Bringing the Heat: The Hat Bar Experience at Weddings

One beautiful January day, a bride-to-be reached out about personalizing 100% wool hats at her wedding reception. She envisioned a hat bar where guests could decorate their hats with flowers, feathers, pendants, playing cards — and have them personalized by a calligrapher. (Hey! That’s me!)

Of course, I was all in. Hats, weddings, calligraphy, and creating a memorable guest experience? Perfect match.

Since ink and nibs wouldn’t work on wool, I turned to something I’d already practiced: pyrography — the art of woodburning. After showing the bride a sample of my hat-burning work, we sealed the deal (digitally, via our HoneyBook contract).

The Prep

For this event, I upgraded from my basic woodburner to the TEKCHIC 60W Professional Wood Burning Kit with two pens — a lifesaver in case one overheated or failed during an evening with nearly 200 guests. I still brought my old one as a backup.

About three months before the wedding, I sent the bride a “hat card” for guests to fill out, letting me know exactly what they wanted burned into their hats.

I also secured an assistant because, let’s be real, there’s no way to manage a hat bar solo at an event this size.

The Hat Card

The Big Day & Setup

My assistant, Lekpasi, and I arrived 30 minutes early after an hour-and-45-minute drive. We were directed to the hat bar room — and wow. The hats were gorgeous, in multiple sizes and colors. First things first: we took inventory.

We laid out all the decorative items for easy access so guests could play with different looks. I also displayed two pre-burned hats from earlier in the week, which gave the space that chic “hat shop” vibe.

My station included:

• Pyrography machine

• White fabric pencils for drafting

• Heat-resistant gloves

• Portable lamp

• Pliers for nib changes

• Two signs: Complimentary Calligraphy and CAUTION: HOT TOOL IN USE!

And of course… name tags.

Hatburning Station Setup

The Calm and then the Storm

It started slow — a curious couple wandered in and got first pick. She wanted her initials on the outside, he wanted his inside the brim. Then a third guest appeared… and suddenly the room was full.

Some reactions:

“Wow! What’s this?”

“Do we just pick a hat?”

“This is so unique!”

While I burned designs, my amazing assistant helped guests choose sizes and decorate, stepping in to tie ribbons, attach flowers, and adjust bands.

Most guests chose initials, but a few got creative — anniversary years, nicknames, even symbols. Compliments rolled in:

“This is so amazing.”

“How long did it take you to learn?”

“It looks so rustic.”

When I thanked people for their patience, some surprised me with, “No, thank YOU for doing this.”

Quick conversation with a guest while I personalize his hat

After helped secure the rope around his hat.

Conclusion

A hat bar is a one-of-a-kind way to give wedding or event guests a personalized keepsake. They get to decorate, and then visit their favorite calligrapher (yours truly) to have their initials or a short message burned into their hats.

Watch the video below to see it in action!