Can You Wear a Hat to a Wedding?

Unfortunately, planning an outfit for a wedding you're attending isn't always the easiest task. There's so much to consider when pulling a cohesive look together, like factoring in the dress code (and what that actually means), the venue and overall location, the time of day, and the season and weather. As a result, it can feel confusing to come up with an outfit that's both appropriate and stylish, and one that works with general etiquette style rules. This even extends to accessories, specifically items like hats.

And while hats can be a statement accessory that adds personal style to an otherwise minimalist look, is it actually acceptable to wear one to a loved one's nuptials? The short answer: it depends. But to get a better answer for you, we reached out to some experts to find out if and when it's okay to wear a hat to a wedding. Plus, we provide a list of alternative accessory options to consider if searching for ways to spruce up your look. Read on for more.

Can You Wear a Hat to a Wedding? 

Whether or not a hat is an appropriate accessory for a wedding depends on many different factors, such as religion, culture, time of year, age, and overall style of the hat. For starters, if attending an outdoor, non-religious celebration, it may be acceptable to wear a hat as an accessory. "If you’re thinking of wearing a hat to a wedding, ask yourself if it’s for fashion or function," adds Michelle Madison, a lifestyle expert and event designer. "Is the ceremony or the entire wedding outdoors with direct sun, like beachside or a garden setting?" If so, a hat might make the most sense and feel appropriate to wear.

Aside from that, other factors, like the dress code, the venue, and the couple's preferences, should also be taken into consideration. Case in point: a white-tie affair with an English, royal theme will almost always call for guests to wear a hat (specifically a fascinator). "If you choose to wear a hat, make sure it complements your style, while also aligning with the aesthetic of the wedding," shares Ryan Abney, event planner and owner of Ryan Abney Event Design.

With that in mind, Madison also notes that while hats might be appropriate to wear, guests should avoid donning anything that's oversized. "Imagine sitting at a wedding ceremony and the person that comes in after sits in front of you and is wearing a big hat that blocks your view of the ceremony," she points out. This also extends to hats that are extremely casual, like baseball caps, trapper hats, or bucket hats. If it seems completely out of place, then it may not be a great idea.

When in doubt, though, it's best to skip a hat altogether and play it safe with your accessories. "It has been my experience that modern guests avoid hats at weddings for the following reasons: they are unsure of the etiquette, they aren’t generally hat wearers, and/or they feel hats are old fashioned," shares Abney.

Alternative Accessories to Wear to a Wedding

If you feel like a hat may not be a good fit for the wedding you're attending, or you just want to stay on the safe side, there are plenty of other accessories for you to select. "Accessories are always an excellent way to show personal style without breaking wedding etiquette or ruffling feathers," Abney says. So go ahead and opt for the below options to make your look that much more chic, while also keeping your ensemble perfectly appropriate.

A Purse

"A purse can become an extension of a monochromatic look, allow for the incorporation of a pop of color, or showcase a unique shape," Abney shares, further recommending that guests lean into designer styles, if available. "Fashion purses make a bold and stylish statement and almost always create dialogue," she adds. "Wear something that celebrates the occasion and your style. I’ve worn a clutch with 'LOVE' spelled in Legos to a wedding."

Statement Shoes

If you want to do something fun with your accessories but don't want to feel like you're going too over-the-top, then playing around with your shoes is the way to go. As Madison points out, a cocktail-length dress can even mean that your shoes can become a focal point. "Color blocking, patterns, or any type of interesting embellishment are ways to make your look stand out," she notes.

Statement Jewelry

Sure, sticking with a classic look, like diamond studs or a simple pearl necklace, feels elegant and timeless, but if you want to do something more fun and unique, consider donning statement jewelry with your outfit. "Size matters with statement jewelry and if it has color, your look will really pop," Madison says. "This is especially great for minimal hairstyles like a sleek ponytail or bun updo. A statement earring or necklace will also compliment your look." Just remember not to pile it all on, and if you're wearing a bold statement necklace, keep earrings and rings simple, and vice versa.

Outerwear

"Outerwear is another avenue for making a style statement without being too outside the lines," Abney says. "A shawl or capelet are excellent outerwear options for a wedding guest." Another tip? Opt for pieces that are easy to keep by your side, unlike a luxurious coat that will only get placed inside a crowded coat closet. Going to a black-tie wedding? Madison further recommends evening gloves to "exude aristocracy and elegance." For a garden-style celebration, she says that shorter wrist gloves can be fun, to boot.