wedding attire - Ireland

[VivianYorke]

I will be travelling to Ireland (from Canada) for my first time this June to attend a wedding. My husband's son is marrying an Irish girl, and the wedding is to be in Killiney (outside of Dublin). The reception is in a castle. It's their first marriage, bridesmaids, ushers, etc.

MY question is, will I be "expected" to wear a hat with my outfit while attending the wedding? It is definitely NOT customary here, in Canada, but I have heard that it is in the British Isles. I wonder if it's still the case. Even though I'm the wife of the father of the groom, we're a bit peripheral -- the groom's mother will also be in attendance, and she figured more prominantly in his upbringing.

My PROBLEM, is that hats are not my thing -- unless it's a Tilley hat! Hubby & I are "outdoors" people, and we prefer to travel with just "carry-on" baggage - so space will be at a premium.

Thanks very much, in advance.
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Cheers!
Vivian Yorke
Kingston, Ontario, Canada
email: vivianyorke@yahoo.ca

[stillwaters]

If I was you Vivian, I would go to the wedding in what you feel comfortable in, if anybody has a problem with that, let them keep their problem, you just enjoy yourself.

Hope everything goes well, and that you have a good time. GOOD LUCK

stillwaters

[scotlandforvisitors]

with the other poster to the question. Unless you are close family feel free to wear whatever is smart (but comfortable). Have been at many weddings with my wife who has gone "hatless"
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http://www.scotlandforvisitors.com/

[celticlegend]

If you don't like hats, Vivian, don't wear them. I've been to two weddings in ireland, the most recent last year and I would say 50% of ladies wore hats and 50% not. Probably the younger ones were least likely to have hats, but it really is totally a personal choice. There is no strong etiquette either way. Just go and enjoy the wonderful country andthe welcoming people.

Willie