Hats At Weddings: Yes Or No?

While the wedding hat has been a popular accessory in years gone by, it’s rare to see guests dressed up in statement headpieces these days. In fact, research by party and occasion wear website LittleBlackDress.co.uk revealed that the popularity of hats at weddings has plummeted in recent years. Of those surveyed, only 13 per cent of those said they would wear one over a fascinator and nearly 29 per cent stated they wouldn’t wear any headwear at all. But, whether you’re a fan or not there are certainly reasons for and against hats for weddings…

The argument for…

It adds a special touch to your attire

Let’s face it, just about any cocktail dress can looking wedding-ready with the addition of a stylish hat. A hat can make the simplest of dresses look smart and make you feel a million dollars too.

Image Courtesy of Mary of Enfield

Weddings are all about dress-up

At a wedding, it’s not only the bride’s dress that matters – most wedding guests like to put their all into their attire. Wedding hats play into the fun, dress-up aspect of the wedding – and of course, there’s that unspoken competition for best hat too.

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You’re the mother of the bride

If there’s one member of the wedding party that can pull off a hat it’s the mother of the bride. Second to the bride, a mother’s outfit is as much under the watchful eye of guests as the bride’s – so she can never look overdressed. Plus, it’s a long-lasting tradition too.

It’s a formal affair

A bride opting for a classic and formal affair will usually like to stick to tradition – this means hats for the ladies and suits for the guys. A sea of ladies in hats can also add a certain vibe to a wedding, making the day feel that little more regal.

The argument against…

Modern wedding themes don’t match the tradition

Hats at weddings are an age-old tradition and don’t always complement today’s weddings. If you’re attending a vintage-style wedding or fun festival affair, it may be best to pick something better suited to the wedding theme – such as a floral clip or vintage headband.

It’s an unnecessary expense

Attending a wedding can be costly. Firstly, you need to find (and usually buy) an appropriate outfit, then there’s the matching jewellery and shoes, plus overnight accommodation costs, a wedding gift and cash for drinks. Finding a hat to match your attire can be stressful and expensive – plus you’re unlikely to wear it after the ceremony – or ever again!

Blocking the shots

Unfortunately, hats aren’t always the best choice when it comes to wedding photos. A hat can often drown a person’s face and block other’s faces in shots. So, if guests are wearing hats, you’ll want to make sure they adjust their headwear before the formal shots.

Image Courtesy of Jane Taylor London

Some people just can’t pull off a hat

Whether it’s a cap, woolly bobble hat or wedding hat – some people just can’t pull hats off. If you’re one of those people, it’s probably best not to wear a hat. After all, you don’t want to spend the whole day hiding away from the wedding photographer and feeling self-conscious.

Our top 5 alternatives to a wedding hat

If you struggle to pull off a hat, or you’re looking for an alternative to a hat, why not experiment with different headwear accessories?

1. Headband

Headbands are no longer only appropriate for little girls. With designers like Louis Vuitton and Dolce and Gabbana showing off stylish headbands on this year’s catwalks, just about anyone can carry off headband. Opt for something intricate in style, something with a little sparkle, or a boho-inspired band to wear across your head.

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2. A jewelled slide

Although simple, a pretty jewelled slide can enhance any outfit. Whether you’re attending a glitz and glam affair or a wedding that’s more vintage in style, there are plenty of sparkly accessories to choose from.

Image Courtesy of Hair and Makeup by Steph

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3. Fascinator

Fascinators are perhaps a better choice than hats for a wedding. While hats complement tailoring and are best suited to events like Ascot, fascinators look oh-so-glam when teamed with a cocktail dress.

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Image Courtesy of Nigel Rayment Boutique

4. Floral crown

Best suited to younger guests and young adults, a floral crown is a great option for a wedding. Of course, it’s not an appropriate choice for every wedding but if a festival celebration is on the cards it’s the perfect accessory.

Image Courtesy of Jess Jackson Photography

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5. A statement hairstyle

Forget hair accessories, today’s trends see us being a lot more experimental with our hair. Think pretty braid hairstyles, statement buns or fun bow creations designed with your own hair.

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Are you looking for something a bit different to wear to a winter wedding? Then take a look at these winter wedding dresses and make a real statement!