As the mother of the bride, you will be a key member of the wedding party and share some of the limelight on the wedding day. Naturally, you will want to look your best as you stand by your daughter's side.
Once you've chosen your outfit, you'll likely look for a hat, hatinator or fascinator to complete your look. This guide to wedding hats for mother of the bride will help you narrow down your search and find the most flattering headwear.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Mother of the Bride Hat
Suits You!
Wedding hats for mother of the bride come in many shapes and sizes. The first step to finding the right hat is choosing a style that flatters your face shape. Those with an oval face are in luck, almost any hat style will suit. If you have a round face, try hats with wide brims or asymmetrical shapes. Ladies with a square face should try softer designs with rounded edges to balance their features.
Smaller hats with delicate details, like feathers, work perfectly for those with a heart-shaped face. If you would like something smaller there are plenty of mother of the bride hat alternatives, such as hatinators and fascinators.
From our mother of the bride expert
"As a mother of the bride specialist, I advise careful consideration when selecting your hat or headpiece. Choose a style and size that flatters your face, and decide whether it should complement or contrast your outfit's colour. Experiment with different options to ensure comfort and security, and most importantly, select the headpiece that makes you feel most special!"
Ali Moore
Comfort Is Key
A hat should be stylish but also comfortable. It needs to fit you snugly, but you don't want it to be too tight. Take the weight of the headwear into account, too. A hat that is too heavy can become uncomfortable, but one that is too light may not stay in place securely. Opt for hats with adjustable bands or secure fastenings for the perfect fit.
Check Your Tone
Being close to your face, it's important the colour of your hat complements your skin tone. Deep autumnal colours, corals and creams suit warmer complexions, while jewel tones or fresh colours flatter cooler complexions. Try different shades to find the most flattering match for your skin.
Coordinate your outfit and your hat with the bridal party's attire. While you don't need to match their colours exactly, staying within a complementary palette will help you blend seamlessly with the wedding theme.
The Perfect Match
Your hat should coordinate with the rest of your outfit. And we're not just talking about the colour here! Consider fabrics, embellishments and style too.
Wedding hat prices vary widely, ranging from £85 for simple designs from the high street to over £1,000 for handmade bespoke creations from a milliner. The materials, brand and customisation will all influence the cost.
If you are looking for something tailored to you, consider visiting milliners, or dedicated mother of the bride boutiques as a first point of call.
Yes, many boutiques and online platforms offer wedding hat hire. This can be a cost-effective way to wear a high-quality design.
Look for hats with adjustable bands or internal combs. Ask your hairstylist to help you put your hat in place and secure it. If you wear a fascinator hair pins can keep it perfectly in place. If you are having your hair professionally styled on the wedding day, the hairdresser will likely be able to help you secure your headwear in place.
If hats aren’t your style, there are plenty of mother of the bride hat alternatives. A hatinator or fascinator can add elegance without compromising comfort.
With nearly 10 years of experience in the wedding industry, Becci is well-placed to offer advice and inspiration when planning your big day. Formerly Editor and Deputy Editor at two National newsstand bridal magazines, Becci is a trusted wedding writer with a wealth of knowledge and a never-ending supply of unique wedding ideas. Alongside writing about weddings, Becci works directly with engaged couples in the lead-up and on their wedding day, giving her first-hand experience of what makes a wedding truly memorable in the eyes of your guests and how to fulfil your wedding dreams.
