How To Wear A Hat To A Wedding: Hat Etiquette & Tips

As wedding season approaches with warmer days and longer nights, many are eager to update their wardrobes with elegant new outfits. One accessory that can add a touch of sophistication and flair to your wedding ensemble is a hat. However, understanding how to wear a hat to a wedding involves more than simply picking one out and putting it on. Here’s everything you need to know to wear a hat to a wedding with confidence and style.

Respect the Dress Code

The first and most important step in planning to wear a hat to a wedding is to check the dress code specified by the hosts. Weddings can range from casual garden parties to formal black-tie affairs, and the appropriateness of your hat will depend heavily on the dress code.

If the invitation specifies an extravagant dress code, you might opt for a more elaborate hat, whereas a relaxed, informal wedding calls for simpler headwear. Always ensure your choice of hat aligns with the overall tone of the event to avoid any fashion faux pas.

Find a Hat That Complements Your Style

Selecting the right hat means choosing one that matches your outfit and suits your style and comfort. A general rule of thumb is to consider your height and build when picking a hat.

Taller individuals can carry wider-brimmed hats that balance their stature, while shorter guests might prefer smaller, more delicate options like pillbox hats. This helps to avoid the hat overwhelming your frame and ensures you feel comfortable wearing it all day.

Consider the Photographs

Weddings are a time for capturing memories, and you’ll likely want to be photographed throughout the event. With this in mind, choose a hat that flatters you from all angles and doesn’t obscure your face.

Oversized hats can sometimes create unflattering shadows or hide your features, so opt for a size and shape that allows your face to be clearly seen. Before any photos are taken, ensure your hat is properly adjusted to look perfect in every shot.

Mind Your Manners: Hat Etiquette

When wearing a hat to a wedding, especially as the mother of the groom or a close family member, it’s important to consider traditional hat etiquette. For example, it’s customary for the groom's mother to wear a smaller hat than the bride's mother as a sign of respect.

This tradition ensures that the focus remains on the bride and her family. However, if the wedding is co-hosted by both families, then both mothers have the liberty to choose hats that reflect their personal style.

Decoration and Embellishment

If you enjoy adding a personal touch to your hat with decorations like feathers or pins, it’s good to know the traditional rules for placement. Women should embellish their hats on the right side, while men traditionally decorate the left. This adds a touch of classic charm to your outfit and adheres to established fashion norms, ensuring you look stylish and well-dressed.

Time of Day Considerations

Time of day plays a significant role in deciding what hat you should wear to a wedding. Larger hats with wide brims are suitable for morning ceremonies when the sun is out, and you need protection from the glare.

As the day progresses, opting for smaller, more understated hats appropriate for afternoon and evening events is advisable. A versatile hat that can transition day to night is a smart choice for weddings that span the entire day.

To Remove or Not to Remove?

A common question among wedding guests is whether or not to remove their hats during the ceremony. For women, hats are typically considered a part of the outfit and can be worn throughout the event, including during the ceremony. Conversely, men should remove their hats, especially when indoors or in places of worship, as a sign of respect.

When removing your hat, avoid exposing the lining to others by holding it so that only the outer part is visible. Traditionally, ladies may remove their hats only after the bride's mother has done so, which is a sign of courteous behavior. To ensure your hat stays secure and looks great all day, consider using discreet hat pins or combs to keep it in place. This ensures you won’t have to adjust your hat constantly and can enjoy the festivities without worry.

When finding the perfect hat for your wedding outfit, we at Hat Heaven offer a curated selection of stylish hats. Whether you’re looking for fitted hats or MLB hats, our collection has something for everyone. Visit us online or at our South Bronx store to discover the perfect hat for any occasion.