Whether you're the mother of the bride, a family member, or a friend, we believe that incorporating wedding hats for guests can elevate your entire ensemble and ensure you stand out in those essential wedding photographs. Wedding hats have an air of sophistication that is needed on special occasions, and nothing is more special than watching two people you care about tie the knot. Pair it with one of our best wedding guest outfits, and the whole ensemble will be a match made in heaven.
All over the globe, wedding guests can be seen sporting wedding hats, from fascinators in the UK to wide-brimmed hats in warmer countries like Italy and Mexico. And, in some cultures or social circles, wearing hats to weddings is a longstanding tradition. It may be seen as a sign of respect for the event and its significance.
You only have to look back at the Royal wedding guests' outfits to see that hats and fascinators are the must-have wedding guest accessories. All hail Princess Beatrice, the queen of fascinators. And if it's good enough for A-listers and royals, then it's good enough for us. So, on that note, you now know why finding the right wedding hat for guests can be one of the most important decisions you make when planning your wedding day outfit.
The best wedding hats for guests at a glance:
Best wedding hat overall: Charlotte Occasion Hat view on John Lewis
Best pastel wedding hat for guests: Layered Bow Hat view on Phase Eight
Best emerald wedding hat for guests: Statement Bow Hat view on Phase Eight
Some weddings have a specific theme or dress code, and wearing a hat may be encouraged or even required as part of the overall attire. This will usually be stated on the invitation, so make sure to check before planning what to wear. If there isn't a dress code, you can still pick a hat that makes you feel and look fabulous, and with our expert knowledge, you don't have to spend hours scouring the web because we have done all the hard work for you.
The best wedding hats for guests 2024:
Best wedding hat overall
Credit:www.johnlewis.com
Description
Adorned with a stunning, oversized bow, this occasion hat exudes an ageless elegance, perfect for enhancing your attire as a wedding guest. Its timeless charm and sophisticated design ensure you'll make a memorable statement while celebrating alongside the bride and groom. Plus, its versatile style means you can wear it for various special occasions like a day at the races.
Best pastel wedding hat for guests
Credit: Phase Eight www.phase-eight.com
Description
Soft pastel shades like blush pink, baby blue, mint green, and lavender are some of the most popular colour choices for wedding guests, especially during the spring and summer months. We love this pale blue Phase Eight Layered Bow Hat because of the oversized bow, which is sure to make a statement.
Best emerald wedding hat for guests
Credit: Phase Eight www.phase-eight.com
Description
Emerald green has become increasingly popular among wedding guests in recent years for its luxurious and eye-catching appeal. This vibrant hue adds a striking touch to wedding attire and beautifully complements a wide range of skin tones. This gorgeous hat reminds us of the wedding hat Princess Diana wore at the wedding of Helen Windsor and Tim Taylor.
Best metallic wedding hat for guests
Credit: John Lewis www.johnlewis.com
Description
Metallic hues such as gold, silver, and bronze are perennial favourites for wedding guest attire and accessories, especially for evening weddings. This classic wide-brim base hat would look phenomenal on the mother of the bride or groom. We love the beautifully detailed floral accent.
Best neutral wedding hat for guests
Credit: Karen Millenwww.karenmillen.com
Description
Neutral tones such as ivory, beige, taupe, and grey are timeless options that work well with most outfits. This ivory fascinator is a best seller for Karen Millen, and we cannot get enough of it. Channel your inner Princess Beatrice with this sophisticated statement headpiece.
Best navy wedding hat for guests
Credit: Hobbswww.hobbs.com
Description
Navy blue is a classic and versatile colour choice that looks fabulous all year round, but especially in the colder months. It exudes elegance and pairs beautifully with a range of complementary colours, making it a solid choice of colour for a wedding guest hat. We love this chic, timeless navy blue fascinator by Hobbs, and it's currently on sale.
7.
Phase Eight - Bow Fascinator
Best burgundy wedding hat for guests
Credit: Phase Eight/M&S Description
Deep, rich shades like burgundy or wine red are popular choices for autumn and winter weddings. This Phase Eight fascinator sold on M&S is designed in a striking disc shape, with a large bow at the side, creating a gorgeous statement look. The headband is covered in satin so you can feel comfortable long after the wedding speeches.
Best pillbox wedding hat for guests
Credit: Amazon Description
Pillbox hats are popular at weddings for their timeless elegance. They look best on guests with oval or round face shapes and shorter hairstyles, as they frame the face delicately. These hats are particularly suited for formal daytime weddings or vintage-themed weddings.
What are the best wedding hats for guests?
There are various types of wedding hats for guests that can complement your attire and style, but here is a breakdown of our top three wedding hat styles and when to wear them.
Wide-brimmed Hats: Wide-brimmed hats feature a broad brim that extends beyond the circumference of the wedding guest's head. These hats provide ample sun protection and can be adorned with ribbons, flowers, or bows for a stylish look. Wide-brimmed hats are best suited for outdoor weddings, especially those held in the warmer months, as they provide ample sun protection while adding a stylish and elegant touch to the attire.
Fascinators: Wedding Fascinators are small, decorative headpieces often adorned with feathers, flowers, beads, or netting. Fascinators are lightweight and typically attach to the hair with a clip or headband. It is one of the most popular styles of wedding hats in the UK (even though it's not technically a hat at all). Fascinators are best for traditional or elegant weddings.
Pillbox Hats: Pillbox hats are small, round hats with a flat crown and straight, upright sides. They often feature embellishments like bows, flowers, or veiling and are worn tilted slightly forward on the head. Pillbox hats are best suited for classic and vintage-inspired weddings. We also love this look for retro or mid-century-themed weddings as they add a chic touch to the overall aesthetic.
FAQs
Are there any etiquette rules for wearing wedding hats?
While there are no strict rules, it's courteous to avoid wearing a hat that obstructs the view of other guests during the ceremony. Additionally, ensure that your hat complements the wedding party's attire rather than clashes. And as always, we recommend staying well clear of the colour white.
Can I wear a hat indoors at a wedding?
Removing your hat indoors is generally considered polite, especially during the ceremony and reception. However, formal wedding hats, like fascinators or pillbox hats, can be worn indoors if they are part of your ensemble's aesthetic.
Hannah Carroll is a Senior Home, Parenting and Lifestyle Product writer for Yours, specialising in product testing and reviews. As a mother of three, Hannah loves finding clothes that make her feel fabulous and products that are great for large families.