Recently I was invited to a wedding at an amazing Chateau style country house with parkland, lakes, waterfalls, tropical gardens and over 3000 species of trees. A perfect location for a large wedding with endless photo opportunities. It was a black tie event and I have never seen so many ladies wearing wonderful hats – apart from Ladies Day at Ascot Races. There were so many styles and colours complementing beautiful outfits, it set the scene for what was going to be a very grand affair.

Elizabeth, designer wearing Elizabeth Bessant Couture cactus inspired hat

I always wear a hat or fascinator to a wedding because I think it is a shame not to dress up for an occasion. The right hat will make you feel a million dollars and bring a plain outfit to life. Wearing a hat you will stand better, walk better and feel better.

Her are my top tips for choosing your wedding hat:

1. As mother of the bride you set the dress code – in consultation with the bride of course. If it is a black tie event most women will assume that means some form of headgear which might be a decorated comb or fascinator. If the bride would like guests to wear hats specify this on the invitation. But remember as mother of the bride you are host of the event and your hat must stand out from mother of the groom and the guests.

2. There’s so much etiquette around weddings, if you are mother of the groom your hat should be a little smaller than mother of the bride so consult on this one. If the bride and groom are paying and hosting their own wedding then etiquette changes and both mothers may wear the same size hat.

3. When choosing a hat remember the photos and don’t wear something that hides your face or that comes too close to your shoulders. If you have a short neck or a round face wear a hat or fascinator that sits on top of your head.

Alyson, mother of the bride wearing Elizabeth Bessant Couture silk dress, lace jacket and hatinator

Alyson, mother of the bride wearing Elizabeth Bessant Couture hatinator

4. Some rules are helpful including that if you are having your hat decorated with feathers or flowers these should be on the right side.

5. Traditionally the size of a brim on a hat depends on the timing of the wedding. A large brim would be worn for an afternoon wedding for sun protection, thus not required for a late afternoon or evening event. However many traditions like this have been forgotten or discarded over time.

Sophie, (Mrs Wales 2019) wearing Elizabeth Bessant Couture flower hatinator

Sophie, (Mrs Wales 2019) wearing Elizabeth Bessant Couture flower hatinator

6. Ladies hats are considered part of their outfit so there is no requirement to remove them indoors. Again take your cue from the Mother of bride, no one should take their hat off until she does.

If you would like any help or advice on choosing the right hat please email me with no obligation at [email protected]