Funeral Hats and Headpieces
A funeral asks for something plain and dark that you do not have to think about again once it is on your head. A hat is a personal choice at a British service, and among the family closest to the person who died it is still common.
Every piece here is hand-made in London and held in stock. Delivery within the United Kingdom takes 7 to 10 working days and there is no express service, so if the date is close, write to the atelier before you order and we will tell you what is possible.
Choosing yours
Three things worth knowing
You are not required to wear a hat
Most people at a British funeral are bare-headed. Family closest to the person who died wear a hat more often, and some churches and older congregations still expect one. If you are unsure, ask whoever is arranging the day.
Read the full guideWhat counts as dark enough
Black is always correct. Navy, charcoal, anthracite and deep burgundy are accepted and read as respectful. A matte finish sits more quietly than a shine. If the family has asked for colour, wear the colour they asked for.
What a veil signals
A short birdcage veil traditionally belonged to the widow and the closest women in the family, and it still reads that way. It is a quiet way to keep your face to yourself through a long service.
See the veiled piecesIf you need help deciding
If you are choosing between two shapes, or you need a colour matched by hand to a coat you already own, write to the atelier and Monika will answer you directly. Tell us the date of the service and we will be straight with you about what can reach you in time.
Black hats, dark headpieces and veils for a funeral or a memorial service, hand-made in London. Pillboxes, headbands and birdcage veils that sit quietly, and a black straw wide brim for a summer service.
If you are reading this with a date in the next few days, the practical answers are below, and the longer version is in the guide to what to wear to a funeral. Write to the atelier before you order if the timing is tight.
Questions
Is a hat expected at a funeral?
No. A hat is a personal choice at a British funeral and most people at a service are bare-headed. You will see them most often on the family closest to the person who died, in older congregations and at traditional church services. If you are unsure what the family expects, ask whoever is arranging the day. Nobody will think anything of it either way.
Does a funeral hat have to be black?
Black is always correct and it is still the most common choice. Navy, charcoal, anthracite and deep burgundy are all accepted at a British funeral. What matters more than the shade is the finish, so choose something matte and plain over anything that shines. If the family has asked for a colour, wear the colour they asked for.
Is a veil appropriate at a funeral?
A short birdcage veil is appropriate and has been worn at funerals for generations. Traditionally it belonged to the widow and the closest women in the family, and it still reads that way in the room. If you are immediate family it is a quiet way to keep your face to yourself. If you are a friend or a colleague, a plain dark hat is easier.
How quickly can a piece be ready?
Pieces here are held in stock and dispatched from the London atelier. Delivery within the United Kingdom takes 7 to 10 working days and there is no express service. A piece blocked to your own measurement takes one to four weeks. If your date is sooner than that, write to the atelier before you order and we will tell you what is possible.