What to wear to a winter wedding (2024)

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Getting married in the off-season doesn't mean you have to sacrifice style for warmth. Take a look at our wedding boutique for a dress that will sweep your partner off their feet.

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Here are a few style points to look out for when choosing your winter wedding dress:

• Covering up your shoulders and arms will make a big difference. Bare arms may look good going down the aisle, but goosebumps are less flattering.
• A heavier fabric will keep you much warmer. If you want to wear lace, you can change the chiffon fabric underneath to a more luxurious satin.
• Skip the short skirts and go for a full length dress will a longer train to keep the shivers at bay.

You want your bridesmaids' dresses to keep your team snug and satisfied throughout the celebrations. An increasingly popular way to ensure happy bridesmaids is to give your girls a theme colour and ask them to choose their own outfit. This method removes the problem of trying to find a dress which is comfortable and flattering for everyone. It also results in a charmingly mismatched bridal party who'll look smashing in photos.

If you want to have a matching party, a style stalwart which is just as effective in winter as in summer is the maxi dress. Choosing maxis for your winter bridesmaid dresses will keep everyone warm in a design which is flattering to most figures. It's a smart look appropriate for the ceremony which will also allow your ladies to loosen up on the dance floor as the night time activities heat up.

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Has an invitation to a winter wedding landed on your doormat? You could just layer up your usual summer dress with a statement coat or jacket, but why do that when you've been given an opportunity to shop for sensational seasonal attire? Here are a few suggestions for what to wear to a winter wedding to make it a night to remember.

Try the trouser look

Summer is all about dresses, but in winter you can take a new direction with warmer outfit options like jumpsuits with long sleeves and legs. Opt for a suit if you want to go super smart. The trousers and blazer will keep you warmer than a dress or skirt and will allow you to accessorise with a contrasting blouse underneath. Avoid the city slicker look by picking fabrics in rich, wintery tones like berry reds, deep greens and bright blues. Depending on the trouser shape you can wear flats or heels – flat shoes are best with cropped trousers and high heels do well with flares.

Adding a woman's cape over the top of your outfit is a distinctive way to stay toasty as you move from the church to the reception. Pea coatsor trench coats are other chic options which will work both outdoors and indoors – handy if you're going to be standing in a draughty church.

Stay warm from top to toe

It's not just the bride or groom who can get cold feet on the wedding day. Luckily, there are loads of fashionable options for keeping your toes warm. If you plan on donning a longer dress or full trousers, take the opportunity to wear a pair of smart block-heeled calf boots. Wearing a shorter number? Knee-high boots really come into their own during the winter. Pair with a smart skirt for a head-turning look.

Wear velvet

In the build up to Christmas, velvet is the perfect winter warmer. It looks luxurious, will keep you warm and bring festive spirit to the day. A velvet dress will look extra glamorous, or you can simply accessorise with a handbag, a blazer or a coat in the same material.

Be bold

Make a change from the light florals that you've been wearing with bold patterns and colours. Choose darker tones and indulgent fabrics. Make more of a statement with your makeup, moving on from the peachy, natural tones that dominate summer. Try something more gothic, with smokey eyeshadows or moody lipstick.