Head turning moments at weddings
Talented milliner Kerry Freud, founder of Halo Studio in Dromore, on wedding hat etiquette that’s stylish and sophisticated.
Weddings are one of the few occasions where you can truly go all out with fashion, and nothing completes a wedding guest look quite like a fabulous hat. Whether it’s a classic wide-brimmed beauty or a sculptural fascinator that could double as modern art, the right hat elevates your outfit, adds glamour, and – let’s be honest – makes for some incredible photos.
But before you perch a feathered masterpiece atop your head, it’s worth knowing a few hat etiquette rules to ensure you make a statement for all the right reasons.
THE ART OF CHOOSING THE PERFECT HAT
When it comes to wedding hats, size, style, and occasion matter. A good rule of thumb? Take inspiration from the best-dressed British celebrities who never miss a chance to impress with millinery magic.
Princess Kate is the ultimate reference for polished, elegant headwear. From delicate floral fascinators to chic, structured hats, she always strikes the perfect balance between stylish and sophisticated. If in doubt, channel your inner Princess of Wales.
Victoria Beckham is known for her minimalist yet dramatic approach. At Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding, she wore a sleek navy pillbox hat with a subtle veil – understated yet incredibly chic.
Lesson? You don’t need feathers the size of a peacock to make an impact.
Amal Clooney proved that a wide-brimmed statement hat is the epitome of class when she arrived at the same wedding in a stunning yellow ensemble with a matching hat that stole the show (without upstaging the bride, of course).
HAT ETIQUETTE: THE DO’S AND DON’TS
✅ DO consider the venue and dress code
– A countryside wedding? A soft, floral fascinator will do. A formal city wedding? A sleek, structured hat wins.
❌ DON’T go too big
– If your hat is so wide that it takes up two chairs or blocks the view of the vows, it’s a no-go. Princess Eugenie’s wedding guests nailed the art of statement hats without obstruction.
✅ DO wear your hat at the ceremony and reception
– traditionally, wedding guests keep their hats on until the wedding breakfast (that’s the meal, not an early morning feast!).
❌ DON’T outshine the mother of the bride
– Traditionally, she makes her hat first, setting the tone. The mother of the groom follows suit. No one wants a hat rivalry.
✅ DO wear your hat with confidence
– Whether it’s a sleek fascinator or a show-stopping brim, own the look – because nothing completes an outfit like attitude.
HATS OFF TO A STYLISH WEDDING SEASON
Weddings are all about celebration, elegance, and a little bit of fun – and the right hat brings all three. So, the next time you find yourself planning an outfit for a wedding, take a cue from the country’s best-dressed guests, embrace the tradition, and wear your hat like a Royal. And if it also happens to shield you from unexpected British sunshine? Even better!
THE BANK COURTYARD, 11 CHURCH STREET, DROMORE, BT25 1AA
📞 T: 077 4329 9733
🌐 www.halostudioni.co.uk
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