What to Wear as a Winter Wedding Guest | Eagles Mere Inn (2024)

Winter weddings are held during a magical, yet chilly, time of year. If you’re not sure how to dress for the upcoming winter wedding that you’re attending, here’s the who, what, where, why and how for winter wedding attire:

What to Wear as a Winter Wedding Guest | Eagles Mere Inn (1)

Where is the wedding?

First, you’ll want to consider the location of the wedding when you’re deciding what to wear. After all, a winter wedding in Florida is going to have a very different dress code than a winter wedding in Pennsylvania. Consider the location of the wedding and the average weather during that time of year. It will help you decide whether or not to go for a long or short dress, heavy or light fabric, long sleeves or no sleeves, closed toe or opened toe shoe, etc.

How does the winter color palette look on me?

If you’re not sure what color to wear to the winter wedding, you can get inspiration from the winter color palette. Darker tones like magentas, deep greens and navy are very popular for winter weddings. As are purples (both light and dark) and various reds. Gold, silver and lots of sparkles are likely to make an appearance in the winter wedding color scheme and could be great options for your wedding attire. However, you may want to avoid what color inspiration you can gather from the wedding invitations. These colors may be reserved for the maid of honor, bridesmaids and mother of the bride and should not to be worn by those not in the wedding party. If none of the colors on the winter color palette fancy your interests, black is always a neutral color that looks good on everyone.

What to Wear as a Winter Wedding Guest | Eagles Mere Inn (2)

Why not wear layers?

The best part about winter weddings is that they’re typically hosted indoors. So, if you’re unable to find a new dress in stores or online that perfectly fits your vision of what a winter wedding guest should be wearing, check your closet! You may already have the perfect outfit that just needs the right winter shawl or jacket to go over it so you’re warm when traveling from the car to the venue.

What kind of a wedding guest am I?

What do you prefer to do when you go to weddings? After the ceremony, do you grab your drink, sit at your table and chat with the ones your seated with? Or do you immediately hit the dance floor and celebrate the happy couple all night long? The kind of guest you are should help to determine what you’re going to wear to the wedding as well. Long, tight sleeves or bodice on a dress might look great and be perfect for a winter wedding, but it’s not ideal for tearing up the dance floor. If you’re ready to show of your moves during the ceremony, you may want to opt for a long, flowy dress with a cute winter shawl that you can take off when it’s time to let loose.

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Who else can I ask?

If you’ve gone through all these steps and you’re still completely lost on what to wear to the wedding… ask someone who’s in it. The bride may be busy with other aspects of wedding planning, but the bridesmaids are great resources if you need help with your wedding attire. These individuals have the bride’s best interests in mind and will be able to help you pick something that will fit her day ideally. If they’re unavailable, refer to the wedding invitation and what attire is requested on it. And this one goes unsaid… never ever wear white!

If you live in Pennsylvania area or are looking for a wedding venue that will mirror a winter wonderland, consider exchanging vows with your partner in Eagles Mere, PA. This historic town has elegant churches, a conservancy and country club with majestic panoramic views. Plus, the location receives an average of 41 inches of snow per year. Your winter wedding would not be complete without a blanket of snow on the ground.

For intimate gatherings, the Eagles Mere Inn is the perfect place for your wedding reception with charming dining and dancing venues. You can even start your honeymoon there asthe Eagles Mere Inn has 17 uniquely themed, cozy rooms designed to mirror the country life that surrounds them. These spacious, light-filled rooms are perfect for housing a full wedding party and for getting ready before your big day. For more information, visit eaglesmereinn.com.

What to Wear as a Winter Wedding Guest | Eagles Mere Inn (2024)

FAQs

What to wear to a wedding as a guest in winter? ›

Unlike spring and summer weddings, to which you can wear the bare minimum, winter weddings call for dresses made from thick fabrics like velvet and with sleeves, if possible. You can also feel good about icing yourself out in a ton of jewelry to match the icy temperatures outside.

What is winter wedding attire? ›

If you're not keen on wearing a dress to a winter wedding, a trouser suit or long-sleeved jumpsuit makes a savvy alternative to a dress.

Can you wear black to a winter wedding as a guest? ›

"I have beautiful brides wearing black wedding dresses," said Anastasia Stevenson, a destination wedding planner with Coastal Creative Weddings in Tybee Island, GA. "It is perfectly acceptable and chic to wear black to evening, black tie, and winter weddings."

What is not appropriate to wear as a wedding guest? ›

Avoid sequined ball gowns, sparkly tiaras, sky-high platform heels, or other articles of clothing that will draw attention away from the bride. A wedding isn't the proper time to make a bold fashion statement. If you're at a complete loss for an outfit, Sabatino suggests sticking with a long or short black dress.

What shoes do you wear to a winter wedding? ›

Don't go open toe with your footwear

Pointed, rounded and closed-toe footwear or some stylish boots will be your best bet.

Can you wear bare legs to a winter wedding? ›

It gives your outfit the smart factor, adds elegance AND keeps you warm. I really feel the cold and simply cannot endure cold legs and feet for hours, so when it comes to winter weddings I would always try and have my legs covered.

Do you have to wear long sleeves to a winter wedding? ›

Just because you've chosen to be a winter bride doesn't mean you have to wear a long-sleeved wedding dress. Some brides prefer a sleeveless look to showcase their best features as they walk down the aisle. Others might have indoor ceremonies with effective heating systems planned.

Can you wear a floral dress to a winter wedding? ›

Winter Florals

More muted floral designs are often overlooked when choosing what to wear to a winter wedding, but they make for a much more exciting look than the standard little black dress.

Is it inappropriate to wear red to a wedding? ›

Summary. To answer the main question of the article, yes you can wear red to a wedding in most circ*mstances. However, in some situations you may want to check with the marrying couple that red is acceptable to wear as a guest and it won't go against their culture or distract from their big day.

What to wear to a 5 pm wedding? ›

The staff suggests that if a wedding is taking place at 4 p.m. or 5 p.m., you should wear something that easily transitions from day to night; any ceremony after 6 p.m. should be strictly co*cktail.

What does it mean when a guest wears black to a wedding? ›

In some cultures, black is less common for weddings. "Certain cultures, such as Indian and Chinese cultures, tend to stay away from black because it represents being in mourning. You want to take an extra thought if you are attending a more traditional wedding to be respectful," says Avrumson.

What color to not wear to a wedding? ›

Any shade of white

There's a 99.9% chance that the bride will be sporting a white gown and you definitely don't want to steal the spotlight from her. Keep in mind that this includes all shades in the colour family, from ivory to alabaster, so skip those, too.

What do you wear to a wedding if you don't have anything? ›

Black pants + a fun top

Like to dress up for an event when I don't have a new dress. Put on your fanciest black pants. Mine have a bit of sheen in them because they're satin. And I love an ankle pant in this situation because I can wear my fancy shoes.

What should a 60 year old woman wear to a wedding? ›

Fit-and-flare Wedding Guest Dresses For Women Over 60

Fit-and-flare dresses whether knee-length or longer are chic and flattering. It has a defined waistline and fits closer to the body but is not too tight which makes it uncomfortable. This forgiving silhouette fits every body type.

What is the best color to wear as a guest to a wedding? ›

To bring a bolder statement, go for brighter colors like magenta and coral. If you're attending a wedding in the evening, there are certain colors that can help you look your best and make an impression. If you're looking for something classic and timeless, dark colors like navy blue or black are always appropriate.

Can I wear boots to a winter wedding? ›

Megan reveals: “Although they may feel less formal than a strappy heel or court shoe, boots are a great footwear alternative for a winter wedding. They'll elongate your legs the same way dressy heels do— just without the discomfort. Make sure you choose a style dressy enough for the wedding."

What do ladies wear to weddings as a guest? ›

Women wedding guests should wear a full-length dress, be it a ballgown, a sheath or an A-line style. High heels are strongly recommended. Feel free to accessorize with opulent jewelry and even elbow-length white silk gloves.

Can you wear an spaghetti strap dress to a winter wedding? ›

A spaghetti-strap dress can be a stunning choice for winter events. If you're looking for winter wedding guest outfit ideasOpens a new window, here's how to make it work: Formal Events: Choose a co*cktail dress or slip dress in a heavier fabric like velvet or a detailed brocade, adding an air of winter elegance.

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