Photos (top): Accessories: Atelier Anne Stoffels - Photographer (left): Floor Knuyt / Photographer (centre): Felicia Van Ham / Photographer (right): Rense Verweerden
Article created in collaboration with Atelier Anne Stoffels
At the design table
Anne, from Atelier Anne Stoffels, explains that the wedding dress is usually the starting point for creating an accessory: “Many brides come to see me as soon as they’ve chosen their dress. We start by talking about what they have in mind. Then I make a sketch, and you can try out different options.” Details often play an important role, she says: “Brides often already have an idea, which is always a lovely starting point. Some want to incorporate specific elements from their dress into their accessory, such as pearls or flowers. I then try to reproduce them exactly or contact the supplier to get the same flowers. We look at the options together and choose the one you like best.”
After the initial proposal, you’ll receive a prototype. “You can certainly take it with you to your dress fitting to see how everything works together. We then make the final adjustments so that your accessory is comfortable and complements your dress perfectly. Sometimes we even start again in a completely different direction, that’s part of the process. I want everything to be perfect, both practically and emotionally,” says Anne.
Anne prefers to allow six weeks to make each piece with the care it deserves. She explains: “Your wedding day is so important. We need enough time to order the right materials and work carefully on every detail. Everything has to be absolutely perfect.”
Your personality in every detail
To create a personal piece, Anne gets to know each bride well in a short time. “I ask lots of questions,” she explains. “What’s your personality like? Do you love flowers, bows or a simpler look? What will your wedding be like: a large church ceremony or an intimate moment at the town hall? These details quickly help me understand what will suit each bride. I also show examples, and your reaction immediately tells me what you like and what you don’t. That way, I can translate your style and preferences into a creation that truly feels like you.”
A headband that tells a story
Anne particularly remembers an accessory she created for a bride who dreamed of two looks for her wedding and knew exactly what she wanted. Anne recalls proudly: “The bride often wore headbands and had chosen a dress decorated with flowers. She wanted to complete her outfit with a headband of a very specific height. Since there was no fabric left from her dress, I recreated the flowers myself using photos. Then I sewed them onto the headband one by one. She wanted to wear a veil during the day and keep only the headband for the evening. I attached the veil so that her mum could carefully cut it off that evening. That way, she was able to wear both on the same day. She was delighted and received lots of compliments afterwards. These are the moments that make me love what I do.”
The first fitting
The first fitting is always a special moment for Anne. “There’s nothing better than a bride telling me, ‘That’s exactly what I had in mind.’ It’s always a small victory. And if it’s not quite right yet, I’m happy to make changes until it’s perfect. It’s a tremendous honour to help make someone’s dreams come true for one of the most beautiful days of their life. For many brides, this accessory really is the finishing touch,” Anne says with a smile.
Custom hats, headbands and veils
The possibilities at Atelier Anne Stoffels are endless. Anne explains: “I create hair clips decorated with pearls or flowers, or add extra details to a veil to make the whole look more special. I also incorporate personal touches. Many brides want to wear something festive in their hair after taking off their veil, and that’s absolutely possible. You can also visit my studio for more striking creations, such as sculptural pieces adorned with pearls, scrunchies and large hair clips. I also make pillbox hats in the style of Jackie Kennedy, hats with wide or narrow brims, and even veiled fedoras. I shape anything that can be worn in your hair.”
Members of the wedding party also visit Anne’s design table. She continues: “Bridesmaids often choose matching accessories, sometimes identical and sometimes with a personal touch. The mothers of brides also come to see me, often to choose a creation that coordinates with the wedding colours. I’m seeing more and more guests opting for two looks: for example, a large hat for the ceremony, followed by a more understated accessory for the party. It’s lovely to be able to contribute to these moments too.”
A personal keepsake in your accessory
Some brides bring a treasured keepsake to the studio. “I’m often asked to incorporate something that belonged to the bride’s mum. Many mothers have kept their old hat or veil. It’s lovely to reuse part of it in a new creation. For example, I can incorporate it into a modern headband, so the bride is literally carrying a piece of her mum with her on her wedding day. These really are the most beautiful projects,” says Anne.
Is a personalised accessory right for you?
Anne often hears brides express this hesitation. Her advice is: “Just come and see me and try out a few things. Why not? On your wedding day, you can treat yourself to a little something extra. You rarely wear this kind of accessory in everyday life, so it’s the perfect opportunity to choose something special. And it doesn’t have to be too much : there are plenty of ways to give your outfit more character. Many brides even choose two options: something more detailed or striking for the ceremony, followed by a more understated piece for the evening that they can dance in comfortably.”
About Atelier Anne Stoffels
Atelier Anne Stoffels creates handmade couture headpieces, hair accessories and hats for brides and members of the wedding party. Following a personalised consultation, Anne develops a proposal centred on your style, dress and personality. From refined headbands to elegant hats, every piece is custom-made with attention to detail, emotion and craftsmanship.
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How to wear a hat: answers to 3 etiquette questions!
Accessories to put the finishing touch on your wedding dress
