There's something enchanting about a winter wedding. Snow or frost transforms the setting into a shimmering wonderland, the darker nights call for romantic candle-lit walkways. Inside, roaring fires and festive feasts, mulled wine and seasonal desserts all make for a magical occasion.
Outfits for such a special occasion can be really exciting too. Think velvets, rich silk brocades, textured tweeds and delicious layering. For more inspiration we have put together some suggestions to help you achieve a chic, elegant, on-trend and festive winter wedding look to carry you through the event from church to dancing – seamlessly and with effortless style.
What can I wear to a winter wedding?
Winter weddings call for rich colours and opulent fabrics. Velvet, silk, and satin are excellent choices and each of these work in both dresses and coats. Jacquards and plains can pair with checks and damask brocades giving you the perfect look for the ceremony. Take off the coat for the evening festivities and transform into your party look. Choose midi lengths, puffed sleeves, cinched waists and flowing skirts – coats finished with cord frogging, stand collars and turn-back cuffs - all accentuating the richness of the fabrics and the importance of the occasion.
With regard to colours, deep jewel tones - emerald green and ruby, sparling midnight blue and charcoal grey will look good against winter backdrops – but so also will soft colours tinged with frost such as ice blue and pink with just a hint of silver.
Whichever outfit you choose, pair with luxury jewellery to complete the look. It’s the time for heirloom pieces to come out and shine if you have them, but don’t worry if you don’t – freshwater pearls and vintage jewellery can complement the look perfectly.
Formal winter wedding guest outfits
One thing that is easier about dressing for formal winter wedding than on in the spring or summer, is that it is dark so early that you can feel quite comfortable in an evening look, even for a mid-afternoon ceremony.
Layering is essential, unless the event is all to be held inside, in one location and a good coat is definitely a must for a chilly church. Maxi or mid lengths will look elegant and keep you warm and also cover a longer length dress.
For the evening, fashionable midi length dresses work very well and look good in luxurious fabrics, we feature our favourites below:
Velvet Midi Dress in Starlight printed French Navy
This is the ultimate party dress and just perfect for winter weddings and Christmas. Sprinkled with sparkling silver, the rich navy velvet fabric resembles the night sky and enables you to shimmer, ever so slightly, with every step. The puffed sleeves, cinched waist and flared skirt make the Sophie dress supremely flattering. All that is needed to compete the look is perhaps a silver Fonteyn clutch, and diamante and pearl earrings.
Ballerina Length Silk Jacquard Dress in Shell Pink and Silver
Icy colours are often popular for winter weddings and the silk jacquard Sophie dress in soft blue or pink with a fine sliver tracery is a really beautiful option. With its subtle shimmer and elegant lines, the high back neck is particularly flattering and the full sleeves finishing with pearl buttons at the cuffs, are divine.
Try it with a pearl choker to echo the renewed interest in Lady Di. and earrings to match.
Casual winter wedding guest outfits
Dressing for a more casual wedding can be complicated. You want to look effortlessly chic, but you don’t want to look as if you haven’t bothered. Trouser suits are a good option, perhaps in velvet for an evening event or for daytime ceremonies, colourful tweeds can work wonderfully.
Fuchsia Tweed Coat with Floating Back Panel
This French tweed dress-coat in fuchsia will keep out the chill whilst at the church or waiting outside for photographs. With intricate detailing and featuring a floating back panel, this striking coat looks as good from the back as the font. Formal enough for any smart wedding, for a more casual event, try pairing it with some narrow trousers to dress it down. The tweed is just gorgeous, with shades of fuchsia and mocha, creating a rich and vibrant texture.
Putty faille trouser suit
Simple and supremely elegant, this subtle shade of stony-beige in a perfectly cut single breasted Inez jacket, with matching wide Portia trousers, makes a wonderful outfit for a more casual wedding. Accessorise with high-heeled court shoes and a Fonteyn Clutch and you are dressed!
Winter wedding dresses for the mother of the bride or groom
Of course, if your daughter or son is getting married, you want to look and feel special. Choosing your outfit can be difficult so it is important to find something that reflects your style and who you are. There may be a colour theme for the wedding which takes you out of your comfort zone, but there will probably be a shade that fits with the theme that will also suit you perfectly. We have featured a couple of options below but to really help you decide what will suit you best, come and spend some time with us and try on all the different shapes and colours.
Emerald and Teal Silk Peplum Dress with Fluted Cuffs
Mothers of the bride and groom will look the epitome of elegance in this luminescent silk dress in emerald trimmed with teal. The contrast trimmed peplum and accent belt accentuate the waist and the beautiful, fluted cuffs add a dramatic note.
Pair the dress with the co-ordinating Vanessa dress-coat in the same silk but overlaid with a mohair check in teal. Finished with cord edging and our trademark, handmade cord frogging fastening, the coat and dress together make a luxurious winter outfit.
Dogtooth Check Dress with Floating Bodice
For a smart but not too formal wedding, the Rolanda check dress is a fun and different look for a mother of the bride or groom Dogtooth is always eye-catching, and this chic, smart dress has the extra appeal of overlaid flocked dots on the on the floating bodice. Finishing just below the knee and with 3/4 length sleeves, this makes an on-trend stylish option and one you will be able to wear again in the future.
If you need a coat to keep you warm outside, try the maxi length Cortina Toscana trimmed shearling for a really sumptuous look. Accessorise perhaps with a contrasting Fonteyn handbag – red ‘croc’ print would look fantastic!
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Lalage's creations combine classical elegance with distinctive detailing for a look that embodies sophistication and style. Our pieces are beautiful, original and chic but also understated, allowing garments to transcend the flightiness of high fashion.
No matter what the event, you’ll find whatever you need to help you feel confident, and beautifully dressed in our stunning collection of occasion wear. Browse the full range online or visit our Knightsbridge boutique to try out each style in person.