Winter Wedding Guest Dresses

Reading a Winter Wedding Invitation

Winter weddings are often held in the evening and indoors, which tends to make them a little more formal. Check the invitation for the dress code and the time. An evening ceremony with a sit-down dinner usually calls for a floor-length gown or an elegant cocktail dress. An afternoon ceremony with a lighter reception suits a midi dress with sleeves. A holiday-season wedding may lean festive, which makes metallic accents and velvet especially fitting.

Colors for Winter Weddings

Deeper shades feel natural in winter: emerald, forest green, burgundy, wine, plum, sapphire, navy and deep teal. Metallics such as gold, champagne and silver suit festive and New Year weddings. Black is usually acceptable at evening winter weddings, especially black tie, but check if the couple has asked guests to avoid it. Whatever the season, avoid white, ivory and winter-white shades that could compete with the bride.

Fabrics That Feel Right

Velvet is the most seasonal choice, rich in color and warm to wear. Satin has a soft sheen for evening. Crepe gives a clean, tailored line and suits both day and evening. Lace with a lining works year-round, especially as sleeves. Sequins and beading add festive sparkle for evening receptions. Lighter chiffon is fine for heated venues if you bring a layer.

Staying Warm Without Losing the Look

A sleeved dress is the simplest answer, and long lace, velvet or sheer sleeves still look dressy. If you prefer sleeveless or strapless, plan your layer as carefully as the dress: a tailored wool coat, a faux-fur stole, a velvet wrap or a cropped jacket. Choose a coat that covers the hem of a midi dress, or a full-length coat for a gown. For outdoor photos, a coordinated wrap looks far better in pictures than a bulky everyday jacket. For more coverage ideas, see wedding guest dresses with sleeves.

Tights, Shoes and Practical Details

Sheer tights in a skin tone or black are perfectly acceptable at winter weddings and make knee-length and midi dresses far more comfortable. Choose closed-toe heels, ankle-strap pumps or elegant ankle boots with shorter dresses. If there is snow or ice, wear boots to the venue and change into your heels inside. A small bag that can hold a lip color, tissues and a folded pair of flats is useful for a long evening.

Length and Silhouette

Floor length suits black-tie and formal evening weddings and keeps the legs warm. Midi and tea length suit afternoon and semi-formal winter weddings, especially with tights and boots. Knee length works for cocktail dress codes and festive parties. A-line, wrap and sheath silhouettes are all comfortable for a long sit-down dinner.

Dress or Jumpsuit?

A tailored jumpsuit or trouser suit in velvet, satin or crepe is a warm and stylish alternative to a dress, and it is fully appropriate at most winter weddings. Pair it with heels and statement earrings to keep it dressy. Browse guest pant suits for ideas.

Accessories for the Season

Gold and crystal jewelry catch the warm lighting of winter receptions. A velvet or metallic clutch suits the season. Gloves can be elegant for arriving and leaving, but remove them for the meal. Keep perfume and hair products in your bag, since heated rooms and cold air can both affect hair and makeup over a long night.

Destination Winter Weddings

If the wedding is somewhere warm in winter, follow the climate rather than the calendar: lighter fabrics and brighter colors, with a light layer for the evening. For ski-resort or mountain weddings, plan for snow, choose warm layers and check how far you will walk outdoors between the ceremony and the reception.

Hair and Makeup for a Winter Wedding

Cold air outside and heated rooms inside can be hard on both hair and makeup. A setting spray and a long-wear lip color help everything last through the ceremony, dinner and dancing. Deeper lip shades such as berry, wine and classic red suit winter colors well. For hair, a low bun or a sleek updo stays neat under a coat collar and a hat, while loose waves can be refreshed with a small travel brush. If you will be outdoors for photos, a warm wrap and a plan to stay inside until the photographer is ready keep you looking polished.