THE FINE ART OF CHOOSING A WEDDING HAT

So you're going for a hat on your wedding day.  Hats, fascinators, headbands, and many more are all a given these days for topping off your look.  Not long ago though society's code for brides wearing hats instead of a long, flowing veil meant you were either second time around bride or over thirty-five and marrying for the first time  There were exceptions to that rule of course: A bride having a very small or 'going away wedding' as they were called back then typically wore a hat.   Today the smaller veil no more than a wisp of netting that covers the nose or face is usually attached to a hat of some kind.  With such an array to choose from it's a good idea to get familiar with all the different types.  Here is a small sampling . . .
Photo by Strotz Photography/Hat by Amy-Jo Tatum

Pillbox-Think of Pan-AM Stewardesses and you've nailed this look.  Round and having no brim, a pillbox is worn either centered or back on your head.  This was a style introduced in the 1930s but Jackie Kennedy revived the look.  Generally this hat pairs up best with suit and fitted sheath designs but works with most other silhouettes

 Cocktail Hats-Pancakes, beanies, toques, small and generally without a brim, these little hats sit tilted or perched atop the head.  They're typically accented with florals, feathers, lace and beads. A cover of net or nose veil typically covers part of the face.

Photo by Rob Martell /Turban by Amy-Jo Tatum

 Turban-Adapted by Hollywood circa the 1930s from Eastern headdress, a turban is a piece of fabric that wraps around the head.  Tulle and net turban head wraps with bows, flowers, lace and jewels were popular sparking creative minds to add these chic headpieces to bridal
                                       Photo by Stephanie Williams Photography///Hat by Amy-Jo Tatum

Picture Hat This has to be the most traditional hat for the daytime formal and a wedding is the ultimate..  Wide-brimmed and usually made out of straw or horsehair the picture hat is an all time garden wedding fave.   Picture hats balance out most silhouettes, especially hourglass styles and ball gowns; the wide brim works with the volume in the skirt.

A few words here about selecting a hat.  You can use some of the same guidelines going for a hat as you would for a veil: the simpler  your gown is the more ornate your hat can be.  Likewise the simpler the hat the more detailed your gown.  If you can, get out and try hats on.  This way you can check out if the overall symmetry is right.  Best with your gown on and alterations finished to really see how the gown and hat compliment one another.  The same goes for accessorizing: gloves and jewelry are important. Go ahead and experiment.
You're goning to find the best selection of hats in millinery boutiques. I know, I know, all those above-the-curve styles you love so much it seems are all only available through Etsy and indie-design sites.  But you can visit a local independent shop to get at least get an idea of what scale, size and proportion will look like. before you send off for that gem.  Remember, there's a hat out there to pair up with every face, body and gown.  Once you find your match you'll gaze back in mirror knowing, this is the one . . . .
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