Hats off to the bride who wants to try something a little risky and don a hat instead of a veil! While it may seem daring or outrageous, stars like Bianca Jagger, Grace Kelly, and Rita Hayworth all wore hats for their wedding.
In today’s fashion world, wedding dress rules are not nearly as strict as they used to be. “If it feels good, wear it” is the motto these days. A hat can be worn for a formal ceremony in a house of worship (although check ahead about any specific rules) or a casual wedding. They can be sleek and sophisticated, or whimsical and trendy. Keep in mind, however, that if you are having a very conservative wedding, you might feel uncomfortable walking down the aisle in anything but a traditional bridal veil.
Wedding hats are no different than other hats: Some will complement your face and outfit and others will not. Also, it’s completely acceptable, and common, to attach a veil to your hat. Unless you’re planning to wear a baseball cap, it’s not going to look ridiculous.
The easiest way to pick a hat for your affair is to consult a milliner and have one made. If you can’t afford to have one made, visit a millinery shop in your city. Bring in swatches and your wedding colors, and go over styles that fit your look. If you’re wearing a formal gown with adornment, you’ll need a formal hat; the opposite is true as well. Bridal gloves and pearls make wonderful accessories for all types of hats, as they hark back to earlier generations when women wore both for all occasions.
Wide-brimmed Picture Hats are extremely popular for weddings, and best for daytime, formal affairs. (You’ll need to take it off at the reception.) They also look great with extravagant ball gowns. Pillbox hats (think Jackie Kennedy) are slowly making a comeback and are wonderful adornments for cocktail dresses or suits. The simple cocktail hat, worn to the side, provides a wonderful retro look. Brides often wear them with netting that covers all, or part of the face. And, yes, Top Hats on women have become trendy; girls are sporting them with formal ball gowns.
When wearing a hat, you don’t want a complicated hairstyle; it will clash. A simple updo, chignon, or swept style is best. If you don’t consult a milliner, head for vintage shops. Like other garments on your wedding day, hats can be altered to fit your dress and your style. And like your dress, you should wear the hat, not the other way around
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