EVELYSS / Guides / Accessories & Jewelry

Do You Need a Hat for a Winter Wedding? UK Guest Etiquette and Alternatives

“Winter gets you out of the giant saucer on the side of your head, thank goodness. If you want a hat, wear a proper winter one. If you don't, a beautiful coat and well-done hair have done the job.”Her take

Do guests need to wear a hat?

Not at most UK weddings. A hat is optional for guests, particularly if the invitation doesn't mention one. You'll probably see a mix of hats, hair pieces and bare heads at a daytime ceremony. A very traditional family, a large church or a morning-dress wedding makes a hat more likely, but it still isn't necessary unless you've been told so.

Mothers of the couple are the usual exception, by tradition and choice rather than rule. If you're closely involved or unsure, ask someone in the wedding party what other guests are planning. A quick message will save you from buying a hat that spends the entire day in your car.

When a head covering may be required

Religious customs are different from fashion. Some religious ceremonies ask guests to cover their hair. At a gurdwara, for instance, everyone covers their head, shoes come off before the prayer hall and guests usually sit on the floor, so a large scarf is far more practical than a hat. Couples or their families may give guidance on the invitation or website, so read the details carefully and ask if you're unsure.

If you need a covering, pick something secure that matches your outfit. A soft scarf you can pin is the safest choice, because a headband or clip doesn't cover your hair. Bring your own rather than relying on one being provided, add a small pin or two, and check you can remove your coat without disturbing it.

What hats work in winter

Forget straw. Winter hats should have some weight and depth, such as wool felt, velvet or a soft faux fur trim. A small percher in dark green, navy, plum or chocolate looks right next to a heavy coat. A neat beret can work at a relaxed wedding if it's in felt or velvet, and it's much easier in wind than a wide brim.

Keep the size sensible. A useful test is that your hat shouldn't be wider than your shoulders or block anyone's view during the ceremony. A wide brim also makes greeting kisses awkward, which matters on a day full of them. Consider how it fastens, too. A band or comb grips better in wind, and it won't fight your updo. Try it on with your coat collar up, as a high collar and a large hat can clash.

The modern alternatives to a fascinator

You don't have to wear a hat to look finished. Choose one strong detail near your face, then keep everything else simple. A hair piece also survives coats, cars and photographs better than a tall fascinator in a gust of wind.

• Padded velvet headband: easy, comfortable and right for a daytime winter wedding.
• Beaded or pearl clip: a good fit for low buns and half-up styles.
• Silk bow at the nape: soft and simple for long hair or a low ponytail.
• Large statement earrings: a good choice if your hair is up and you'd rather have nothing on your head.
• A faux fur stole: all the drama goes around your shoulders instead.

Match it to the time and dress code

Daytime and formal is where a hat works best: a church ceremony at noon, smart coats, photographs outside. Once the wedding starts at dusk or moves into evening, a hat often begins to look out of place, so choose a hair accessory or jewellery. Black tie doesn't call for one, and in most cases it looks better without.

Wear yours through the ceremony and photographs. Many guests take it off for the meal or before the dancing begins, as a brim gets in the way at a table and gets hot under lighting. Just find somewhere safe to put it, because a stiff hat doesn't fold into an evening bag.

Think about winter weather

Pick anything that can handle wind and drizzle. Velvet and felt can mark in heavy rain, so bring a compact umbrella and give the hat a light brush once it's dry. A secure comb or elastic will help in wind, and you can practise walking around the house with it on before the day.

Check the entire outfit with your coat on, because that's how most people will see you outside. A fascinator can be lost above a big collar, whereas a velvet band or felt percher works with the lines of a coat. Finally, take a couple of hair grips and a travel brush in your bag, as you may want to remove the hat later on.

Questions people ask

The takeaway

A hat is a choice, not a duty. In winter, choose felt or velvet for daytime, or skip it for a clip, headband or very good earrings.

Read next