The Ultimate Guide: the Best Hats at Weddings

Are hats acceptable at weddings? The answer is yes. The good news is if you have to attend a wedding that requires you wearing a hat, there are thousands of styles to pick from, from traditional hats, dainty fascinators and embellished headbands. Inspiration can come from the catwalks or from some of our favourite female Royals, who, as etiquette dictates, must always wear a hat for official engagements.

When wedding bells are in the air, you'll want to look your best, whether it's your own special day, or you find yourself cast as a bridesmaid, groomsman, or simply an honored guest. Weddings tend to be very formal occasions that call for the utmost in style and tastefulness. Wearing a hat to a wedding is an effortless way to give your formal wear an immediate upgrade. Today, we’ll talk about the best hats for weddings and what styles will be best suited to the occasion.

Can you wear hats at weddings?

While there are no hard-and-fast ruabout wearing hats at weddings, it is generally considered polite to remove your hat when entering a church or other place of worship.

Why do people wear hats at weddings?

People wear hats at weddings for various reasons. Some people wear them as a symbol of respect or to honor the bride and groom. In some cultures, hats are also worn to signify marital status or social standing. A sea of ladies in hats can also add a certain vibe to a wedding, making the day feel that little more regal.

Mens hats at weddings

Fedora hats at weddings

A fedora is a style of hat that features a pinch near the front and a shallow indented crown. It also has a round brim that is typically wider than that of a trilby hat. The fedora originated in 1891 after the stage play of the same name and has since grown into a beloved accessory for both women and men.

The fedora is a classic style that is well-suited to pairing with dressier attire. Fedoras make a subtle, yet powerful statement and are perfect for spiffing up your look without worrying about upstaging the bride and groom.

Cowboy hats at weddings

Cowboy hats are a popular accessory at weddings, often worn by the groom or groomsmen as part of their attire. They can add a touch of western charm to the wedding photos and create a unique look for the groom. Some brides even opt to wear cowboy hats themselves as an alternative to a traditional veil.

Every cowboy or cowgirl needs a proper western hat to suit his lifestyle and unique fashion sense. We have the hats you need to get that authentic cowboy style. Our selection of western styles includes western felt hats and western straw hats, so you can pick the perfect fit for you.

Top hats at weddings

A top hat, high hat, cylinder hat or topper is a tall, flat-crowned hat for men traditionally associated with formal wear in Western dress codes, meaning white tie, morning dress or frock coat. The top hat, traditionally of black silk or sometimes grey, came about perhaps inspired by the capotain, and replaced the tricorne associated with the justaucorps tailcoats in Western fashion by the end of 18th century. It has remained a formal fashion accessory ever since. A collapsible variant of a top hat is known as an opera hat.

Do you wear a top hat to a wedding?A top hat is the ultimate in men's formal headwear and will be perfect for grand weddings that have been elaborately planned with impeccable attention to detail.

Women hats at weddings

Fascinator

Looking for the perfect wedding hats for ladies? Look no further than the fascinator! Fascinators are not traditional hats, per se, but they are certainly the utmost in elegance when it comes to women’s headwear. A fascinator consists of an elaborate design attached to a comfortable headband or clip. Fascinators traditionally have floral or feather-plumed styles and are a delightfully delicate addition your bridesmaids will love!

Straw hats

A straw hat is a brimmed hat that is woven out of straw or straw-like materials from different plants or synthetics. The hat is designed to protect the head from the sun and against heatstroke, but straw hats are also used in fashion as a decorative element or a uniform.

Outdoor weddings have become increasingly popular over the years as couples have become more adventurous in their choice of venue.

Even if you find that hot weather is anticipated for the day of the ceremony, don’t do yourself the disservice of skipping a fashionable hat as part of your ensemble! There are a number of straw and Panama weave hats available in classic styles to keep your style and your body feeling fresh and cool.

How to wear a wedding hat with short hair?

With very short hair, look for fascinators that have a headband or clip attachment. A fascinator headband uses an Alice band or hair band to stay in place. These bands are usually wrapped in fabric to match the color of your hair or the fascinator itself.

When do ladies remove their hats at a wedding?

Traditionally the mother of the bride removes her hat after the meal when the men would take off their jackets. But for less formal weddings, when you are eating outside, or from a buffet, ladies can remove their hats after the ceremony.