Crowning Glory: A Guide to Scottish Wedding Guest Hat Etiquette
When it comes to weddings, few things divide opinion quite like the humble – and not so humble – hat. Some guests embrace headwear like royalty at a garden party, while others approach it as a way to express themselves through fashion. But whether you’re a seasoned millinery fan or a total novice, a wedding is one of the few occasions where a hat is actively encouraged.
That said, there are a few unspoken rules when it comes to wearing a hat to a wedding. So if you’re wondering which side to wear it on or when to take it off, read on to discover wedding guest hat etiquette.
Hat Trick: Choosing the Right Style
Let’s start with the golden rule: you wear the hat—don’t let it wear you. The right hat should flatter your face shape, suit your stature, and—most importantly—make you feel confident and comfortable. If you’re tall, skip the towering styles and opt for a wider brim. Petite? Avoid oversized brims that might overwhelm your frame and look for neat, structured shapes like saucers or hatinators – the elegant halfway house between a hat and a fascinator.
Turned-up brims are universally flattering and won’t cast shadows across your face in photos, an all-too-common mistake on sunny days. To prevent you ending up as a silhouette in wedding pictures, you’ll understand why a flattering angle and an alert photographer makes all the difference.
The Wedding Guest Hat Etiquette Edit
For the Guests:
- Stick to tradition, wear on the right. Hats and fascinators are traditionally worn on the right-hand side of the head—this dates back to the days of knights and their swords. But these days? It’s more about what suits you. Let your features guide you.
- Keep it on indoors. Unlike gentlemen, who should remove their hats indoors – especially in places of worship, women’s headwear is considered part of their outfit. So yes, you can keep your hat on at the reception, at least until the wedding meal is over.
- Mind the photographer. Your hat may look stunning from the side, but if it’s hiding your face or casting heavy shadows, you’ll regret it when the wedding album comes out. If you plan on removing your hat for the photographs, make sure you’re prepared to fix your hair before the photographer starts shooting.
- Never outshine the hosts. This one’s key. The Mother of the Bride traditionally sets the tone with her choice of headwear. It’s good manners not to go grander than she does, especially if you’re the Mother of the Groom. Think coordination, not competition!
For the Bride (and Grooms, too)
If you have strong feelings about headwear, whether you’re dreaming of a sea of fabulous brims or you’d rather avoid anything that might block your aisle view, make sure you communicate your dress code clearly. Give plenty of notice to guests to find a hat that fits their style and your dress code.
Special Mention: Mother of the Bride
The Mother of the Bride holds special power in her hat and this is a key rule in wedding guest hat etiquette.
Traditionally, the Mother of the Bride is the one who decides when it’s time for the other ladies to take theirs off. No pressure! Her headwear is often a central part of the day’s style narrative. A large-brimmed beauty for a formal church wedding? Perfect. A more modest fascinator for an intimate afternoon ceremony? Absolutely right.
Timing is everything, too – keeping your hat on until the end of the wedding meal is the done thing. After that, feel free to refresh, restyle, and swap it for something more dance-floor friendly if you fancy.
Top Tips for Hat Styling Success
- Match the occasion. A bold statement hat for a country wedding might be the right choice, but it may be overwhelming at an intimate registry wedding.
- Try before you buy. Take your chosen headpiece to your hair stylist and make sure your hairstyle complements it. Your stylist will be able to advise on the best ways to wear it. Some looks can only be made in the salon chair.
- Fix the fit. A hat that’s too tight gives you headaches and hat hair; too loose and it’ll end up in the canapés. An adjustable band or professional fit can be a game-changer to stay in place comfortably for the day.
- Keep it elegant. Avoid anything so large it eclipses your shoulders – or the bride!
- And finally, confidence is your best accessory. Own your look. Whether you’re wearing a classic pillbox or a feathered fascinator, if it makes you feel fabulous you’re half way there.
So, should you wear a hat to a wedding? If you want to, you absolutely should. Choose one that works for your look, your comfort level, and the formality of the occasion. Hats are about celebration, elegance, and a bit of fun. Isn’t that what weddings are all about?
Hair Today, Hat Tomorrow: Hairstyles That Last
One of the trickiest parts of wearing a hat to a wedding is figuring out what to do with your hair. You want a style that works beautifully under your headpiece, but still looks polished if you decide to take it off later in the day (or if the Scottish wind makes the decision for you).
Here are a few tried-and-true options that strike the perfect balance between structure and staying power:
1. The Low Bun or Chignon
Elegant, timeless, and ideal for most hats or fascinators. A low bun at the nape of your neck keeps the crown area smooth for a comfortable fit and won’t compete with your headwear. Add a little twist or braid detail if you want something extra special for the post-hat phase.
2. Side-Swept Waves
If your fascinator or hat is perched on one side, sweeping your hair to the opposite side balances the look and keeps everything neat. Opt for loose, glossy waves and pin one side subtly behind your ear to keep it in place.
3. Half-Up, Half-Down
The best of both worlds. This style gives your hat something to grip onto while still showing off your length. It’s also more forgiving if the hat comes off—you’ll still have shape and volume around the crown.
4. Smooth Blow-Dry with Root Lift
If you’re wearing a hat that sits flush with your head (like a pillbox or beret-style piece), a sleek blow-dry with some volume at the roots works well. Use rollers or a round brush to lift the roots gently so your hair doesn’t go completely flat under the brim.
5. Braids and Twists
Soft braids—especially side braids or a crown braid—add visual interest and stay put all day. They also bounce back well after hat removal and can be loosened slightly for a more relaxed, romantic look at the reception.
AMMazing Team Stylist Tip: If you plan to remove your hat after the ceremony or meal, let your hairstylist know. They can subtly prep your hair to spring back into shape—using root powder, setting spray, or pin-curl techniques to maintain volume and hold. And bring your hat to your hair trial! A perfect hairstyle needs the real thing to create your style around.
Wedding Guest Hat Etiquette at Scottish Weddings
While general wedding hat etiquette applies across the UK, Scotland adds a few unique touches worth keeping in mind, especially if the wedding takes place in a castle, on a lochside, or features elements of Highland tradition.
1. Be Weather-Wise
A Scottish wedding can often include outdoor elements, whether it’s a ceremony overlooking the hills or photos in the castle grounds. Choose a hat or fascinator that’s wind-resistant and securely fastened with a comb, headband, or elastic. Lightweight materials like sinamay or felt can hold their shape even in a Highland breeze. Avoid anything too delicate or floppy; Scotland’s famous ‘four seasons in a day’ could catch you off guard!
2. Respect the Setting
If the ceremony is in a small chapel or historic venue, oversized hats can block someone’s view or feel awkward in tight pews. Opt for structured yet elegant headwear that complements the setting. Fascinators and medium-brimmed hats are often a safer choice for these more intimate spaces.
3. A Nod to Tradition
You may see guests wearing touches of tartan or elements of traditional Highland dress at a Scottish wedding. And while tartan hats aren’t common for women, you can subtly incorporate heritage through details like a ribbon, brooch, or feather in your hat, especially if you’re connected to a particular clan or region.
4. Local Craftsmanship
Scotland is home to some incredible milliners, and choosing a locally made headpiece will give you an authentic, one-of-a-kind accessory with local heritage woven into it. Browse uur selection of Scottish milliners below to find the right hat for you.
Scottish Milliners Directory
Glasgow
Stephanie Gallen Millinery
Pea Cooper Millinery
Ella Bulloch Hats
Edinburgh
Sally Ann Provan
Fabhatrix
L’Ange Boheme
Aberdeen
Fife
Channix Millinery
Off With Her Head Millinery
Browse our portfolio, follow us on Instagram and get in touch with us start planning your bridal beauty for your Scottish wedding day.
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