Rule 1: You definitely do need to wear a hat
It’s a bit like a GCSE logic puzzle, this one. You should wear a hat whenever you can. One of the few places you can wear a hat without raising eyebrows is to a wedding. Thus it follows that you should always wear a hat to a wedding. QED.
Rule 2: The bigger the better
We’re talking here about proper hats, the ones big enough to pick up signals from outer space or double as manhole covers. Fascinators are different – a milquetoast compromise that barely registers a blip in the style stakes.
When it comes to creating a sense of occasion, which hats do better than any other accessory, size matters. Generally speaking, the bigger the brim, the better the overall effect: think of Bianca Jagger in the huge, louchely deconstructed one she wore to her own wedding to Mick Jagger in 1971.
Rule 3: Plan the purchase carefully
The question of whether you should or shouldn’t wear a hat having been settled, the only one remaining is which sort? The key is to set aside a lot of time to try different ones on over several days; this isn’t a decision you should rush.
Take the outfit you’re planning to wear or, at the very least, a photograph of yourself in it. Colourwise, don’t worry about finding an exact match – in fact, a deliberate clash can be more elegant.
Rule 4: Think about the back as much as the front
Once you’ve narrowed it down, think about how your choice looks from all angles. With reportage having largely taken the place of posed wedding photography, the back of your hat is as likely to be snapped as the front.
Rule 5: Learn the art of hat kissing
Hats are magnetic – but, of course, this presents its own difficulties. ‘It is notoriously difficult to socially kiss while wearing a wide-brimmed hat,’ warns Debrett’s.
The problem, fortunately, isn’t insurmountable. ‘There is a knack to tilting the head at a suitable angle, but two ladies both in wide-brimmed hats should avoid such an “intimate greeting”.’
Bear all that in mind and the day will be positively brimming with possibility.
Credit: Alamy
How to choose the perfect Mother of the Bride dress, shoes, hat and accessories
Sarah Jane Lewis, former Fashion Editor of Brides magazine, shares her tips for bewildered mothers in the run up to
Credit: Alamy Stock Photo
Mother's Day wisdom: 11 priceless quotes from the world's wittiest women
We celebrate Mothering Sunday with this fantastic collection of wit and wisdom from some of the world's most successful women.
Credit: Alamy
The wedding traditions we need to keep hold of – and the five that need consigning to history
Times change, things move on... but some things are always worth cherishing. Here's Country Life's advice on the wedding traditions
Credit: Dreamstime
Planning an English country wedding | Part 4: Priests and technicalities
Join Country Life’s Annunciata Walton from engagement through to ‘I do’, as she tracks the highs and lows of planning
-
The rise of the intimate weddingMany couples who tied the knot under Covid-19 restrictions have spoken glowingly about the experience of more intimate ceremonies, which look set to stay.
-
Wedding dos and don'ts: Nine tips to hold the perfect wedding receptionHamish Shephard, founder of Bridebrook and owner of wedding venue Hedsor House, shares his expert tips how to ensure your wedding reception goes with a bang.
-
Curious Questions: Why do brides throw their bouquets? And wear white? And wear something old, new, borrowed and blue?Weddings are full of all manner of weird and wonderful traditions and superstitions – Annunciata Elwes gets to the bottom of some of the most famous.
-
The Utterly Inessential Wedding Shopping List: From beautiful bouquets to romantic getawaysAs the excitement of last night begins to fade into memory, we hold dear in our hearts those who are about to embark on months and months of careful planning, menu tasting and reckless spending. Alexandra Fraser presents to you everything you (may or may not) need to get through the wedding planning season and your special day.
-
10 things you need to think about if you're planning a wedding at homeGeorgie Evans, Web & Marketing Manager at The Wedding Present Co., shares her tips on having your wedding at home and what advice she gives to others looking to do the very same.
-
'Permission to marry your daughter, sir?' – Why you still need to ask for her father's blessing to get marriedAsking the father's permission to marry his daughter is hopelessly outdated yet remains an absolute essential part of the rituals of marriage, says Rupert Uloth.
-
Choosing perfect wedding presents: A guide for brides, grooms and guestsGetting just the right thing for the happy couple can be a minefield for guests – how do you choose something they'll actually want, without resorting to cold, hard cash? Flora Watkins offers her advice.
-
The wedding traditions we need to keep hold of – and the five that need consigning to historyTimes change, things move on... but some things are always worth cherishing. Here's Country Life's advice on the wedding traditions that still have a place, and those that you can safely do without.
