There’s something special about a fall wedding out West. The air is crisp, the leaves are golden, and every cowboy and cowgirl knows their outfit has to match the season’s style. Boots shined, jacket pressed — and most importantly, the right cowboy hat. For a fall wedding, your hat choice says a lot: it shows respect for tradition, matches the season’s formality, and keeps you warm when the evening chill sets in.
Why Your Hat Choice Matters in the Fall
A cowboy hat isn’t just a topper — it’s part of the statement you’re making when you walk into a wedding. In the fall especially, it should:
- Provide warmth and comfort in cooler weather
- Match the formality of the setting (outdoor barn wedding vs. formal church ceremony)
- Fit the seasonal style with darker, richer colors
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Show respect without upstaging the bride and groom
Pick the wrong one — say, a summer straw in October — and you’ll stick out for the wrong reasons.
Best Cowboy Hat Options for a Fall Wedding
1. Felt Hats – The Classic Fall Choice
Felt is the go-to once Labor Day passes. Warm, timeless, and formal, a good felt hat pairs beautifully with a tailored Western suit or pressed jeans.
Recommended Gone Country Hat:
- Yellowstone Wool Cashmere – Our Yellowstone Silverbelly 5X cashmere wool hat comes with a traditional cattleman crown, perfect for evening weddings or church ceremonies. Sharp, classy, and built for special occasions. The Yellowstone is our best seller and comes in a long-oval crown shape, and is ready for any wedding event!
- You can find more details about the Yellowstone Silver Belly 5X wool cashmere hat here.
2. Wool & Cashmere Blends – Refined Elegance
For formal weddings or when you want to elevate your look, cashmere wool blends bring sophistication while holding their shape beautifully and stand up well to cooler fall nights.
Recommended Gone Country Hat:
- Big Sky Cashmere Series – Premium wool/cashmere hats, 5" crown, and 4 1/4" brim with a bull rider cut and open-brim look. Rich earth tones like black, chocolate, or silverbelly are ideal for fall weddings,
- You can view all 20 colors in the Big Sky series here.
3. Palm Leaf or Straw – Only for Warm-Weather Fall Weddings
Traditionally, straw season ends after Labor Day. But if the wedding’s in Texas or Arizona and temps are still pushing 90, a clean palm leaf or light straw can be acceptable — just make sure it looks sharp, not like your everyday work hat.
Recommended Gone Country Hat:
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Backroads Palm Leaf – Durable yet stylish, it’s a good option if you’re attending a hot-weather outdoor fall wedding.
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You can view Palm options here.
Fit, Color & Style Tips for Fall Weddings
- Go darker: Black, chocolate, and dark grey felt hats fit the season best. Silverbelly works great for formal settings.
- Choose a modest brim: A 4–4 ¼ inch brim looks classy without blocking views in photos.
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Keep it clean: Never show up in a sweat-stained ranch hat — weddings call for your best.
Cowboy Hat Etiquette at Weddings
Western weddings mix celebration with tradition, so hat etiquette matters:
- Remove your hat during the ceremony, prayers, and at the dinner table.
- Tip your hat when greeting elders or the bride’s parents.
- Keep decorations subtle — a tasteful hatband is fine, but leave rodeo feathers for another day.
Mistakes to Avoid:
Wearing a straw when the season (and weather) calls for felt.
Bringing your dirty work hat instead of a clean, formal one.
Oversized brims that block guests’ views or ruin group photos.
Outshining the groom with flashy hat bands or bold creases.
Final Thoughts: Dress for the Season, Respect the Tradition
A fall wedding is about more than looking good — it’s about showing respect for the couple and Western tradition. Choose a felt or cashmere blend in a season-appropriate color, or a palm leaf if you’re headed to a hot-weather venue. Keep your hat sharp, subtle, and respectful, and you’ll fit right in with the season’s style.
At Gone Country Hats, we’ve got wedding-ready options for every setting. Browse our Felt Hat Collection, check out the Big Sky Series, or explore our Palm Leaf Hats for warm-weather weddings. And if you’re unsure of fit, visit our Find Your Fit Page.
FAQ
Q: What color cowboy hat is best for a fall wedding?
Black, chocolate, or dark grey are best. Silverbelly works for formal settings.
Q: Can you wear straw to a fall wedding?
Traditionally no, but if the wedding’s in a hot climate, a clean palm leaf or straw may be acceptable.
Q: Should you remove your cowboy hat during the ceremony?
Yes — men should remove hats during the ceremony, prayers, or meals. Women generally do not need to remove theirs.