How do I choose a Ready-to-Wear wedding hat online?
Choosing a Ready-to-Wear wedding hat online can feel surprisingly straightforward. All of the designs I’ve created for my Online Shop are on a comfortable perching base of either 6” or 8” diameter, and each unique hat is designed to sit neatly on one side of the head, so you don't need to worry about traditional hat sizing when ordering online from me.
Read on to discover more about how to learn about proportions, choose a colour that complements your outfit, and feel confident selecting an elegant Mother of the Bride or Mother of the Groom hat from my Online Shop.
Ready-to-Wear hats are ideal if you have a shorter timescale, prefer to see a finished design, or fall in love with a particular style. I create each unique hat in my Rose Garden Studio here in Winchester, then photograph it carefully so you can see how it looks from every angle. Please visit my Online Shop to browse the full exclusive collection.
On this page, I’ll show you how easy it is to choose a ready-to-wear hat online - whether you’re a Mother of the Bride, Mother of the Groom or a 'top-table' wedding guest.
What does “Ready-to-Wear” mean at Marvellous Millinery?
My exclusive “Ready-to-Wear” hat collection means that each hat is a finished, one-of-a-kind design, created by me in my Winchester studio and available to purchase immediately from my online shop. Once a hat is sold, it is automatically removed from the collection, which guarantees you won’t see your hat design on other guests at the wedding! Ready-to-Wear hats are ideal if your daughter’s wedding is approaching soon or if you prefer a more straightforward, try-in-the-mirror-and-see approach.
Please remember: Ready-to-Wear simply means this collection of hats is ready to buy, not that they are “mass made”. I create every design myself in my Winchester studio, and I take the same pride in the hand-finishing, refinement and attention to detail as I do with my bespoke work.
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unique, individual designs - you won't see another one the same
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each one lovingly created with pride in my Winchester studio
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photographed on the same mannequin from several angles, so you can compare each hat for scale
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available for immediate dispatch (subject to current terms in the shop)
If you need minor adjustments, such as a different elastic colour or slight trim alteration, you’re most welcome to contact me, and I’ll let you know what’s possible.
Online Shop Preview
Is a Ready-to-Wear hat right for me?
Some ladies arrive knowing they’d like a fully Bespoke Design, while others simply need a beautiful, well-made hat that works with their outfit and timeline. Ready-to-Wear can be a very good choice if:
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you already love one of the designs you’ve seen in my online shop
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your timescale is shorter than the usual 6–10 weeks for a bespoke order
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you feel more comfortable choosing from finished hats rather than imagining a design
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you’d like a little more flexibility on budget
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you’re confident with your outfit and just need the final piece to complete it
If you are unsure, we can always discuss whether a Ready-to-Wear or Bespoke approach would suit you best.
How to assess hat shapes when you’re shopping online
Photographs can help convey the first impressions of each hat, and I make sure each unique piece is shown from several angles and with clear notes on size and detailing, so you have a clear idea of what the hat looks like before you buy.
When browsing my exclusive Ready-to-Wear collection, it helps to think about how the shape will sit on you.
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perching hats usually sit on the right-hand side (although occasionally some designs can work well on either side)
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smaller hats can often be a practical solution if ladies aren't used to wearing a large hat
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angled trims add height gracefully - while wider, horizontal trims can balance a longer face
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if you’re petite, you may feel more comfortable with these smaller, perching designs rather than a very deep brim
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many ladies find these little hats easier to wear, especially if the venue is indoors more or if space is tight
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consider the silhouette that your hairstyle creates for you, to assess whether a 6" or 8" based hat would be most suitable
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please also remember that all hats in my Online Shop meet the minimum requirement for wearing in the Royal Enclosure at Royal Ascot
If you’re unsure, you’re always welcome to send me a photograph of your outfit, and I’ll be happy to suggest which hats in the collection might suit you best.
Checking the colour online against your outfit
Colour can feel particularly challenging when you’re ordering online, so I describe each hat really carefully in my Online Shop and often show close-up images of the materials I've used to create it. It’s helpful to view the hat photos on a larger screen if you can, and to compare them directly with your outfit.
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look at the overall base colour first, then at the trims
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remember that natural daylight may soften colours slightly compared to your screen
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choose a hat that either softly blends with your dress or picks up an accent colour
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consider your shoes, bag and jewellery at the same time
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please remember that I do have a refund policy if the colour isn’t right 'in the flesh’ and you wish to return it
For more guidance, you may like to read extracts from my Colour & Outfit Matching page when considering pieces from my Ready-to-Wear collection.
Size, fit and how your Ready-to-Wear hat will feel
Most of my ready-to-wear designs are perching or gently tilted hats that suit a wide range of head sizes. In each product description, I note how the hat is secured and where it is intended to sit.
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most of the designs are held in place with a comfortable elastic that disappears into your hair
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many styles have a discreet comb for extra security
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every hat is designed to feel balanced and light enough to wear all day
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if you wear glasses or a hearing aid, a perching style is usually a very good choice
If you have any concerns about fit or how a particular design will sit with your hairstyle, please contact me before ordering, and I’ll be happy to advise.
Placing your order and arranging delivery
When you find a Ready-to-Wear hat you love, you can purchase it directly through my Online Shop. I only list hats that are physically in my studio safely stored away and ready for immediate purchase, so there is no waiting for them to be created and you can be assured that the photographs of the hat you see online, are of the exact hat you are buying. Current delivery times are always shown clearly and delivery is free within the UK.
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you can order online at any time
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hats are carefully packed in a hat box, then placed within an additional outer carton for safer travel
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UK delivery is included in the price
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if your timescale is tight, please contact me before ordering so I can confirm what’s possible
For full details, please refer to the delivery and returns information on the Online Shop Terms and Conditions page, or contact me if you have any questions.
Can I visit the studio to see Ready-to-Wear hats in person?
Absolutely - many Mothers of the Bride prefer to see the hats in person before making a decision. By booking an appointment to visit my Rose Garden Studio, you can try on any of the Ready-to-Wear designs you wish to see, looking at them alongside your own outfit and accessories. If you’d like to arrange a visit, please contact me to book a suitable time.
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you’ll have the opportunity to try several hats in a calm, private setting
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we can compare Ready-to-Wear designs and discuss bespoke options if suitable
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if you fall in love with a Ready-to-Wear hat, you can take it home the same day
Many customers take the opportunity and 'make a day of it' when visiting Winchester, going to the local shops, museums and restaurants - some even stay over and make a weekend of it!
Weighing it all up - should I choose a Ready-to-Wear or bespoke hat?
Both options have their advantages. Bespoke is ideal if you have a specific vision, a longer timescale or a very particular colour and trim requirement. Ready-to-wear works beautifully if you prefer to choose from finished designs or if the wedding date is already quite close.
Ready-to-Wear may suit you if:
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you’ve found a design you already love
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your timescale is shorter
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you’re happy to adapt your outfit slightly to a chosen hat
You may prefer the Bespoke option if:
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you’d like the hat created specifically around your outfit
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you have time for a consultation and fitting
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you enjoy being involved in the design process
If you’re unsure about which route to go for, I’m very happy to talk through your options and suggest the best way forward for you and your daughter’s wedding planning.
Read the countless 5* Reviews
New customers often appreciate reading reviews about my service; they find them reassuring, and it helps them feel confident when placing an order with me.
I have been most fortunate that so many ladies have shared how they have felt about buying from me at Marvellous Millinery over the years, and have kindly Shared the Love by recommending me personally.
Thank you so much, 💗 Simon x
Ready-to-wear hat FAQs
Are your Ready-to-Wear hats one-of-a-kind?
Yes. Each hat in my Ready-to-Wear collection is an individual design. Once it has been purchased, it is removed from the shop and not repeated in exactly the same form again.
Can you make small adjustments to a ready-to-wear hat?
Sometimes it is possible to refine details such as elastic colour or a small trim placement. If you have a specific request, please contact me before ordering so I can advise.
How far in advance should I order a ready-to-wear hat?
As soon as you feel confident it suits your outfit. Please ensure that you have allowed up to 7 working days for the hat to arrive with you, and that you have allocated time for a “dress rehearsal” before the wedding day.
What if I’m unsure which hat suits me?
You’re very welcome to contact me with photographs of your outfit. I can suggest which designs in the current collection may be most suitable, or we can arrange an in-person studio appointment for you to try options on.
Do you offer ready-to-wear hats for Mothers of the Groom as well?
Yes, the collection is suitable for both Mothers of the Bride and Mothers of the Groom, as well as other special guests.
Next Steps
If you would like broader advice on choosing your wedding hat, you may find my Wedding Hat Advice and Colour & Outfit Matching guides helpful. You can browse the current Ready-to-Wear Collection online, or if you feel that having a hat made to your specifications is your preferred option, please read about the Bespoke Consultation Process, or book your visit to my Winchester Studio or even plan a mini break to Visit the City whilst purchasing your new hat!