Hats At Casual Weddings: What's Appropriate For Women?

Planning an outfit for a casual wedding can be challenging, especially when it comes to accessories like hats. While hats can add a stylish touch to an outfit, there are several factors to consider before wearing one to a casual wedding. These include the dress code, venue, couple's preferences, and the time of year. For outdoor, non-religious weddings, hats may be suitable, especially if they provide shade from direct sunlight. However, it's important to avoid oversized hats that might block someone's view or casual hat styles that seem out of place. Ultimately, it's respectful to ask the bride and groom about their preferences, ensuring your choice aligns with their vision for their special day.

Hat etiquette for casual weddings

Wearing a hat to a casual wedding can be a great way to add a stylish touch to your outfit and express your personal style. Here are some things to keep in mind when considering wearing a hat as a guest at a casual wedding:

Factors to Consider

Firstly, it's important to consider the couple's preferences, the dress code, the venue, and the time of year. If the wedding has a specific theme, such as a royal or country theme, that might influence the appropriateness of wearing a hat. For example, a white-tie affair with a royal theme will almost always call for guests to wear hats, especially fascinators.

Outdoor Weddings

If the casual wedding is held outdoors, especially in direct sunlight, it may be more appropriate and functional to wear a hat. A garden or beach wedding, for example, could be a great opportunity to style a hat that complements your outfit and protects you from the sun.

Size and Style

When choosing a hat, consider the size, colour, and style. While a statement hat can be a fun accessory, avoid anything that is oversized as it may block the view of other guests. Extremely casual hats, like baseball caps or bucket hats, might also be out of place at a wedding.

Alternative Accessories

If you're unsure about wearing a hat, there are plenty of other accessories to elevate your look. Statement jewellery, unique purses, and colourful shoes are all ways to showcase your personal style without potentially breaking wedding etiquette.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, the decision to wear a hat to a casual wedding depends on various factors, and it's always a good idea to consider the preferences of the couple getting married. When in doubt, it's better to skip the hat altogether than risk being inappropriate.

Choosing the right hat for your body shape

Hats are a great accessory to add a personal touch to your wedding guest outfit. But before you decide to wear a hat to a wedding, it's important to consider various factors such as the religion, culture, time of year, age, and overall style of the hat. If you're attending an outdoor, non-religious celebration, a hat might be a good choice, especially if it's for protection from the sun.

Now, let's dive into choosing the right hat for your body shape:

When selecting a hat, it's essential to consider both your face shape and your body type. Here are some guidelines to help you choose the most flattering hat:

Face Shape:

• Long face: Opt for a hat with a low crown and a wide brim to shorten the length of your face. Fedoras, pork pie hats, and wide-brimmed sun hats are excellent choices.
• Round face: Go for hats with angular styles and wide brims to elongate your face and give it a more defined appearance. A fedora, trilby, or a tall top hat can work well.
• Square face: Soften the strong angular features of your face with a hat that has rounded lines. A fedora with a rounded crown, a bucket hat, or a wide-brimmed sun hat can be great options.
• Heart-shaped face: Look for a hat with a medium brim that is wider at the bottom to balance the proportions of your face. Baseball caps, newsboy caps, and fedoras can work well. Avoid floppy brims that add extra volume to the top of your face.
• Oval face: Considered the ideal face shape, an oval face can pull off almost any style of hat. From fedoras to sun hats and wide-brimmed hats, feel free to experiment.
• Diamond-shaped face: Wear your hat slightly back on your head to mitigate the potential for a shortened face appearance. Beanies or pull-ons with shallow crowns, like a pork pie hat, can be great choices.

Body Type:

• Larger body type: Avoid small hats as they can make you look bigger. Instead, opt for a larger hat that is proportionate to your head size. Go for a medium-height crown and a brim width of at least 2.5 inches (6.4 cm). Fedoras and Homburg hats are good choices.
• Short and slim body type: Hats can help elongate your body and make you look taller. Look for hats with pointed crowns and contrasting hat bands. Avoid wide-brimmed hats and go for something shorter instead. A high crown and a slim curl-up brim can flatter your silhouette.
• Tall and thin body type: Avoid tall crowns as they will accentuate your height. Instead, opt for medium to low crowns and contrasting hat bands to create a more harmonious look. A brim width of about 2 inches (5 cm) is ideal, and tilting the hat to one side can add elegance.

The do's and don'ts of hat wearing

The dos and don'ts of hat wearing

If you're wondering whether to wear a hat to a casual wedding, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, hats can be a great way to add a stylish touch to your outfit and are generally considered acceptable for women to wear at weddings, even indoors. However, there are some dos and don'ts to keep in mind to ensure you don't cause any inconvenience or offence.

Do consider the type of wedding. If it's an outdoor, non-religious celebration, a hat is more likely to be suitable. For example, a straw hat can be a perfect addition to your outfit for a beach or picnic-style wedding.

Don't wear a hat that is too casual, such as a baseball cap, trapper hat, or bucket hat. These can look out of place and are best avoided.

Do think about the size of your hat. While a statement hat can be a great choice, avoid anything too oversized, which could block the view of other guests.

Don't wear a hat that is too tall if you're on the taller side. Instead, opt for a wide-brimmed hat to create a balanced look.

Do consider the couple's preferences and the overall style of the wedding. For example, a white-tie affair with a royal theme may call for more elegant hats, such as fascinators.

Don't forget to take the mother of the bride's lead. Traditionally, the mother of the bride wears a hat, especially at formal weddings. If she removes her hat at any point, it's polite to follow her lead.

Do remember that hats can be a fun way to express your style and personality, especially if you want to stand out from the crowd.

Don't wear a hat that is exactly the same colour as your outfit. A deliberate clash or a contrasting colour can often be more elegant and interesting.

Do pay attention to the back of your hat, as much as the front. With reportage-style wedding photography, the back of your hat is likely to feature in many photos.

Don't be afraid to ask the bride and groom about their preferences. It's always best to check with them directly to ensure your hat choice is appropriate and respectful.

Hat-appropriate venues and occasions

The venue and occasion of a wedding are key factors in determining whether a woman should wear a hat. While hats can be a stylish accessory, not all venues or occasions call for them. Here are some hat-appropriate venues and occasions to consider:

• Outdoor weddings: If the wedding is held outdoors, such as in a garden or beach setting, a hat can be functional as well as fashionable. It can provide shade from direct sunlight and elevate your style.
• Daytime weddings: Daytime weddings, especially those held outdoors, are generally more casual and can be a great opportunity to wear a hat. Whether it's a boho-chic straw hat or a sophisticated felt hat, a daytime wedding allows you to showcase your hat style.
• Destination weddings: If the wedding involves travelling to a sunny location, a hat can be a stylish way to protect yourself from the sun. A straw hat, for example, can be a perfect choice for a destination wedding, adding a playful and effortless touch to your ensemble.
• Casual or dressy-casual weddings: A hat can be a great way to elevate a casual or dressy-casual wedding outfit. For example, a sharp fedora or a timeless felt hat can instantly add sophistication and style to your look.
• English, royal-themed weddings: If the wedding has an English, royal theme, particularly a white-tie affair, wearing a hat (specifically a fascinator) is almost expected. It's a chance to embrace the theme and add a touch of elegance to your attire.

While these venues and occasions can be suitable for wearing a hat, it's always important to consider the couple's preferences, the overall style of the hat, and the potential impact on other guests' views. When in doubt, it's best to play it safe and skip the hat altogether, focusing on other accessories to showcase your personal style.

Alternative accessories to hats

If you feel that a hat may not be suitable for a casual wedding, there are plenty of alternative accessories to choose from. Here are some ideas to help you achieve a stylish look without a hat:

• Hair accessories: Headbands, combs, and hairpins can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your outfit. Headbands, in particular, offer versatility and can be worn with various hairstyles, from bohemian to classic looks. Knotted headbands, embellished with pearls or crystals, are a comfortable and modern option. Combs and wraps can be more discreet while adding detail to your hairstyle. Hair pins are versatile and perfect for those who prefer a minimalist approach.
• Statement jewellery: Bold earrings, necklaces, bracelets, or cuffs can elevate your look without the need for a hat. Choose statement pieces that complement your outfit and reflect your personal style. If you want to wear bold earrings or a striking necklace, keep other accessories minimal to avoid over-accessorising.
• Scarves, turbans, and head wraps: Silk scarves bring a touch of vintage elegance to modern weddings. Turbans and head wraps offer contemporary alternatives to traditional hats, allowing you to make a bold fashion statement. Choose from a variety of colours, patterns, and fabrics to complement your outfit.
• Outerwear: A shawl or capelet can add style and sophistication to your wedding guest attire. These pieces are also easy to keep by your side, ensuring comfort throughout the celebration.
• Fashion purses: A purse can be an extension of your look, allowing you to incorporate a pop of colour or showcase a unique shape. Opt for designer styles or fashion purses that make a bold statement and create dialogue.
• Shoes: If you're wearing a cocktail-length dress, shoes can become a focal point. Colour-blocking, patterns, or interesting embellishments can make your look stand out.

Frequently asked questions