Winter weddings are steadily getting more popular, thanks to ceremonies having less competition for venues and guests' RSVPs; it's easy to see why. But when most weddings are planned for spring, early autumn or the peak of summer, it's difficult for guests to know what to wear to a winter wedding. There are so many things to think about, such as the venue, formality and staying warm throughout the day, that you're not alone in finding a winter wedding dress code hard.
Things to consider
The weather and the level of formality are two of the most important things to consider at any wedding, but especially when it's in winter. Once you have the answer to both of these questions, your hunt for the perfect winter wedding guest dress will already be a little easier.
Weather
We can't control the weather (sadly), so for these weddings, it's safe to assume the weather might take a turn for the worse, and it's going to be chilly.
Hopefully, this means most of the day will be inside and undercover (especially for a winter wedding in the UK), so you'll have a chance to warm up. If you're celebrating in a colder climate, dressing for warmth is important, but this doesn't mean you need to stay wrapped up all day. Layering is a perfect option for outdoor to indoor celebrations. A warm wool coat will keep you cosy outdoors and between venues, and a light shawl or cardigan is a fab choice once you head inside.
Formality
Everyone wants different levels of formality at their wedding, so you'll need to know the dress code when dressing for a wedding.
If it's not mentioned, you can normally get an impression of how formal the wedding will be from the venue and the invitation. If the venue is a grand manor house in the countryside, you're probably looking at a formal wedding. This means maxi-length dresses, evening looks and black-tie outfits. If the venue is a more laid-back place, like a rustic barn or quaint country house, informal is the way to go. A floral midi dress with tights for added warmth is a great option.
What to wear to a formal winter wedding
Headed to a formal winter wedding this year? A maxi or evening dress with sleeves is a fab choice. With endless options of floaty chiffons, blouson-sleeve bodycons and flattering wrap dresses, finding your winter wedding guest dress might be easier than you think.
Long sleeve chiffon
Although mostly considered a fabric for warmer climates, chiffon is the perfect formal wedding dress material. Our Jagger Maxi Dress in Navy is a simple yet sophisticated style that can be worn year after year. The long chiffon sleeves create a sheer look whilst keeping you covered, and the navy hue is ideal for winter celebrations.
Fun prints aren't just for summer
Bold statement prints aren't just for summer. With endless versatile prints that can be worn from season to season, why not inject a bit of fun into your formal looks. This polka dot print midi dress ticks all the boxes. The ¾-length sleeves and chiffon-style fabric elevate your outfit, and the bold will make you stand out from the crowd.
Jagger Maxi Dress in Silhouette Dark Blue
Formal bodycons
If layering is your thing, then a bodycon cut to a trending midaxi length, paired with long sleeves, is the perfect choice for winter wedding guests. The long sleeves and midaxi length keep you warm whilst looking good, and the form-fitting style makes it easy to layer on a chic shawl if it gets cold.
Goldie Midaxi Dress in Bright Blue Palm
What to wear to a casual winter wedding
Whether you're invited to the full day or just the party at the reception, there's no reason that your casual wedding guest outfit needs to be boring. Mixing prints, cuts, and classic silhouettes keep your look wedding-friendly without being too formal.
Mixing prints
Winter weddings don't always mean darker tones and hues when it comes to your wedding guest outfit. Although a fun print can still be formal, having a mix of prints on your dress adds a more casual edge to what could be a formal dress.
Jagger Maxi Dress in Print Mix
Short sleeves and maxi length
Short sleeves and winter don't usually go together when deciding what to wear to a winter wedding. But, with most winter weddings hosting their big day indoors, a short sleeve maxi dress is a lovely option, as it has enough coverage to keep you cosy, but the floaty material is cool enough that you can dance the night away without getting too hot.
Cayenne Dress in Small Green Leopard
What to wear to keep warm at a winter wedding
One of the easiest ways to keep warm during a winter wedding is to layer up. Tights are one of the simplest ways to add an extra layer to your outfit with something you probably already have in your wardrobe. Then, layering a shawl or cardigan over your shoulders will keep you cosy from sitting down during the ceremony to dinner and during all those speeches. If you're going outside at any point, a big coat is ideal, especially for a formal wedding.
Looking for inspiration for other wedding seasons?
What can I wear to an autumn wedding?