Those curious about can you wear a hat to a wedding must consider the etiquette of wearing one to ensure that you remain appropriate. We will discuss the dos and don’ts of wearing a hat to a wedding in more detail below to guide you.
You will also know when it’s appropriate to wear a hat to a wedding, who can wear one, and what hat to wear. If it’s a fancy wedding, you can also read what is a fascinator for the wedding.
Can You Wear A Hat To A Wedding: Dos And Don’ts
Guests can wear hats to weddings as long as they know the etiquette. Like with picking any wedding accessory, you must learn how to wear a hat to a wedding by understanding when it’s acceptable, what’s acceptable, and which guests typically wear hats.
Is it okay to wear a hat to a wedding?
Keep these tips and considerations in mind for wearing a hat to a wedding:
- Only wear a hat if it looks cohesive with the rest of your wedding attire to maintain a dapper appearance
- Understand the flattering hat style for your face shape and body
- The hat you’ll choose for the wedding should not only be stylish but also practical for your comfort at the venue and season of the wedding
- Refer to the dress code information on the wedding website as some couples state that there should be no one wearing a hat due to cultural beliefs
- Opt for a lowkey-style hat to avoid standing out
- Consider the wedding theme, especially for male guests who wear a hat, since guests do not usually wear men’s hats unless for practicality
- Some fancy weddings have groomsmen wearing top hats; for this, remember to take off your hat when speaking to anyone at the wedding for good etiquette
- Remember that hats can be interpreted as disrespectful, so please remove your hat once you’re seated, especially at the wedding ceremony
- Some etiquette guides recommend that you must have the hat lining facing towards you when you remove it
- Be mindful of the size of your hat, as it can obstruct the view of the guests behind you
- Remember to remove or reposition your hat when taking photos to avoid covering yourself or anybody else
- Women must be careful of ornate hats as they shouldn’t take the attention away from the bride
- If accessorizing a hat, women typically put the decorations on the right side, while men put them on the left side
When to wear a hat to a wedding
Outdoor, destination, summer, beach, country, and rustic weddings are usually when guests wear hats. Hats provide comfort from coverage against the elements in destination, summer, beach, and outdoor weddings.
Country and other rustic weddings can also have men in hats to embrace the wedding theme’s style further. So if you’re invited to one of these weddings, you can check the dress code explanation if hats are acceptable or expected.
The dress code can also dictate whether you can wear a hat to a wedding. For example, casual daytime events can have guests in hats, while hats can be unnecessary for evening events, especially formal ones.
For example, the highly formal black tie wedding has men in tuxedos, dress shoes, and hats, which can be seen as inappropriate. But if it’s a white tie that’s more formal, men typically have the option to wear a top hat or opera hat.
Who can wear a hat to a wedding?
Most guests can wear a hat to a wedding, especially if it’s practical and appropriate for the event’s dress code, season, and venue. However, be mindful of looking like a wedding party member.
The bride might want her bridal party to wear hats, and the groom and his groomsmen might also wear hats. The mothers and grandmothers of the couple can also be distinguished by wearing fascinators.
You don’t want to outdo or look like a distinguished guest. When in doubt, ask the couple what hats their guests can wear to the wedding.
Can A Guy Wear A Hat To A Wedding?
Wearing hats is acceptable for male wedding guests as long as the accessory won’t outshine the groom or make it look like they’re part of the groomsmen. Furthermore, even formal hats like the top hat are unnecessary at formal weddings.
Another instance to ask yourself if you can wear a hat to the wedding you’re attending is if it matches the formality of the wedding. It’s best to avoid sports hats and those with statements and controversial graphics as it can lead to attention and potential unwanted arguments.
Do You Need To Wear A Hat To A Wedding?
You don’t need to wear a hat to a wedding unless it’s requested in the wedding guest attire. If the venue is outdoors, like a beach wedding in summer, a hat can provide sun protection and comfort, so it’ll be appropriate to wear one.
Otherwise, you can just learn what jewelry to wear to a wedding as a guest if you want to elevate your look.
Conclusion
Was this etiquette guide useful? To recap can you wear a hat to a wedding, the answer is yes.
However, ensure it suits the dress code, venue, and wedding season. You should also wear a flattering hat that doesn’t outshine the couple or wedding party.