With the wedding season now upon us, whether you are the bride, groom, or wedding guest, it’s time to think about completing your outfit with the perfect hat.
Rules surrounding wedding guest millinery are not what they once were however here at Lock & Co. Hatters we firmly believe that choosing the right piece is both a decision of style and etiquette.
Top hat Wedding Etiquette
A top hat is considered a formal wedding hat and is most commonly worn with tails. Both grey and black top hats are deemed acceptable, with the pinnacle being a vintage silk (we lovingly restore these at No. 6 St. James’s).
To ensure the perfect fit, we recommend booking an appointment at our London hat shop to have your head measured with a conformateur.
Master Hatters tip: When wearing a top hat at a wedding, it should be straight, levelled at about two fingers above the eyebrows.
Top hat wedding etiquette: Toppers should be removed in the church or inside the reception venue, even for photographs.
Wedding hats for guests
Choosing your hat or outfit first is a personal preference but no matter the order, our team of stylists are on hand to help. Our London showroom houses our exclusive collection of occasion and couture hats for you to try, so be sure to book an appointment via our Contact Us page.
Stylist’s tip: we recommend bringing the outfit you are planning to wear, or at the very least, a photograph of yourself in it.
The Pillbox Hat - Having no brim and generally worn at the back of the head, the pillbox hat was popularised in the 1930s but Jackie Kennedy made the style iconic. Our Ophelia Pillbox hat is paired with the detachable Anna wedding veil, taking your look from chapel to reception.
The Birdcage Veil – A modern and demure addition to your bridal outfit. A birdcage veil adds a bit of sparkle to any wedding gown or suit.
The Picture Hat – This style creates a striking silhouette when paired with a wedding jumpsuit or suit. Our Jamie Hatwas inspired by style maven Bianca Jagger’s iconic wedding look.
“I am so pleased to celebrate romance and love with Lock & Co.’s inaugural wedding collection. When choosing the perfect bridal headpiece, you should think about what kind of silhouette you want to create. Is it bold and beautiful or demure and elegant? I invite all brides-to-be to come to the shop for a one-on-one styling consultation, and let us help you find that perfect piece.” – Awon Golding, Head Millinery Designer.
Lock & Co’s Head Millinery Designer has designed a stunning collection of bridal hats & wedding veils. From a swoon-worthy tulle chapel veil to a duchess satin wedding hat. Each Lock Couture wedding hat, wedding headband, or headpiece can be crafted to match your beautiful wedding dress. Our team of stylists would love to help you find the perfect headpiece to complement your wedding style. Please do get in touch.
Today topping off your wedding gown has more to do with choice and whatever makes you look and feel your best.
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