Christmas is the perfect time to get engaged for many couples, and for similar reasons, many more choose to say “I do” during winter too. The magic and romance of this colder season are undeniable, and winter weddings are truly beautiful as a result.
If you’ve been invited to attend a winter wedding this season, the go-to wedding guest outfit you relied upon for spring and summer just won’t cut it. As well as keeping out the chill, your winter wedding outfit has to be stylishly cool, so how can you achieve just that in time for that all-important winter wedding date?
Read on to discover the golden rules of dressing well for an upcoming winter wedding.
Do take note of the dress code
As with any wedding, taking note of the dress code that the happy couple has set is rule number one for any considerate wedding guest.
Whether you’re attending just for the reception or have the opportunity to spend the entire day celebrating their nuptials, you must abide by the dress code – the bride and groom’s wedding depends on it!
Thankfully, whatever the specified dress code, there are many stunning formal and casual winter wedding looks to choose from.
Don’t be tempted to fade into the background
As the season of sparkle, you don’t have to settle for a boring, forgettable winter wedding outfit, even as a guest, or risk upstaging the bride either!
We’ll let WeddingWire explain more about how to use the festive season (and a few well-chosen accessories) to your advantage:
“Winter provides a really underrated opportunity to sport some killer statement pieces, allowing you to play with long sleeves, length, materials, and bold metallic colours… There are numerous ways to inject some fun and character into a formal look without sacrificing the respectful presentation to the ceremony.”
Metallics are made for winter weddings. They’re great complements to the deeper, richer colours that are synonymous with the season – such as burgundy, navy, forest green and black – as well as a statement, glamourous look all on their own when used to embellish a maxi or co*cktail dress.
Do opt for a long-sleeved look
Whilst the bride and groom will have prepared a few cosy touches to keep wedding guests warm throughout their ceremony and reception, it won’t hurt to don a long-sleeved look for extra comfort.
A long-sleeved dress or jumpsuit is certain to keep the chills at bay, especially if you’re attending all day. Your choice of fabric can also make a huge difference to those comfort levels.
Choose thicker, natural fabrics (like wool and velvet) to ensure a breathable, cosy layer that protects you from the harsh winter weather. For male guests, selecting a suit in wool, velvet or tweed is a great choice, and it’ll look super stylish too.
If you have your heart set on a short-sleeved number – slip dresses are big news this season – accessorise with a chic cover-up. A shawl, cape or faux fur jacket is an ideal alternative to a bulkier coat.
Don’t go open toe with your footwear
Those strappy, open toe heels may not be the best choice for a winter wedding so explore your options.
Pointed, rounded and closed-toe footwear or some stylish boots will be your best bet. Whatever you choose, make sure they’re comfortable, walking in heels in the snow can be a real challenge!
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FAQs
Choose thicker, natural fabrics (like wool and velvet) to ensure a breathable, cosy layer that protects you from the harsh winter weather.
What to wear to a winter wedding as a guest? ›
When it comes to style for a winter wedding, you'll often see dark colors or jewel tones, crushed velvet dresses, and even some long-sleeve gowns.
What are the colors for winter wedding guests? ›
Follow a deep, rich color palette.
Black and navy appropriate for winter weddings, but so are jewel tones, such as sapphire, ruby, garnet, emerald, citrine, or amethyst. Metallic tones such as gold, silver, and bronze, also work well for winter weddings.
Can I wear open-toed shoes to a winter wedding? ›
You could certainly wear a closed-toe shoe, if you prefer; that Jute Glam is gorgeous! But I have no problem with open toe shoes in the winter for a formal event. Just make sure to get a pedicure! In the winter, some type of wrap is essential.
Can you wear a short dress to a formal winter wedding? ›
Since a winter wedding is in the winter when it's, well, cold out, you may want to choose a long sleeve dress. You could go short (I love this one and it's on sale) or a full length gown too. A midi length is also great.
Can you wear black to a winter wedding as a guest? ›
"I have beautiful brides wearing black wedding dresses," said Anastasia Stevenson, a destination wedding planner with Coastal Creative Weddings in Tybee Island, GA. "It is perfectly acceptable and chic to wear black to evening, black tie, and winter weddings."
Can you wear an spaghetti strap dress to a winter wedding? ›
A spaghetti-strap dress can be a stunning choice for winter events. If you're looking for winter wedding guest outfit ideasOpens a new window, here's how to make it work: Formal Events: Choose a co*cktail dress or slip dress in a heavier fabric like velvet or a detailed brocade, adding an air of winter elegance.
Can I have bare legs at a winter wedding? ›
It gives your outfit the smart factor, adds elegance AND keeps you warm. I really feel the cold and simply cannot endure cold legs and feet for hours, so when it comes to winter weddings I would always try and have my legs covered.
Can you wear a sleeveless dress to a winter wedding? ›
And when it comes to length, more fabric, like a long-sleeve wedding guest dress, may help you stay warm but don't count out sleeveless outfits altogether. If you love to spend time on the dance floor or mingling with other guests, you might be more comfortable in a short-sleeve or sleeveless silhouette.
Can you wear light blue to a winter wedding in winter? ›
Typically, the perfect colours for a wedding at this time of year are more toned down and darker compared to summer, using tones such as red, green, gold, black, blue, purple and berry. Purple – a Royal colour associated with Advent which makes it a perfect colour for a Winter wedding.
Closed-toe heels
No one should get cold feet on a wedding day, so keep your toes toasty in a closed-toe heel. Try a simple silhouette and a mid-height heel that'll take you from day to night, or go for a slingback style with a pointed toe for added elegance.
What do guests wear instead of heels at a wedding? ›
If you want to stop traffic while not wearing heels, wear flats or sandals that add a little va-va-voom to your look. Adorn your feet with metallic, bejeweled, lace-up, or shimmery shoe styles.
What shoes should you not wear to a wedding? ›
Avoid Shoes That:
- Have more than 1.5″ of height (I would avoid heels and wedges all together, unless you only wear them for the ceremony)
- Pinch (are too tight) or shift (are too loose) as these will increase your risk of getting blisters.
Jewel tones (ruby red, yellow topaz, sapphire blue, or emerald green) or cool tones (pink, red, blue/blue undertones) are always great choice colors for the winter months. The colors make it great to wear to a winter wedding.
What to wear to a wedding if it's cold? ›
Winter weddings are likely to take place indoors, so you'll want to choose an outfit that's just warm enough once you take off your coat. A dress with sleeves, a maxi dress, or even a fancy jumpsuit are great ways to dress for the occasion. Take advantage of fabrics that look stylish while keeping you warm.
How to style for a winter wedding? ›
An easy way to style a winter wedding as a guest is to opt for a style with longer sleeves. This will help to add an extra layer of warmth, without compromising on style. Our gorgeous Louise Dress is the perfect long sleeve winter wedding guest dress.
Can I wear boots to a winter wedding? ›
Megan reveals: “Although they may feel less formal than a strappy heel or court shoe, boots are a great footwear alternative for a winter wedding. They'll elongate your legs the same way dressy heels do— just without the discomfort. Make sure you choose a style dressy enough for the wedding."
What to wear to a wedding as a guest female? ›
Women wedding guests should wear a full-length dress, be it a ballgown, a sheath or an A-line style. High heels are strongly recommended. Feel free to accessorize with opulent jewelry and even elbow-length white silk gloves.
Can you wear a floral dress to a winter wedding? ›
Winter Florals
More muted floral designs are often overlooked when choosing what to wear to a winter wedding, but they make for a much more exciting look than the standard little black dress.
Do I have to wear a dress to a wedding as a guest? ›
Men should definitely wear slacks and a dress shirt but they can choose if they'd like to wear a tie and sport jacket or not. Women should wear a nice dress, skirt, or pants.
