Milliner's inside view on Royal Wedding hats

Hat fans looking for a heads up on what headgear will be on show at this month's royal wedding, read on.

A milliner from Staffordshire who supplies hats to Kate Middleton and her family has talked to the Express & Star about what she expects to see at Westminster Abbey on the big day.

Sarah Challinor, who runs Get Ahead Hats in Stafford, says: "It's going to be a real spectacle — expect a mix of quirky and traditional."

The hat that bride-to-be Kate wore at a wedding in October was a Get Ahead creation — although sadly the princess-to-be made the purchase at a branch nearer home.

Sarah, who took on the franchise in Derrington, near Stafford, six years ago, said: "She hasn't been here — at least, not yet — but we have supplied one of her guests with a hat for the wedding."

The 51-year-old, who has a fashion degree from Stafford College, is sworn to secrecy about the royal event but says she will be looking out for a flurry of fascinators, lots of big brims and plenty of perchers — bigger versions of the fascinator. "Kate has worn some stunning hats and is showing she has her own style," says Sarah. "The percher she wore at the October wedding, teamed with an electric blue dress, was by Dawn Guibert, who designs exclusively for us.

"And the fascinator she chose for her first official engagement with Prince William in Anglesey was by Vivien Sheriff, a little-known designer whose hats are also sold through us."

Mother-of-two Sarah thinks Audrey Hepburn-style hats with low crowns and wide brims will be popular at the much-anticipated nuptials.

The distinctive toppers will also feature feathers, silk roses, pleated organza, and lots of beading and coloured crystals that will sparkle in the sunlight. Colour-wise, expect to see black and white, lots of cerise reds and vibrant purples as well as 'nude' shades, such as gold and champagne, says Sarah.

The former handbag designer worked at a shop in Stourbridge before moving to Next in Stafford for 20 years as menswear manager.

Her love of horses led to a job on a livery farm and it was there that she spotted an article in the Farmers Guardian for Get Ahead Hats. The business was started by a farmer's wife from Yorkshire looking for an alternative income when foot-and-mouth struck in 2001 and now has 17 outlets.

Sarah says: "Most of our customers are buying for weddings, Ascot or royal garden parties."