Junior Rasmussen
Wearing a hat to a wedding is a great way to add a touch of elegance to your outfit, but it's important to know the etiquette to avoid any faux pas. The first rule is to check the dress code and stick to it. The time of day will also impact what you wear – generally, your hat should decrease in size as the day goes on, with the exception of the morning. If you're wearing a top hat, it should be straight and levelled about two fingers above the eyebrows. Top hats should be removed in a church or inside the reception venue, even for photographs. For women, hats are considered fashion accessories and part of their outfit, so they don't need to be removed when going indoors.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Brim size | Should not be too large so as to block someone's view or shadow your face in photos |
| When to wear | Top hats are more suitable for evening events than weddings. If worn at a wedding, they should be removed in churches or inside the reception venue, even for photographs |
| Dress code | Always check the dress code beforehand and respect it |
| Time of day | The general advice is that hat size should decrease as the day goes on, with the exception of the morning |
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What You'll Learn
Top hat positioning: levelled about two fingers above the eyebrows
When wearing a top hat to a wedding, it is important to consider the positioning of the hat. The general rule is that a top hat should be straight and levelled about two fingers above the eyebrows. This ensures that your face is visible and not shadowed by the hat in photographs.
It is also important to consider the dress code and formality of the wedding. While a top hat can add a touch of elegance to your outfit, you don't want it to be too extravagant or over-the-top. If the wedding is more low-key and relaxed, a smaller, more versatile hat may be a better option. Additionally, if you're wearing a hat with a large brim, be mindful of those around you and remove it if it's blocking someone's view, especially during the wedding ceremony and sit-down dinner.
As a gentleman, it is customary to remove your top hat when indoors, especially in religious buildings like a church. However, as a lady, you can keep your hat on as it is considered a fashion accessory and part of your outfit.
Lastly, remember that the hat should complement your outfit and not wear you. Keep the brim no bigger than your shoulders, and ensure it turns up at the front so your face can be seen clearly.
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Check the dress code: respect the wedding's style
When attending a wedding, it is important to respect the specified dress code and the style of the wedding. Wedding dress codes can range from casual to formal, with some weddings even having a theme.
If the wedding is casual, it usually indicates that the event will be outdoors or on a beach, meaning the atmosphere and dress code are more laid-back. For women, a summer sundress or a floral-printed mini dress with wedges or dressy sandals is appropriate. Men can wear guayabera shirts, also known as "Mexican wedding shirts," which are short-sleeved, buttoned-down, and usually have decorative square pockets and embroidery. Linen shirts and trousers are also suitable, but be cautious as linen wrinkles easily. Jeans, shorts, tank tops, T-shirts, flip-flops, and sneakers are generally not appropriate for a casual wedding unless the couple has specifically mentioned otherwise.
For a formal wedding, women typically wear cocktail party attire, featuring bold colors, playful accessories, and unique silhouettes. Men should wear a patterned or textured suit, paired with a bright tie or a creative pocket square.
In the case of a themed wedding, guests should dress according to the specified theme. For example, an all-white formal wedding requires guests to wear all-white attire.
If no dress code has been specified, use context clues such as the tone of the invitation, the venue, the time of day, the season, and the religion of the ceremony to decide what to wear. As a general rule, a knee-length cocktail dress for women and a dark suit for men is a safe choice. It is also important to avoid wearing white unless the couple has specifically requested it.
When choosing to wear a top hat to a wedding, it is essential to consider the dress code and style of the wedding. Top hats are more suitable for formal or evening weddings. When wearing a top hat, it should be straight and leveled at about two fingers above the eyebrows. It is customary to remove your top hat when indoors, especially in a church or during a sit-down dinner, to avoid blocking the view of other guests.
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Avoid large hats: don't block views or cast shadows in photos
If you're wearing a hat to a wedding, it's important to be mindful of the views of other guests. You don't want to block anyone's view, especially during key moments like the first kiss or the couple's vows. This is also important for photographs—you don't want your hat to cast shadows on your face or those of the people around you.
To avoid blocking views or casting shadows, opt for a smaller hat, especially if the wedding is in the evening. A pillbox hat, for instance, is a great choice if you prefer smaller hats. These come in various shapes and can be worn in different styles. If you're tall, choose a hat with a wider brim, but avoid tall hats. Conversely, if you have a petite frame, a smaller hat will be more flattering and won't dwarf your stature.
The time of day is an important consideration when choosing a hat for a wedding. As the day progresses, your hat should decrease in size. Larger brims are more appropriate in the morning or when the sun is out, while smaller, more versatile hats are better for all-day events. If you're unsure, it's always a good idea to check the dress code and reach out to the couple or organisers for clarification.
Additionally, be mindful of cultural and gender norms. Men are typically expected to remove their hats when entering buildings or greeting ladies, especially their mothers-in-law. For women, hats are often considered fashion accessories and part of their outfits, so they generally don't need to be removed indoors.
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Hats as accessories: women can wear hats indoors
Hats have evolved into essential accessories for women's outfits, and it has become socially accepted for women to wear their hats indoors. However, there are still certain etiquette rules to follow when it comes to wearing hats as a woman.
For formal events like weddings, women's hats are considered a fashion accessory and a crucial part of their outfits. Therefore, they do not need to be removed when going indoors, except when wearing a large hat to the movies, theatre, or any other performance event, where it may block someone's view. In these cases, it is respectful to remove the hat and place it on your lap. Similarly, at a wedding sit-down dinner, large-brimmed hats should be removed so as not to block the view of the people around you.
When choosing a hat for a formal event, it is important to consider the size and style. The hat should complement your outfit and not be the statement of it. Ensure the brim is no bigger than your shoulders, and that it turns up at the front so your face can be seen clearly and won't be shadowed in photos. Keep things in proportion: a small hat with a few feathers and a comb can enhance your hairstyle without being too over the top.
For less formal occasions, like a day at the races, a stylish and flattering trilby or fedora is a great option. These hats can be worn at events like Ascot, Henley, and Wimbledon, and are considered race day essentials. However, if your hat is blocking someone's view when seated, it should be removed. Baseball caps and athletic hats are also casual options, but they are generally considered too casual for formal events and should not be worn in certain indoor spaces like schools, government offices, and libraries.
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Time of day: hat size should decrease as the day goes on
When it comes to choosing a hat for a wedding, it's important to consider the time of day. As a general rule, the size of your hat should decrease as the day goes on.
If the wedding is planned for the morning or early afternoon, you have more flexibility with the size of your hat. Wide-brimmed hats and large-brimmed creations are suitable for this time of day and can add a touch of elegance to your outfit. However, it is important to ensure that your hat does not block anyone's view, especially during the ceremony. As a considerate guest, you may choose to remove your hat if it obstructs the view of those around you.
As the day progresses into the late afternoon and evening, it is advisable to opt for a smaller hat. A pillbox hat, for example, is a chic choice for an evening wedding. It is elegant yet understated, ensuring that you look appropriately dressed for the occasion without drawing too much attention.
It is worth noting that the formality of the wedding should also influence your hat choice. For formal weddings, sleek and elegant styles, such as pillbox hats or elegant fascinators, are more suitable. On the other hand, informal weddings provide an opportunity to experiment with more casual hat styles or even go without one, depending on your preference.
Additionally, if you are the mother of the bride or groom, there is an unwritten rule to consider. It is generally considered polite for the mother of the groom to choose a hat that is not larger than the hat of the mother of the bride, especially if the bride's family is organising the wedding. This avoids upstaging the other mother and ensures both can complement each other's looks.
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Frequently asked questions
Top hats should be removed in the church or inside the reception venue, even for photographs. It is recommended that men remove their hats, especially in religious buildings.
Women's hats at weddings are fashion accessories and a crucial part of their outfits, so they do not need to be removed when going indoors. However, women should remove large-brimmed hats in church or at a wedding sit-down dinner to avoid blocking someone's view.
The number one rule for wearing a hat to a wedding is to check the dress code beforehand and respect it. The time of day should also impact what you wear. Larger brims are recommended for the morning, and hats should decrease in size as the day goes on.
