Hats faded from popularity when the beehive hairstyle emerged in the 1960s and since then they have struggled to find a place in the fashion stakes. Beanies, sunhats and casual styles come out every season but the one place where hats have gained ground is at weddings.

Designer: Natalie Chan

But it is mothers of the bride and groom, as well as wedding guests that have taken hats, or more accurately, fascinators, back into the leading bunch on the fashion racetrack.

Now, the crowning glory at many a wedding is not hair but the array of gorgeous hats and fascinators – those wonderful concoctions of feathers and flowers, jewels and tulle. Everything from traditional brimmed hats, veiled pillboxes, cocktail stunners and frivolous fascinators are well and truly ‘in’.

With the ‘casual’ overdoing its welcome at what are essentially formal events, women have welcomed the return of formal dressing complemented by headwear that adds the finishing touch to an outfit.

In particular, the cocktail hat is a jaunty mini version of the formal hat, titivating in its style and adornments. The fascinator is more cavalier in its form and shape and is generally clipped into the hair with a comb. It can be as simple or as elaborate as the occasion or the outfit calls for.

Designer: Natalie Chan  

While toning headwear is recommended, contrasting can work too while black or a black with a dash of colour is always safe.

Size-wise, taller, statuesque women can wear broad brimmed hats or more substantial fascinators while short, smaller women should opt for medium brims or no brim at all. Fascinators or whimsies, as they were once referred to, should not dwarf the wearer or overwhelm the head.

The main thing is that at a wedding, women who love to look glamorous now have the opportunity to dress to the nines. Hats, bags, jewellery all come into play and so they should especially for outdoor wedding under a hot New Zealand sun.

So go for it when planning your wedding day outfit. Have fun with your headwear, add a touch of glitter and feel good about yourself!

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