What to wear to a Winter Wedding / Christmas Wedding

• The Hatista
• Outfits Post
• Nov 15th 2018 / Revised: July 1st 2020

Spring and summer might be the most popular seasons to tie the knot, but more and more are now choosing the winter months. Winter has its own charm and romance making it a magical time for weddings. There's no setting more romantic than a blanket of snow, and dare I say mistletoe. If you're attending a winter wedding, the number of colour combinations are more than you thought. Don’t be restricted to dark neutrals and simple shapes. Flatter the bride and groom, showing them you’ve been creative with your efforts for their big day. Experiment with new shapes and wintry colours. All jewel colours work well in winter, or the colours of fallen leaves. If you are attending a Winter wedding and are the important Mother of the Bride then you should also read my Winter Wedding Mother of the Bride page, where I cover special dresses for you, and tips on finding the correct dress for the venue, time of year, and your body shape.

Here are my suggestions for your outfits that won’t have you upstaging the bride, but ensure you’re creative enough to apply for candidate of the best dressed wedding guest. Having helped Mothers of the Bride, and wedding guests for over 10 years, these are some ideas I've styled them with.

This post includes affiliate links - suggestions of items I've hunted out on the Internet for you. If you see anything you like, click the links and decide to buy the suggestion, then the retailer will give me a little commission (maybe even enough to buy a latte) to thank me.

Peacock Designs - Alternative to Florals

We all want to look pretty regardless of the weather and season, but pastel tones and florals that are so easy to dress up in for summer, just don't feel so in season for winter. Feathers have been all over the catwalks for Autumn Winter 2019/20, and Peacocks are always popular for Winter Weddings. Pair with other wintry hues. Choose simple lines for your dress or jumpsuit and accessorise with all the great Peacock accessories available. For a really regal vintage feel, I've dressed the below outfit with a Faux Fur stole that's also on trend for this season and compliments peacock accessories perfectly.

Mixed Textured Outfits

Winter Fashion collections offer a much wider range of fabrics to choose from than summer, so take advantage of the Lace, Wool, Felt, Faux Fur, Velvet, Jacquard and mixed textured options available to you.

I've chosen a stunning Knitted Polo Neck dress, with a long flowing tulle lower for the outfit below, a fun felt hat, and mixed in some Winter gold in the accessories. This outfit is divine for a Winter Wedding Mother of the Bride, or Winter Wedding Guest outfit.

I haven't illustrated with the outfit, but the next "layer" would be a Faux Fur waist or cropped length jacket. Lot's of stores are ranging these at the moment, and would be a great finishing layer to the outfit if you know it's going to be cold, or lot's of time spent outside. My favourite would be the Black Faux Fur with Sequins trim by: Twin-Set (Click to view)

Sparkle and Shine - Winter Daywear Sequins

Once strictly reserved for evening attire, sequins (especially the midi length skirt) have become a viable daytime option, too.

Sequins are synonymous with winter, Christmas and New Years Eve parties and there’s no reason why weddings through the winter season shouldn't enjoy them too. If attending a Mid Winter wedding, then there is every probability that a hefty part of the wedding reception will be after dark hours. Choose one piece (either blazer, top, skirt, or a half embellished jumpsuit) in Sequins for a day to night outfit.

Selecting a daytime hue for your sequin piece, like burgundy, or deep green would be the best way to make sure the outfit is day to night, rather than silver and gold that could see you outshine the bride. Keep the shoes, headpiece and bag simple – they’re just playing a supporting role here.

Pink for Winter Weddings / Mother of the Bride or Racing

Think pink is only for Summer? Can't bear to wait 6 months before wearing your favourite colour again? There are Pink Outfits that are just as suitable for Winter Weddings too.

Soft Pinks, Dusty Pink and Blush Pink. The nude pinks pair fabulous with popular winter hues like Deep Grey, Navy, or Burgundy.

Winter Wedding Maxi Pleats

Pleated Dresses and Skirts have never been as on trend as they are right now. Every stylist and blogger has been posting them all over their Instagram feeds for several months. Winter Weddings are the perfect time to display your Maxi Pleats dresses, and with the Metallics trend also on point for the season, this Pleated Skirt in Gold Ombre below couldn't be more perfect.

Burnt Orange with Teal (add Gold if wish, for more Romance)

There is an Orange for every season. For Autumn through Early Winter Orange is a favourite paired with Teal. With Teal at the helm you're in Winter colours, while the orange gives a warm feel and is true the orange tones of fallen leaves. Full of prep and spontaneity, these colours are the perfect mix of cool and warm.

This combo has depth and demonstrates a playful flair.

Luxury Velvet Winter Trend

There’s no denying that any deep jewel-toned dress looks stunning at a winter wedding, and nothing says formal winter wear like lush velvet in these rich jewel tones. Colour block the tones to add dimensions. Pair your dress with a metallic headpiece clutch and shoes. Favourites include Navy or Port and Silver, Teal with Burnt Orange, and Burgundy with Gold. These palettes are perfect colour combinations for a sophisticated winter wedding outfit. A velvet dress, blazer, coat or even just a bag are ideal for Christmas Weddings with a Festive feel, and can be used a second time for your Christmas work party.

Floral Jacquard - Perfect for Mother of the Bride Winter Weddings

Jacquard is the perfect texture fabric for a Winter Mother of the Bride, and can incorporate mixed textures like silk dupion, crepe and Velvet in the Floral patterns. It also pairs well with mixed texture top layers - Faux fur throws, cashmere wraps, and wool or crepe jackets.

Luxury Jewel Tones for Christmas Weddings

Nothing says Christmas wedding more than Burgundy, Deep Greens and Golds.

Colour Pop Yellow Winter Weddings & Race Meetings

You don’t have to go Black, Brown or Grey for Winter Weddings. Neither am I suggesting you wear super bright sunshine or lemon yellow, but Mustard and Saffron hues are divine in winter, worn to add a winter colour pop to Neutrals. These jewel-toned yellows are a richer winter shade and will bring contrast to your paler winter skin. Definitely avoid pale or pastel yellows in winter.

For maximum creativity, these winter yellows will also work with Deep Green, or Burgundy, but most often will be seen with Neutrals - Camel, Brown, Toffee, Navy or Grey. Avoid doing a Black Suit / Jumpsuit and Yellow accessories as that looks totally "Bumble Bee", but any of the other neutrals will make a stunning outfit for fall or winter weddings.

Some Other Fabulous Winter Dresses and Skirts for Formal Wear:

Below is a Gallery of other ideas for dressing the part for a Winter Wedding. Click images to be taken straight to retailers: