Why should I wear a bridal hat?

Bridal hats are great veil alternatives or additions for outdoor celebrations. They’re also loved among brides who don’t like veils or just want to change up the traditional aesthetic.

How do I choose a bridal hat?

Pay attention to the material, the colors used, and your venue. You might want to also opt for a hat you can wear again since it can easily be incorporated into your wardrobe post-celebration.

Are bridal hats expensive?

The good news is that bridal hats are typically less expensive than many veil options. So, if you’re looking for an alternative that won’t break the bank, a bridal hat will have you covered in style.

24 Best Bridal Hats of 2023

When picturing a bride’s wedding day look, you might envision a sleek dress, sparkly shoes, and a long, flowy veil. And while that’s one way you can dress for your day-of celebration, there are plenty of options out there for brides who want to branch out. From jumpsuits instead of gowns to sneakers instead of heels, the options are limitless in terms of the ways you can lean into your signature style—especially if opting to wear a hat instead of a veil.

In case you’re not familiar with the trend, many brides are ditching veils for headpieces such as clips or caps. In fact, bridal hats—which vary from embellished fedoras to vintage-inspired fascinators—are becoming favorites for every type of bridal aesthetic. Picture a soft, felt fedora in a neutral earth hue for a boho ceremony, or a white cowboy hat with faux flowers for a country chic celebration. Some brides even choose to don hats for the reception or grand entrance, while others prefer them for outdoor ceremonies to keep the sun out of their eyes. The best part is, many bridal hats can easily be worn again and incorporated into everyday wardrobes post "I dos".

The Top Bridal Fashion Trends to Expect in 2022

Whatever your day-of vision, chances are there’s a bridal hat that’ll fit your tastes. Whether you want a hat for your summer wedding, destination nuptials, or cross-country bachelorette party, these hats are ideal for any bride’s day-of dream.

Ahead, peruse some of our favorites to find the perfect addition to your personal style.

Best Veil: ComingUpRosesUKStore Boho White Bridal Hat with Veil

Size: One size | Materials: Fine wool & tulle | Colors: White

If you can’t decide between a bolo hat or a veil, this fashion-forward favorite will check off both boxes. The white wool hat is luxe on its own, but the elbow-length veil elevates the look for a one-of-a-kind bridal aesthetic.

Most Rewearable: BHLDN Monroe Hat

Size: S/M & M/L | Materials: Australian wool & grosgrain ribbon | Colors: Dusty Pink

We love a bridal accessory that doubles as a wardrobe must-have, which is why BHLDN’s Monroe rancher hat is a must. The decadent dusty pink wool is easy to match any bridal style and post-nuptial celebrations.

Best Birdcage: Agneshart Nikita Ivory Bridal Hat With Birdcage Veil

Size: Made to order | Materials: Silk dupioni | Colors: White, ivory, or black

Vintage-inspired and as classic as they come, birdcage veil hats are a spectacular look from the history books. This charming choice—which comes in white, ivory, or black—will make you feel like you stepped right out of the ‘40s.

Price at time of publish: $249

For the Bachelorette Party: BeEverthine Bridal Party Bride/Babe Fedora

Size: One size | Materials: Wool felt | Colors: White, pink, or black

If you’re ditching the matching shirts or just want an extra fun accessory for your bachelorette party, these “bride/babe” fedoras are cute as can be. Pick your choice of wording and hat color, and rock your status in style.

Price at time of publish: $63 for Babe

For a Winter Wedding: Apache Tribu Orquídea Bridal Neutral Hat

Size: Medium & Large | Materials: Felt | Colors: White

This crisp white felt fedora from Apache Tribu was made to dazzle with its handmade chaquira toquilla and hand embroidery. The shimmering, beaded flowers shine even brighter when covered with soft, wonderland-esque snowflakes.

Price at time of publish: $714

For the Honeymoon: ModParty Personalized Sun Hat

Size: One size | Materials: Straw | Colors: White, tan, & blush

It wouldn’t be a honeymoon without a few special new accessories like your wedding band and a personalized hat. This woven one from ModParty will proudly sport your married name as you make special memories with your spouse.

Price at time of publish: $23

For the Contemporary Bride: ModParty “Mrs” Fedora Wedding Hat

Size: One size | Materials: Wool felt | Colors: Tan

We love the modern look of a tan hat paired with a classic bridal gown, like with this wedding-ready ModParty fedora. With “Mrs” printed on the brim, it’s the ideal accessory for not only your ceremony, but an engagement shoot, bridal shower, and reception as well.

Price at time of publish: $25

For a Summer Wedding: Les Couronnes de Victoire Olivia Preserved Flower Hat

Size: One size | Materials: Natural straw, tulle, & preserved flowers | Colors: Neutral

Whether your summer wedding is inside or out, use this darling Les Couronnes de Victoire straw hat—complete with preserved flowers and a tulle ribbon—to keep the sun off your face during the ceremony, pictures, or in between events.

For the Modern Bride: MuDuLondon Bridal Boater Hat Veiled

Size: Made to order | Materials: Panama straw | Colors: White

This chic Panama straw boater hat is a modern wedding dream with its sleek angles, subtly simple white veiling, and custom sizing for a flawless fit. Pair it with a contemporary crepe gown or jumpsuit for a sophisticated day-of look.

Price at time of publish: $358

For a Fall Wedding: San Diego Hat Company Women's Floppy Fedora With Bow

Size: One size | Materials: Wool | Colors: Black, camel, green, indigo, plum, & pink

Compliment your moody-hued blooms with this widely popular plum-colored floppy fedora from San Diego Hat Company. Go even further and tuck one of your wedding flowers in the ribbon bow to complete your look.

For the Sophisticated: Bride Jolly Vintage Big Sweet Bow 1950s Hat

Size: One size | Materials: Satin | Colors: White, white/black, red, black, green/black, & green/red

Calling all cinephiles! This silk, Audrey Hepburn-inspired cap will have you feeling like a star on your special day with its glossy fabric and oversized bow. Select the style in one of six color options to make your day-of vision pop.

Price at time of publish: $45

For the Romantic Bride: Thirteen48 Grace Boho Fedora

Size: Small/Medium | Materials: Cotton & polyester | Colors: Cream

Handmade and made-to-order, this custom, bloom-adorned fedora will give you all the fairytale vibes. Request to have the attached flowers match your palette, and opt for the detachable veiled option so you can switch up your look between ceremony and reception.

Best Last-Minute Buy: EOZY Women's Vintage Pearl Band Fedora

Size: US: 56-58CM & US: 58-60CM | Materials: Cotton & polyester | Colors: White, black, light khaki, pink, red, & yellow

If you couldn’t decide on a wedding day headpiece, this stunning cap is reason enough to celebrate thanks to the fast shipping options from Amazon Prime. Wear the fedora with the detachable pearls on your big day, then rock it without for casual events post "I dos".

Price at time of publish: $26

Best Blush: Jolly Vintage Pink Bow Embroidery 1950s Hat

Size: One size | Materials: Linen | Colors: Pink

Pretty as a picture, this pink, vintage linen hat is a work of art in itself. From the cherry blossom detailing to the bowed brooch, you’ll feel beautifully bridal in this one-of-a-kind headpiece. Be sure to include other pops of pink in your ensemble to pull the look together.

Price at time of publish: $39

For the Princess Bride: MaggieMowbrayHats Katie Wedding Cocktail Hat

Size: One size | Materials: Velour felt | Colors: Made to order

Inspired by the royal family, this regal bridal fascinator will instantly elevate your wedding aesthetic. Select the luxe velour felt in your ideal hue to create a seamless aesthetic match, and add on the optional veil to complete your ceremony look.

Price at time of publish: $453 for Hat with Veil

For the Playful Bride: Markarian Bibi Natural Straw Milan Boater Hat

Size: One size | Materials: Natural straw | Colors: Tan

Enter your reception ready to party with this perfectly constructed hat by Markarian. The simplicity of the style is perfect for brides of all styles looking to add a playful element to their day-of wardrobe.

Best Ball Cap: David’s Bridal Canvas Embroidered Bride Baseball Cap

Size: One size | Materials: Cotton | Colors: White

You’re not like other brides, you’re a cool bride. And whether you want a totally unique day-of look, or just want to sport your status while running wedding-related errands, this “bride” baseball cap from David’s Bridal sends the right message.

Price at time of publish: $17

For the Glamorous Bride: SaintFort Pearl & Crystal Wide Brim Bridal Hat

Size: One size | Materials: Pearls, rhinestones, polyester, & straw | Colors: White

Right this way, glam lovers. This custom-made, pearl and rhinestone-adorned, wide brim bridal hat is as opulent as they come. It's a luxury look worthy of only the most show-stopping of brides.

Price at time of publish: $556

For the Boho Bride: IvoryBrides Minimal Boho Bride Hat

Size: One size | Materials: Felt | Colors: White or black

Wide brim with a fan of neutral-hued blooms, this bridal hat from IvoryBrides is a match made in wedding heaven for bohemian venues and nature-loving brides. Have your married name, initials, or wedding date embroidered along the edge for a keepsake you’ll cherish forever.

For the Fashion-Forward Bride: Viktor & Rolf Mariage Lace Flower Bucket Hat

Size: One size | Materials: Lace, organza, & grosgrain | Colors: White

Whether it’s an outdoor wedding or a glam venue, trendy nuptials call for bucket hats. This lace beauty from Viktor & Rolf Mariage will absolutely turn heads and be the topic of conversation long after you say "I do."

For a Spring Wedding: Jolly Vintage Straw Hat Beige With Flower Lace Tulle Vintage Hat

Size: One size | Materials: Straw, lace, & linen | Colors: Tan

Lean into the cheerful springtime vibes with a bridal hat as delightful as the weather. This vintage straw number looks at home in a garden, estate, or country club wedding with its veil-like bow and scattered floral details.

Price at time of publish: $42

For the Eclectic Bride: Free People Starlet Hand Embroidered Felt Hat

Size: One size | Materials: Soft wool felt | Colors: Ivory

This Starlet cap from Free People is one-of-a-kind thanks to the structured soft wool, flat crown, and color contrast trim. But it's the glimmering, hand-embroidered gold stars that have us—and eclectic brides everywhere—utterly spellbound.

Best Something Blue: Gigi Burris Millinery Freddie Bridal Fedora

Size: Small, medium, & large | Materials: Velour felt | Colors: Powder blue

Show off your something blue with Gigi Burris Millinery Freddie bridal fedora. The powder blue hue is easy to match while the ribbed silk organza ribbon adds a daring pop that’ll effortlessly set your bridal look apart.

Price at time of publish: $460

For a Destination Wedding: Free People Marina Packable Hat

Size: One size | Materials: Textile | Colors: Ivory & tobacco

If a destination wedding is on your horizon, a hat you can pack without worrying about crinkles or bends is essential. Free People’s unstructured Mariana looks as great at the ceremony as it will on the beach, and can be tossed in your carry-on stress-free.

Price at time of publish: $48

What to Look for in a Bridal Hat

Bridal hats are perfect for the bride-to-be who appreciates new, trendy, and modern approaches to bridal fashion. While this contemporary style can be worn at any time, it's important to keep the season of your nuptials in mind when shopping for this look. Be intentional when choosing the materials, as hats made of felt and wool are more appropriate for cooler temperatures, while lace and textile are great for warm-weather nuptials. Of course, and most importantly, be sure to wear a hat that compliments your entire look—one that doesn't take the attention away from your whole ensemble.

FAQ

Why should I wear a bridal hat?

Bridal hats are great veil alternatives or additions for outdoor celebrations. They’re also loved among brides who don’t like veils or just want to change up the traditional aesthetic.
How do I choose a bridal hat?

Pay attention to the material, the colors used, and your venue. You might want to also opt for a hat you can wear again since it can easily be incorporated into your wardrobe post-celebration.
Are bridal hats expensive?

The good news is that bridal hats are typically less expensive than many veil options. So, if you’re looking for an alternative that won’t break the bank, a bridal hat will have you covered in style.

21 Unexpected Bridal Hoods for Every Type of Wedding

About the Author

Contributing writer Rachel Varina is a social media, digital marketing, and editorial expert with over seven years of professional writing experience. Her work has appeared on sites such as Betches and Elite Daily.