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Craftsmanship You Can Rely On: Wedding Hats by Marvellous Millinery

  • Writer: Simon Meanwell-Ralph
    Simon Meanwell-Ralph
  • Apr 5, 2025
  • 5 min read

Updated: Jan 13

A beautifully crafted hat is more than just an accessory - it’s a statement of style, elegance, and confidence that can elevate any outfit to new heights. At Marvellous Millinery, every hat I create is meticulously handcrafted with precision and care, ensuring it meets the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship. My commitment to excellence is evident in every stitch, every curve, and every embellishment, resulting in a piece that is not only visually stunning but also a reflection of the artistry involved in its creation.


Inside the Rose Garden Studio workshop at marvellous millinery winchester, Simon gently uses steam to mold sinamay fabric into graceful bows ready for application on a wedding hat
Inside the Rose Garden Studio workshop Simon gently uses steam to mold sinamay fabric into graceful bows.

Traditional Techniques and Modern Styling


With years of experience in the art of millinery and a true passion for this timeless craft, I take great pride in my work. Each hat is made using traditional techniques, which have been passed down through generations, combined with modern styling that caters to contemporary tastes. This unique blend results in a piece that is both timeless and fashion-forward, allowing you to express your individuality. Every detail is carefully considered to create a hat that is as unique as you are, tailored to your personal style and preferences.


simon the milliner is hand sewing a wedding hat for mother of the bride with a large bow, surrounded by threads, scissors, and colour sinamay fabric samples on a desk.
Inside the studio Simon is hand sewing a bow onto a wedding hat base

Crafting Timeless Elegance with the Finest Materials


I use only the finest materials, ensuring a luxurious finish that not only looks stunning but also feels comfortable to wear throughout any occasion. Whether it’s silk-covered bases, dyed feathers, crystals or delicately applied trims such as remnants from your dress fabric, each element is meticulously chosen to enhance the beauty of the design and to ensure that it stands out in any crowd. The textures and colours are selected not just for their aesthetic appeal, but also for their durability and ability to withstand the test of time, ensuring that your hat remains a cherished piece in your wardrobe.

Simon at Marvellous Millinery crafting a wedding hat, holding it, and steaming whilst wearing glasses, floral shirt, in the Rose Garden Studio Winchester Hampshire
Simon is hand stitching a bias-bind made from James Hare silk

Wedding Hats for Mother of the Bride


A truly well-made hat doesn’t just look good—it turns heads and sparks conversations. Whether you’re a Mother of the Bride or Mother of the Groom, a wedding guest, attending Royal Ascot, or a formal event, my hats are designed to make an impact and to be the highlight of your ensemble. The craftsmanship ensures elegance, durability, and a perfect fit, allowing you to wear your hat with confidence, knowing it will complement your look and express your personality. Each creation is a statement piece, meant to be worn with pride and to capture the attention of those around you.


If you appreciate fine craftsmanship and want a wedding hat that is made just for you, then a bespoke design from Marvellous Millinery is the perfect choice to fulfil your fashion aspirations. Book a consultation today, and let’s embark on a creative journey together to design something truly special that reflects your unique style and taste. Together, we can explore various designs, materials, and embellishments to ensure that your hat not only meets your expectations but exceeds them, becoming a treasured addition to your collection.



About Marvellous Millinery


I create unique, bespoke, and ready-to-wear wedding hats in my Rose Garden Studio in Winchester, Hampshire. I specialise in elegant, flattering designs for the Mother of the Bride and the Mother of the Groom. Ladies, ask me to make a beautifully coordinated hat that feels secure, comfortable, and ideally suited to them, their outfit, and the occasion they are attending - safe in the knowledge that they will be the only person wearing that particular one-of-a-kind hat at the wedding!


If you’d like specialist guidance, I am always delighted to arrange a personal consultation at my studio, here in Winchester.


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About the author


Simon Meanwell-Ralph, Millinery Designer

Founder of Marvellous Millinery (established 2011), Winchester, Hampshire, UK.


I graduated with a first-class honours degree in Accessory Design and have spent many years creating hats for family weddings, Ladies Day at Royal Ascot and other special events. I create each piece here in my Winchester studio, using high-quality materials such as sinamay, silk and the finest trims. My aim is always to help my customers feel confident, elegant and beautifully put together for their big day.


Sharing this article


If you know someone who is beginning their search for a Mother of the Bride or Mother of the Groom hat, please feel free to share this guide. It may help make their preparations that little bit easier.



FAQs about Mother of the Bride hats


I’ve answered a few of the most common questions below. If you’d like more details about visiting my Winchester studio, bespoke commissions or ready-to-wear hats, you can find further information on my Frequently Asked Questions page.


What should I bring to my consultation?

Please bring your outfit (or a fabric swatch), shoes and any accessories you plan to wear. Good daylight colour checks are essential, so actual fabric samples are very helpful. Photos of the venue and your hairstyle are useful too. If you wear glasses, bring them. I’ll then discuss colours and styles with you and test proportions and tilt to agree on a flattering design that feels secure and comfortable.


How far in advance should I order a bespoke hat?

Most bespoke commissions take around 6–10 weeks, so it is best to book as soon as you have chosen your dress and shoes and know the wedding date. This allows adequate time for design, fitting, and any matching accessories. During peak wedding and Ascot season, early booking is essential as availability becomes limited.


Can you match the colour of my outfit?

In many cases, yes. I work with a wide range of sinamay shades, silks and trims, and can blend layers to create subtle, individual tones that sit beautifully with your dress.

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