What to wear to a winter wedding

Rich, warm fabrics such as velvet, wool and crepe in deep colours, and a coat that looks smart over the top. Plan for cold between the car and the door, and keep to the dress code.

Dress code 6 · Cocktail
Winter. November to March. Ceremonies are often indoors, but the walk, photos and parking can be icy.

Three outfits that work

Women’s

Velvet midi dress, wool coat, heeled boots

  • forest green velvet midi dress
  • grey wool coat
  • black heeled boots
  • black clutch

Velvet is festive and warm, and a good coat means you are not hiding the dress or shivering in the photos.

Men’s

Wool suit, overcoat

  • charcoal wool suit jacket
  • charcoal suit trousers
  • white shirt
  • navy overcoat
  • dark brown leather shoes

A wool suit stays smart in cold rooms, and an overcoat keeps it pressed on the walk.

Modest

Long-sleeved dress, wrap, wool coat

  • burgundy long-sleeved dress
  • champagne wrap
  • navy wool coat
  • black ankle boots

Long sleeves and a wrap cover you in a cold church and keep the party outfit intact.

By weather

Hot22° and up Heated halls can be hot: choose a dress or suit you can wear without the coat.
Mild10° to 21° A midweight coat over the outfit, closed shoes, and a scarf you can take off.
ColdBelow 10° Wool tights or a thermal layer, gloves, and boots with grip for icy paths.

Do and don’t

Do
  • Choose deep colours: green, burgundy, navy, plum
  • Wear a coat that looks good over the outfit
  • Check the dress code and venue heating
  • Pack a spare pair of shoes if the path is snowy
  • Use the cloakroom for the coat
Don’t
  • Wear white, cream or anything bridal
  • Rely on a thin shawl for the walk outside
  • Pick shoes with a slippery sole
  • Wear a heavy outfit that is too warm indoors

Check the night before

  • Check the forecast and the path to the venue
  • Try the coat over the outfit
  • Lay out tights, gloves and a scarf
  • Wipe your boots and pack a cloth
  • Pack the gift, card and a spare layer

Questions people ask

Can I wear a short dress in winter?

Yes, with warm tights and a good coat, though midi and longer lengths look more at home in a cold church.

What colours suit a winter wedding?

Deep green, burgundy, navy, plum and charcoal. Soft metallic or velvet adds a festive touch.

Do I wear my coat during the ceremony?

Usually you leave it in the cloakroom or on the pew. Check how warm the room is.

Is velvet too much?

It is a classic for winter evenings; for a daytime civil ceremony choose a simpler fabric.

FeinLens

Pick Winter wedding in FeinLens and see what you already own

FeinLens builds complete outfits for this occasion from photos of your own clothes, dressed for the forecast where you’ll be.

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