How to Dress for a Winter Wedding (as a Guest)

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

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

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.

What to Wear as a Winter Wedding Guest

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 as the 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.