As the autumn begins to draw in, and we reflect on what a wonderfully sunny summer we have all enjoyed, I thought I would write about one of my 2025 bridal commissions and the processes behind a couture commission.
Emily, assisted by her mother, was looking for a very special headpiece to complement her stunning wedding dress for her early September wedding in North Northumberland.
Emily’s classically elegant Caroline Castigliano dress, from the Harrogate Wedding Lounge, was an ivory crepe contemporary dress featuring a fitted bodice finished with a lace overlay and matching sleeves. The eye-catching lace with its self-scalloped edges was the determining factor in the design of the headpiece.
Dainty crowns and headbands are a popular theme for headwear and Emily loved the simple styling of the understated crown, which she found on my Instagram feed.
During our first in-person discussion, over a cup of tea, we discussed Emily’s vision for her headpiece. Various options were considered, and once the basic styling was decided upon I was ready to start work!
Emily’s halo headband featured a wired sinamay base, which was built up with layers of fabric.
To achieve the lightly padded couture halo headband effect, the base was sinamay overlaid with the same crepe as Emily’s dress finished with a top layer of lace.
During the course of the commission, we explored a couple of options for the final finish and trimming and opted for the crown to be entirely covered in lace.
Carefully positioned across both the front and the undersides of the headpiece, the lace definitely gave maximum wow factor! We had several in-person fittings, and once the lace positions were agreed, a lot of “secret” stitching took place!
A couture commission of this type normally takes 6-8 weeks to make, and after our final consultation, Emily’s crown was ready for collection in mid-August. This left plenty of time for her to decide on the final positioning and attachment of her veil, along with advice from her hairstylist.
In due course, I was delighted to receive these wonderful images of the day itself and to view the lovely reel of the day, shot by Laura Film. You can find a link to Laura’s film below.
Emily and Charles – Shortflatt Tower, Northumberland
I was delighted to receive the following review from Emily of the commission experience itself –
“Margaret has gone above and beyond in creating my couture bridal headpiece, bringing my vision to life.
From initial concept through various test pieces utilising different materials and techniques, Margaret’s dedication to and pride in her craft has resulted in a perfect and completely unique piece. Keeping in touch throughout and working to a quick turnaround time, the process has been superb.
For a special and personal piece, I would highly recommend touching base with Margaret”
For more details about my couture service, please get in touch clicking on this link to complete the details on the Book a Consultation page. And if time is of the essence, I also have a capsule collection of boutique couture bridal headpieces available for purchase – please just get in touch for more details
Here’s the link to Laura’s Film reel of Emily and Charlie’s wedding:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DOtYmLDiJdW/?igsh=Ym1kNWZ1ZWg5bmI=
Other links can be accessed by clicking on the highlighted text above.