchester?Winchester is a historic city with plenty to explore. You could visit iconic landmarks such as Winchester Cathedral, the Great Hall with King Arthur’s Round Table, or enjoy a peaceful stroll along the picturesque Water Meadows. The city centre also boasts a delightful selection of charming shops, independent boutiques, galleries, and museums - perfect for adding a touch of leisure to your visit whilst ordering your bespoke hat. To discover more about the attractions and events Winchester has to offer, please visit visitwinchester.co.uk.
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What's the best way of getting to you by using public transport?Winchester is well-connected by public transport. If arriving by train, the studio is just a short taxi ride, or a 30 minute walk up the hill from Winchester Station. There are also local bus services that can drop you at the end of Dean Lane for added convenience. My address is: Marvellous Millinery, The Rose Garden Studio, 4 Mornington Drive, Dean Lane, Winchester, SO22 5LR
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Are there any cafes or eateries nearby that I can enjoy before or after my appointment?Yes, Winchester offers a fantastic selection of cafés, restaurants, pubs, and hotels to suit all tastes. Along Jewry Street and near The Guildhall, you’ll find an excellent variety of world-cuisine restaurants, while The Ivy, located on the High Street, is surrounded by many other well-known dining options. For a countryside setting, nearby pubs include The Plough in Sparsholt and The Running Horse in Littleton, both offering a cosy atmosphere and delicious meals. If fine dining is your preference, Lainston House Hotel located just at the top of my lane is a wonderful choice. Other excellent options in town include Hotel Du Vin on Southgate Street, The Chesil Rectory and many, many more.
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Do customers ever stay in Winchester when they order their wedding hat? Make weekend of it?Yes, many customers choose to make a weekend of their visit to Winchester as part of their wedding preparations. Planning a bespoke hat for the Mother of the Bride or Groom is often a highlight of the preparation journey, and some ladies have even photographed the experience to include in their wedding planning scrapbook! Couples often stay nearby to enjoy all that Winchester has to offer - exploring its historic landmarks, independent shops and excellent restaurants. It’s a lovely way to add an extra sense of occasion when ordering a hat, whilst also soaking up the charm of this historic city. Please remember I am happy to offer appointments over seven days a week (including most Bank Holidays), to make it as convenient as possible for you to arrange your visit. Hotels nearby are: Hotel du Vin (Southgate Street in the city centre) Lainston House Hotel (just at the top of my lane) Mercure Hotel (within the Cathedral grounds) The Old Vine (near the Cathedral) The Winchester Hotel & Spa (modern with lovely Spa facilities) Winchester Royal Hotel (traditional with a beautiful walled garden near the city centre)