Cowboy Hat Etiquette
The popularity of wearing cowboy hats may be dwindling north of the Mason Dixon, but out at La Escondida, we still see young and old alike dawning their traditional hats at outdoor Texas weddings. Here are some simple rules to follow if you’re new to Western life.
Photo Credit: Michael Alfaro Photo & Films
Don't Touch It
First, if the hat is not yours, don’t touch it. If you’ve ever bought your own hat, you know how expensive it can be. With the effort it takes to keep them clean, as well as keeping a particular shape, which often warrants a trip to the nearest hat store, touching and playing with others hats can be a serious offense. If you ask and are given permission to handle a hat, don’t pick it up by the brim. Pick up the hat gently by the crown to eliminate any risk of damaging the shaping of the brim.
To Remove or to Tip?!
If you’re the one wearing the cowboy hat, or any hat, remember to remove it when entering a place of worship, somebody's home, during the National Anthem, passing of the Flag, any wedding locations in San Antonio, and while eating anywhere fancier than a McDonalds (that includes Whataburger... for now). You’ll also want to tip your hat to any women you see. Tipping the hat can be tricky, tip your hat to nonchalantly and it may be considered rude, tip your hat to flagrantly and you’ll be outed at a cowboy hat newbie. When in doubt, gently pick your hat a couple of inches off your head while maintaining eye contact with whomever you’re tipping your hat to.
Where to Put It
Similar to the bad luck of an upside-down horseshoe, never show the inside of your hat when removing it. During a beautiful outdoor Texas hill country wedding, make sure to take your hat off during the ceremony and while eating dinner. Once your hat is off, lay it on your lap or balance on the ear of your chair. Never put your hat down on the table, bar, or anywhere food or drinks may be served.
Dancing
The rules for dancing with or without a hat are hazy. Some folks prefer to dance without a hat at risk of it getting bumped and falling to the floor (if this happens frequently, it may be the wrong size) and some prefer to dance with it on because let’s face it, it looks cool. If your cowgirl is also wearing a hat, dancing can get tricky, but a skilled cowboy casanova will be able to twirl around the hat and make you both shine.
Photo Credit: Michael Alfaro Photo & Films