Ever wondered if it's okay to wear a hat to a wedding? You're not alone! Despite dress code etiquette being confusing, hats and fascinators are perfectly acceptable at all kinds of weddings, to keep you cool in the sunshine or warm in the winter. Selecting a suitable accessory isn't easy though — should you go for a floppy hat with a big brim, a pillbox fascinator with netting, or a traditional headpiece with feathers and flowers?
In our buying guide, we'll explain how to choose the right hat to wear, regardless of whether you have long locks or a short hairstyle. Plus, our top 10 list features affordable headwear for ladies on a budget, veiled vintage-style hats for glamorous gatherings, and formal options for the mother of the bride. Browse our recommendations from Amazon, John Lewis and ASOS to find something that'll help you look the part without stealing anyone's thunder!
Quick List - Top Wedding Guest Hats
John Lewis & Partners
Celebrate Love With This Colourful Flower Explosion
A recommendation service that carefully researches each product and consults with experts across many disciplines. We are constantly creating new content to provide the best shopping experience from choosing ‘cosmetics’ to ‘food and drink’, ‘home appliances’ to ‘kids and baby’ products, reaching users all across the United Kingdom.
Table of Contents
Selecting the right wedding guest hat involves a few key considerations to make sure you celebrate the betrothed couple's love in style. This section is packed with tips to help you pick a hat or fascinator that will suit your role, hair length and outfit.
While it's common these days for couples to break from tradition at their wedding, your role in the ceremony may still influence the shape and style of the hat you choose. Naturally, your age and personal taste will also play an important part in guiding your decision too but generally, a bigger role in the wedding requires a more fabulous hat!
As the bride's mum, you traditionally have a very important role in the wedding. Nowadays, the mother of the bride role is not always so strongly emphasised but regardless, your daughter is getting married — so you'll likely be the focus of much well-wishing and even a photo shoot with the happy couple! With this in mind, choose a comfortable hat that makes you feel confident but doesn't hide your face.
While age is nothing but a number, more mature ladies may prefer a traditional wedding hat over a fascinator. Just avoid an overly large brim or your face may be in shadow for the photographs! A playful, decorative design can help you feel youthful and vibrant, while a wedding hat with a brim and flowers feels sophisticated.
Perhaps you're a friend, loved one or even a colleague of the bride and groom. Close friend or relatives might be able to get away with making a fabulous fashion statement that'll get everyone talking. If you don't know the couple well, however, steer clear of outlandish hats — no-one wants a scene-stealing fascinator ruining all the photographs, especially if you're a distant cousin or plus-one!
The good news is that if you're a guest with no specific role in the wedding you should be able to have fun expressing yourself and break a few rules without offending anyone. Our best advice is to use your instinct to decide how much the couple will really care about what you wear.
In recent times, weddings have erred more and more on the casual side but sometimes even "low-key" nuptials end up as the event of the century with a horse and carriage, Mariachi singers and a flock of doves. It's therefore essential to select a hat that respects the couple's desired dress code, so that you fit in with the wedding party.
If the dress code is formal, this could be your big chance to wear a truly magnificent hat. You may even be expected to wear one! Consider the traditional elegance of a large-brimmed wedding hat, or take the opportunity to experiment with a striking fascinator as — let's face it — this might be your only opportunity if you never go to the races!
Formal wedding hats tend to be fairly expensive — they can set you back more than a hundred pounds, and the designer ones can even reach two or three hundred! If you're willing to invest in a luxurious wedding hat from a top milliner, perhaps choose a subtle colour that you can wear to multiple weddings with different outfits and be sure to store it carefully to avoid sun damage and protect it from moths.
At a more casual wedding where the ceremony or celebrations take place outside, you may want to wear a hat in order to keep your head cool and your face in the shade. Casual wedding hats are much cheaper than formal ones, and you can wear them again for a range of different occasions.
Even though you're going casual, it's still worth investing in a sturdy, elegant hat for a wedding, especially if the bride and groom are sensitive to their guests' behaviour and style choices. Too casual a hat may look sloppy or lazy to some couples, so opt for a smart, wide-brimmed sun-hat or a trendy straw boater to acknowledge the magic of the day while still feeling laid-back and comfortable.
Now, let's look more closely at the different types of wedding guest hat and their benefits. Certain shapes will look best with particular outfits, while others will suit specific hair lengths. The location and weather conditions should also be a consideration when choosing which hat to wear to a wedding.
A traditional wedding guest hat with a full brim looks especially good with a modest outfit such as a mid-length skirt and covered shoulders. That being said, you can also add drama to a simple, sleeveless dress with a large, statement hat. This style suits mid-length to longer hair, as very short haircuts can vanish beneath larger brims.
Wedding hats with a brim will keep your face in the shade, making them perfect for weddings in hot, sunny locations. In windier weather though, a brimmed hat can easily be whipped away by the breeze — so this may not be the best pick for cliff-top nuptials abroad or seaside ceremonies in the UK.
If you have a quirky and youthful style, a fascinator is more fun to wear than a standard hat. Eccentric designs make an unforgettable statement, while a fascinator with netting or a veil adds a touch of vintage glamour to your look. If you have extremely short hair or are planning an up-do for the big day then a fascinator is perfect for accentuating, rather than hiding, your locks.
The best part about a fascinator is that the decorative part is attached to a headband, meaning it sits firmly and comfortably in place without being affected by windy conditions. Plus, fascinators have a distinctly regal vibe — think Princess Eugenie or Victoria Beckham at the royal weddings!
Perhaps a large-brimmed hat feels a little stuffy for your tastes, but a fascinator doesn't float your boat either. We have the answer! A clever blend of the two, known as a hatinator, will provide all the drama of a hat without the fear of a rogue gust of wind stealing it away. You wear it just like a headband, but it provides the look of a sophisticated hat that's tilted at a flirtatious angle.
Most hatinators have a large, sweeping brim so they can also provide a little shade if you're off to a wedding in the sunshine. Hatinators from high-end milliners tend to cost upwards of £100 though, so consider pairing them with an affordable outfit or choose one that you're guaranteed to wear again.
Lastly, you need to decide whether you want your headpiece to match your outfit or simply complement it. Matching feels satisfying and saves you from stressful decisions, while headwear in a complementary colour or one that picks up on a secondary colour from your outfit will tastefully elevate your ensemble.
White can be risky at a wedding, so if you want an ivory or cream wedding guest hat, we recommend one with pops of other colours to distinguish you from the bride. Black is rather sombre for a wedding, but can work for guests who aren't keen on bright shades. If you're opting for a bold colour, select a shade to match or contrast with your eyes and hair, as this will look incredibly chic.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | John Lewis & Partners Cordelia Flower Detail Disc Occasion Hat | ![]() | Celebrate Love With This Colourful Flower Explosion | |
2 | John Lewis & Partners Sloan Veil Fascinator | ![]() | A Dusky, Dreamy Hat With Elegant Netting | |
3 | John Lewis & Partners Chloe Triple Flower Fascinator | ![]() | Everything's Coming Up Roses | |
4 | Snoxells Lidia Wide Disc Rose Applique Occasion Hat | ![]() | A Lovely Lilac Option Fit For Formal Occasions | |
5 | DRESHOW Fascinator | ![]() | Have a Veil of a Time in This Affordable Hatinator | |
6 | Snoxells Poppy Statement Flower Embellishment Occasion Hat | ![]() | Every Wedding Party Needs a Lady in Red | |
7 | South Beach Straw Boater Hat With Black Ribbon and Size Adjuster | ![]() | Avoid the Short Straw With This Quirky Boater | |
8 | Bundle MacLaren Millinery Natalia Love Pillbox Fascinator | ![]() | All You Need Is... This Romantic Fascinator | |
9 | South Beach Wide Brim Floppy Hat in Beige | ![]() | The Perfect Floppy Hat for Sun-Soaked Nuptials | |
10 | John Lewis & Partners Blake Square Crown Loop and Feathers Occasion Hat | ![]() | Cast a Love Spell With Subtle Black Magic |
This hat is our top pick, as the uplifting colour combination will suit so many different outfits, from a poetic blue skirt suit set to a vibrant chartreuse dress or even a chic cream jumpsuit! It's ideal for a formal do, blending the simplicity and ease of wear of a fascinator with the circular shape of a traditional brimmed hat. The padded headband also makes this an extra comfy option for day-to-night celebrations.
Best of all, the super-fine petals and flowers will ripple in the breeze, providing your outfit with a magical sense of movement. For such a special hat, the price tag isn't gasp-inducing, and the sensational selection of shades is timeless — this makes it a brilliant buy that you'll be wearing for years to come!
If you're desperately seeking a pillbox hat with a netting veil, the search is over. What could be more tasteful than this dreamy, dusky pink hat with a statement bow and fronds of delicate netting draped in all the right places? It would look gorgeous paired with an outfit in neutral shades such as pale pink, cream, grey or lilac.
Thanks to the smooth, barely visible cord that fits snugly under your chin, this hat should stay firmly in place all day — and night! Just right for a formal wedding, but not too excessive for low-key nuptials, this hat is classic yet contemporary-looking.
We rather like this fabulous flower headband, which is available in either striking cobalt or a soft powder blue shade. It could easily work at work-related formal gatherings, as well as weddings. Plus, it costs just £40 which, for a top-quality headpiece by a trusted brand, is actually very reasonable.
This fascinator will stay firmly in place, thanks to the flexible headband that is both reliable and comfortable. We like that fact it veers away from the typical feathers and ribbon twirls that can sometimes feel a little predictable. Use it to emphasise a pop of blue in a colourful playsuit or to contrast with a ravishing red or funky fuchsia dress.
We just couldn't resist this over-the-top lilac number by designer headwear merchants Snoxells. Known for their extraordinary range of impossible-to-ignore hats and fascinators, the Snoxells brand guarantees quality, comfort and style — and the price tag reflects that promise!
Harness the eternal elegance of Audrey Hepburn as Eliza Doolittle with this beautifully whimsical hat that's adorned with floral swirls and floating feathers. This headpiece is definitely designed for a formal wedding, and we think pastel purple is a fantastic choice for anyone who feels nervous about wearing bold colours but is keen to break away from boring neutrals.
Those who love a bargain will want to snap this hatinator up swiftly! For just under £12, you get a beautiful teal pillbox-style hat that attaches firmly, thanks to the flexible headband. If you don't fancy green, you can choose from a variety of other shades including black, beige, purple and even bright orange — so there's something to suit every outfit.
What we really like about this hat is the retro-style veil that wouldn't look out of place in a film noir or a movie from the golden age of Hollywood. Team this hatinator with a figure-hugging dress for a subtle outfit that's sexy but won't steal the limelight.
If you can't get a little daring with your style at a wedding, when can you? We absolutely adore this scarlet hatinator, which we think looks just as stunning against blue-toned black skin as on porcelain, olive or deep brown complexions. Red is a great way to make a striking statement, while the delicate flowers keep things elegant.
We reckon this headpiece could work on anyone, from the mother of the bride to a younger guest who wants to celebrate in style, thanks to the large brim and snug headband that'll keep it in place all day. Sure, it has a hefty price tag, but we think it's worth it for this amazing accessory.
Off to a super casual wedding in the sun and worried about hours of happy tears without a sniff of shade? A sensible straw boater has to be one of the best options for laid-back gatherings. Plus, the contrasting black ribbon is super chic — think Dolce & Gabbana on a budget.
Another great perk of this inexpensive wedding guest hat is the fact it has a size adjuster, so you can adapt it to fit your head comfortably. It doesn't have a ribbon to tie under your chin, which is a shame, but it definitely adds sun-kissed vibes to any low-key outfit.
We couldn't compile a list of the top 10 wedding guest hats without featuring this glorious headpiece from the experts at Bundle MacLaren Millinery. It's just the job for any wedding guest who wants to make a memorable style statement in support of the bride and groom.
Unfortunately, this pillbox hat has an elasticated chin strap that may not be comfortable for wearing all day, despite being made from the highest quality silken stretch thread. You also risk blocking other guests' view of the ceremony and may pull focus in pictures. In our opinion though, this pretty pink piece works wonderfully as a charming love letter to your favourite couple!
To shield your face and achieve that trendy bohemian look, we like this affordable oversized summer hat from South Beach. We think it would particularly complement those with long hair, as it provides a laid-back, hippie feel.
This hat won't suit all hair types or nuptials though — it may feel too casual for some and its floppy shape means it's definitely not formal enough for weddings where you know the couple is expecting smartly dressed guests. Still, it's perfect for shade-seekers off to a beach wedding with a casual dress code. The plain colour also means it would work well with a busy pattern or a cute cottagecore number.
We think this is a conservative choice for any mother of the bride, or an older relative seeking a tasteful hat to complement a simple black outfit. John Lewis & Partners always delivers a gorgeous range of well-made wedding hats and this one is no exception, with its wide brim and elegant netting swirls.
Black is a comforting option if you're too shy to wear colour, but the reason this hat is ranked at number 10 is that we believe weddings are a time for joyous colour. Also, the large brim may shroud your face in darkness — great for keeping cool in the glaring sunshine but not so flattering in the family photo album!
Thanks for reading our guide to the best wedding hats and fascinators of the year — now it's time to put your glad rags on, knock back a gulp of your favourite drink and make your way over to the dance floor. That conga isn't going to start itself, you know!
Author: Annie Hopkins
No. 1: John Lewis & Partners|Cordelia Flower Detail Disc Occasion Hat
No. 2: John Lewis & Partners|Sloan Veil Fascinator
No. 3: John Lewis & Partners|Chloe Triple Flower Fascinator
No. 4: Snoxells |Lidia Wide Disc Rose Applique Occasion Hat
No. 5: DRESHOW|Fascinator
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
Automotive
Baby Products
Beauty
Books
Business, Industry & Science
Computers & Accessories
DIY, Garden & Tools
Electronics & Photo
Fashion
Grocery
Health & Personal Care
Home & Kitchen
Large Appliances
Musical Instruments & DJ
PC & Video Games
Pet Supplies
Sports & Outdoors
Stationery & Office Products
Toys & Games