Crafting the Perfect Mother of the Groom Hat – with Rixo Dress & Dior Sandals
- Simon Meanwell-Ralph
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
“Begin your own exciting creative journey to a bespoke hat – together, we’ll craft something truly special!”
Tel: 01962 435055
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