Winter wedding outfits: elegant & warming for guests

How nice: you’ve been invited to a wedding. That is always a reason to be happy. However, if the wedding takes place in winter, the question of what to wear arises even faster than with a summer wedding. Maybe there is a dress code, that gives you a first clue. In any case, the outfit should be suitable for winter. We have put together various ideas so that you as guests can find the ideal winter wedding outfit.

Winter wedding outfits: the location and program help you choose

Many newlyweds choose a wedding date in winter because they are aware of the advantages:

• Winter weddings are magical and romantic.
• A snowy landscape is a wonderful background for photos.
• The guests have time and are not on summer vacation.
• A winter wedding is unique and extraordinary.

The invitation card provides information about where the wedding is taking place. From this, the guests can easily deduce which type of clothing is suitable as a winter wedding outfit. There may be a dress code, then the decision is relatively easy. If in doubt, however, it is always okay to ask the bride and groom.

Basically, it has to be clarified whether the wedding celebration will only take place indoors or whether outdoor program items are also planned. The location is also a valuable reference point. For weddings that are celebrated in an alpine hut, a hearty outfit with festive accents is ideal. In an elegant setting, such as a hotel or restaurant, different rules apply. An elegant outfit is the order of the day. The alternative in between would be the celebration in a country inn.

After all, some bridal couples also opt for a smaller wedding in a private setting, for example an outdoor winter wedding party, for example in the forest or in their own garden. Hopefully with heating options: outdoor fire barrels or patio heaters in the garden ensure that the guests don’t get too cold.

^{Photo: Photography Reichl and Sabine Kneidinger Photography}

If the wedding is taking place in the garden by the campfire, warm clothing is a must. A stylish dress is the gold standard when it comes to the right outfit as a wedding guest. With a simple cut, a knitted dress is perfect. The elegant touch comes with jewelry and accessories. And your winter wedding outfit is perfect. Those who feel more comfortable in pants can also opt for a classy overall. In order not to freeze, both variants can be supplemented with a warm “underneath”, and a warm jacket should definitely not be missing. Spending time outdoors is no problem either, and the risk of a cold can be kept in check.

Rural, rustic, hearty: properly dressed for a winter wedding in the mountains

Probably the most beautiful wedding location for a winter wedding: The mountain regions in Germany, Austria and Switzerland are snow-sure and convey the perfect atmosphere. If there is a celebration in an alpine hut or in a beautiful inn in the mountains, it stands to reason that the bride decides on traditional bridal styling. For you as a wedding guest, this makes it easier to choose your winter wedding outfit. A dirndl with warming accessories always looks festive!

The motto of the wedding is also decisive. A retro or vintage style wedding will be a blast if the guests are all dressed in a suitable, nostalgic look. Outfits with Norwegian sweaters, which are already popular this winter, are also exciting. Such stylings come into their own when as many guests as possible orient themselves towards it.

Winter Wedding Outfits: The Importance of Specific Dress Codes

The wish of the bride and groom is in the foreground! If both of you want a casual wedding, combined with an excursion into the winter landscape, your outfit as a guest should be casual, but still fashionable and well-groomed. So: No jeans, but chic trousers or a midi skirt, combined with a beautiful top, a classy blouse and a cardigan. Maxi dresses with long sleeves are warm and at the same time suitable for a wedding.

The more elegant version is popular if the invitation bears the note “Cocktail”. Then you are perfectly dressed in a cocktail dress, but it should also be the winter version. Shoulders, half-length sleeves, a fake fur jacket or bolero looks very nice. Instead of an official cocktail dress, any other dress with an elegant touch is allowed, but not floor-length. A chic trouser suit is also an option. So these can also be wonderful winter wedding outfits.

Black Tie is the very elegant dress code, meaning festive evening wear. Long dresses or very elegant cocktail dresses are expressly desired. And the gentlemen? Of course, male wedding guests also follow a possible dress code or ask the bride and groom beforehand if they are unsure.

With the right footwear for a winter wedding

Regardless of how and where the wedding is celebrated, capricious weather can be expected in winter. Therefore, it is essential to think of the right shoes! Winter-proof shoes, warm jackets, scarves and gloves are a must for the way from the church to the party location or for in between when the entire wedding party goes outside. For the celebrations in the interior, simply take a change of shoes with you to go with your winter wedding outfit.

Cover picture: Claudia Weaver

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