MOST brides-to-be are busy enough in the countdown to their big day without any additional tasks to occupy their time.
But generous Louise Tofton agreed to craft personalised fascinators for her female relatives so they would all look picture-perfect when she tied the knot.
Rather than finding the extra workload daunting, milliner Louise revelled in the opportunity to practice designs for her new headwear business, Bespoke Millinery By Louise.
She explained: "I think some people thought I was a bit mad when I told them how many fascinators I was making for guests at my own wedding!
"The ladies in my family all know how much I love making fascinators and it was great experience working on so many at once."
Louise, from Cleethorpes, was studying for a fashion degree at the University of Lincoln when she first discovered her flair for designing headwear. One of her tutors spotted her talent and encouraged her to enrol on a masters degree in design, specialising in millinery.
Since marrying accountant Paul at Park Congregational Church, followed by a reception at Hall Farm in Ashby-cum-Fenby, interest in her designs has soared.
Louise added: "Hats and fascinators are more like works of art than clothes and you can be so creative with them.
"They're also much more interesting to make than just sewing straight seams on clothes!"
She added: "I'd absolutely love to have my own hat shop one day – that would be a dream come true."
To find out more, call 07535 532578 or visit www.bespoke-millinery.co.uk
This article first appeared in the Wedding Journal 2012 which is out now.
