Crafting the Perfect Mother of the Groom Hat – with Rixo Dress & Dior Sandals

Simon Meanwell-Ralph
Apr 12, 2025
6 min read

Updated: Jan 16

A smiling couple stands outdoors. The man, father of the groom, wears a navy suit with an orange tie, and the woman, mother of the groom, wears a red patterned dress by Rixo London and bespoke wedding hat in matching colours created by Simon at Marvellous Millinery — Dressed to celebrate a significant milestone, the proud parents radiate elegance and joy on their son's wedding day.

A Wedding Hat to Complete a Beautiful Look – A Special Moment for a Mother of the Groom

When it comes to a wedding day, it's not only the bride and groom who deserve to feel their absolute best. For the mother of the bride or groom, this is also a once-in-a-lifetime moment. You’ve raised your child, supported them through life’s milestones, and now you’ll stand proudly by their side as they say “I do.” Choosing the perfect outfit isn’t just about looking beautiful - it’s about feeling confident, cherished, and part of something truly meaningful.

Wide-brimmed wedding hat with red accents, feather details, and floral trim on a front facing mannequin's head with a contemplative pose. Designed and made by Simon at Marvellous Millinery Winchester — *A closer look at the sweeping brim and delicate hand-finished details, designed to echo the movement of the outfit and create a statement piece that blends tradition with personal flair.*

I recently had the joy of creating a bespoke hat for a lovely customer whose son was getting married. She wanted to feel special, elegant, and completely herself on the big day - and I knew instantly this was going to be a very special project.

The Beautiful Outfit

My client chose a beautiful Rixo London dress, and I must say, it was a stunning choice. The dress fabric was a rich, wine red hue, which was woven through with a soft gold lurex animal-print abstract pattern that glistened and really caught the eye. The colour combination alone spoke volumes - symbolising warmth, style and timeless elegance - while the delicate details added a gentle, fashion-forward feel to her overall look.

The lightweight, flowing fabric created a beautiful sense of movement, giving her an effortless grace as she walked. It was feminine, flattering, and ideal for a summer wedding celebration.

To finish the outfit, my lovely customer wore a pair of gorgeous Christian Dior sandals, which brought just the right touch of glamour. The refined golden accents shimmered gently in the light, catching the eye without overpowering the look. Comfortable yet stylish, they struck the perfect balance - a design that offered both sophistication and ease for a day filled with love, laughter, and (of course) dancing!

The Hat Design Process

When I saw the dress and shoes together, I was instantly inspired. My goal was to design a hat that would effortlessly tie the whole outfit together - a piece that felt refined, luxurious, and utterly unique.

Elaborate mother of the groom wedding hat with red, tan, and brown feathers on a white mannequin head, featuring elegant loops and crystal details. Designed and made by Simon at Marvellous Millinery Winchester — *A reversed colour palette of the dress was chosen to create a beautifully balanced look, offering contrast and harmony rather than a single, overwhelming tone.*

My customer wanted a statement wide-brimmed hat to balance with the A-line hem of her dress, so I created a bespoke piece for her in a warm golden tone, chosen to complement the pattern accents in the fabric of the dress. We opted for a colour-reversal of the dress itself, so that the look was complementary rather than a drench of all the same tone. I added further subtle golden accents to echo the sparkle of her Dior sandals, ensuring the whole ensemble felt beautifully cohesive.

A woman, mother of the groom, in a red Rixo London dress and elaborate wedding hat designed and made by Simon at Marvellous Millinery, stands in a garden. Green lawn, wooden deck, and brick wall in the background. Decorated arch nearby. — *Subtle golden accents introduced to reflect the shimmer of her Dior sandals, bringing a sense of elegant cohesion to the entire look.*

Every detail mattered - from the undulating sweep of the brim, which echoed the movement of the fabric, to the hand-finished embellishments that added just the right hint of glamour. This wasn’t just about making a hat - it was about crafting a statement piece that honoured traditional wedding style while allowing my customer's individuality to shine through.

Elegant beige large wedding hat with red ribbon and feathers, crystals displayed on a white front facing mannequin head. The background is plain white. — *A closer look at the sweeping brim and delicate hand-finished details—designed to echo the movement of the outfit and create a statement piece that blends tradition with personal flair.*

The Emotional Reveal

When my customer came to collect her hat, her reaction touched me deeply. She looked radiant and more importantly, she felt radiant. Later, she sent me a heartfelt message that I’ll never forget:

“Thanks for helping me complete my outfit with a wonderful hat which made my son’s day—he completely broke down when he saw me in the hat. So sweet.”

That straightforward, sincere feeling reminded me precisely why I pursue my work. It's about much more than just hats, it's about crafting moments that people remember for a lifetime.

Reflection on the Experience

Being part of such a meaningful occasion, even in a small way, is always an honour. I love knowing that something I’ve made by hand can bring so much joy, confidence, and emotional connection. These are the memories that last a lifetime.

Every Mother Deserves to Feel Marvellous

Every mother of the bride or groom deserves to feel extraordinary on such a special day. Your outfit should reflect not only your style but also the love and pride you feel inside. If you’re looking for a bespoke mother of the groom hat, handmade in Hampshire and designed to match your dress perfectly, I’d be delighted to help.

Because life moments like this deserve to be remembered - and so do you.

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 perfectly 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.

Helpful links

Bespoke Hat Portfolio – explore my range of luxury designer wedding hats, available to order in hundreds of stylish colour combinations.
Ready-to-Wear Hat Shop – discover one-of-a-kind wedding hats available to buy immediately online.
Book a Consultation – arrange a private appointment at my Rose Garden Studio in Winchester.
More Wedding Hat Advice – read further guides and articles on my blog.

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 the actual fabrics 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 proportion and tilt so we can 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.