Alternatives to Hats and Fascinators for Wedding Guests - How to Choose Your Accessories and Style Them
- theluckysixpence
- Jul 17, 2024
- 7 min read
Updated: Sep 17
Not a hat person? You’re not alone.
Not everyone feels comfortable in a hat or fascinator - and the good news is, you don’t have to wear one. Whether you're going to a traditional church ceremony or a relaxed countryside celebration, there are plenty of elegant, comfortable and stylish alternatives that still honour the occasion.
Here are my favourite hat-free ideas for wedding guests (and a few tips to help you feel fabulous wearing them).
As a thank you for visiting my blog I'm offering 20% off any order with the code 'guest20' - just use the code at the checkout.
Jump to:
What can I wear instead of a hat or fascinator to a wedding?
1. Hair accessories that make a statement
Hair accessories are a brilliant choice if you want to elevate your look without committing to a full headpiece. They’re versatile, easy to wear, and can work with any hair length or style.
Headbands offer a polished finish and are perfect whether your style is boho, classic, or modern. From soft satin and silk knotted headbands adorned with beads, to elegant metal bands detailed with pearls, rhinestones, or floral motifs - there’s a style to suit every look. Comfortable and secure, they stay in place all day without needing a stylist, making them an easy and stylish alternative to a hat or fascinator.
Combs and wraps are a more discreet option but still bring detail to your hairstyle - especially if you’re wearing it up or to the side. For shorter or looser styles, you might need a few hidden grips to help hold them securely.
(see FAQs for tips on how to secure accessories).
Hair pins are the most versatile option. Use a single pin for a minimalist accent, or cluster a few for a more intricate look. They’re ideal for guests who want something subtle, mix-and-match, or want to add detail without structure. Like combs, they work best with styled or secured hair, but grips can help with looser looks too.
"Janie created a black star on a silver pin for me and I am so pleased with it. It is beautifully made and unusual. The communication from Janie is excellent and the star was sent to me well packed in a lovely little box ." Angela
2. Statement Jewellery
If you’d rather keep your hair simple, jewellery is a great way to draw focus upwards without a headpiece. Think bold earrings, layered necklaces, or an embellished bracelet. You can even use jewellery as a modern alternative to a corsage - especially with floral or leaf-shaped pieces. I have created a range of alternative decorative brooches for wedding guests previously - do get in contact to discuss.
Jewellery is ideal if you’re travelling or attending a destination wedding, where minimal packing is key. Plus, you’re far more likely to wear these pieces again!
"I have always been impressed with her (The Lucky Sixpence's) beautiful bespoke creations, which was why I knew she would absolutely be the perfect person to create me a special pair of earrings to wear for my new years eve ball. She definitely didn't disappoint. They were the perfect accessory to glam up my outfit." Jennifer
3. Other accessories: scarves, turbans & head wraps, fresh / dried flowers
Silk scarves bring a touch of vintage elegance to modern weddings, offering versatility in how they can be styled. Whether draped elegantly around the neck or tied in a sophisticated knot, silk scarves add a timeless allure to your wedding guest attire.
Turbans and head-wraps offer chic and contemporary alternatives to traditional hats, making a bold fashion statement. Choose from a variety of colours, patterns, and fabrics to complement your outfit and showcase your individual style with confidence.
Fresh or dried flowers add a whimsical and natural touch to your wedding guest ensemble. Whether worn as a hair accessory or incorporated into your attire, floral accents can complement the wedding's theme while adding a touch of freshness and beauty to your overall look.
Practical tips for for choosing your wedding guest accessories
Comfort and Fit: Ensuring your accessories stay in place
Your accessory should feel as good as it looks. Whether you're wearing a headband, comb, or hair pins, try them on in advance and wear them around the house for a little while. This helps ensure they stay secure and comfortable all day - no slipping or digging in halfway through the ceremony!
Hint: Handmade accessories like mine are tested for long wear and comfort.
"Not only was it a beautiful, statement piece, but it was also surprisingly comfy to wear all day. So many people asked me about it on the day. It’s a beautiful piece that I’ll treasure forever." Lucinda
Balancing Statement Pieces: Avoiding over-accessorising
Statement accessories can transform a look - but remember that sometimes less is more. If you’re wearing bold earrings or a chunky necklace, keep other accessories subtle so they don’t compete. Let your standout piece do the talking.
Also, it’s always a thoughtful gesture to check in with the nearly-weds about what they or the wedding party are wearing - the goal is to complement the occasion, not outshine the couple. After all, it’s their special day, and your look should be a beautiful supporting role.
Coordinating with Your Outfit: Creating a cohesive look
Start by considering the style and palette of your outfit. Is it classic and romantic? Bold and modern? Your accessories should enhance that feel - not fight it.
Bold colours: Choose accessories in matching or tonal shades to bring cohesion to the look.
Prints or textures: Pick up a detail - like metallic thread, beading, or a floral element - in your jewellery or hair accessories to echo the outfit without overwhelming it.
Contrasting colours: Don’t be afraid of contrast! A coral necklace with a navy dress or pearl pins against dark hair can create a stunning and memorable look.
Hint: If your outfit has lots of detail, pare accessories back slightly. If your outfit is clean and minimal, accessories are where you can have fun!
Consider the Wedding Theme and Venue
Invites often offer great clues about the wedding’s tone. A sleek, minimalist invite usually signals a formal event; a colourful, relaxed design might point to something more laid-back. Use this to guide your choices - it’ll help you fit the setting beautifully.
Going Bespoke
If you’re struggling to find the perfect accessory to match your outfit - or just want something extra special - going bespoke is a wonderful option.
A custom-made hair accessory or piece of jewellery can tie your whole look together. It can be designed to match the colour of your outfit, echo a detail like a floral motif or metallic accent, or even include something sentimental - like a birthstone, initials, or symbols.
"Cannot thank Janie enough for my beautiful headpiece! Out of my vague ideas and pictures of what I hoped to achieve she created a really beautiful, unique piece tailored to me.
The finished piece is stunning and well made, and was really comfortable to wear." Alice
Because you’re working directly with a designer, you can also make sure your piece is secure and comfortable — especially important if you're wearing it all day at a summer wedding.
Whether it’s a delicate hair pin, a bold statement earring, or a full coordinating set, having something made just for you can turn a beautiful outfit into a completely unforgettable one.
Final Thoughts: Style Your Way
ou don’t need a hat or fascinator to feel fabulous at a wedding.
From statement earrings to delicate hair pins, silk scarves to bespoke headpieces, there are so many beautiful ways to express your style and still feel totally guest-appropriate.
The key is to:
Prioritise comfort - you’ll be wearing it all day!
Choose one or two standout pieces that elevate your outfit.
Think about how your accessories work with your hair, neckline, and the overall vibe of the wedding.
And remember - it’s the couple’s day to shine. Let your accessories reflect you without stealing the spotlight.
Ready to find your perfect piece? Don't forget to claim your 20% off with "guest20"
You deserve to feel confident, comfortable, and effortlessly stylish - no hat required.
FAQs
I am doing my own hair for the wedding. How do I secure my hair accessory?
Hair stylists suggest backcombing a section of hair or creating a hidden plait in order to help hold comb teeth or hair pins in place. Spraying the teeth of the comb or pin with hair spray before putting into the hair can add some extra stick. (Hair spray will tarnish metal over time and ensure it does not come into contact with pearls or rhinestones.) Sliding a hair grip over the teeth when in the hair will also help hold it securely.
Headbands can be secured with hair pins across the band or behind the ears. With heavy headbands or crowns small clear elastics can be tied onto the band and then hair pinned into the hair for extra stability.
How do I know what sort of jewellery to wear?
The neckline and sleeve style of your outfit play a crucial role in determining the type of accessories you should wear.
Necklines: High necklines pair well with statement earrings and simple bracelets, while V-necks or strapless dresses can be enhanced with statement necklaces or layered chains.
Sleeves: If your outfit has long sleeves, opt for rings and earrings to avoid an overly crowded look. Short sleeves or sleeveless dresses provide more opportunities for bold bracelets and cuffs.
Thanks for reading. Should you have any further questions feel free to pop them in the comments and I will do my best to answer them.
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