Dress for a Night Winter Wedding Survival Guide: Notes From a Cold-Weather Stylist

You’ve RSVP’d to that upcoming winter wedding, and so begins the low-level panic.

Choosing a wedding guest dress is particularly challenging when you’re contending with cold weather.

Your outfit needs to be match-fit; ready to withstand chilly temperatures and rain, should it rudely interrupt the day.

So, where to begin? In this guide, we explain what to wear to a winter wedding to stay stylish and warm.

No matter whether the impending wedding is at a winery, farm, inner-city venue, or church — we’ve got you covered.

If you’re wondering what exactly constitutes cold wedding attire, there’s really no straightforward answer.

As a general rule of thumb, start by checking the invitation for a dress code or specific outfitting instructions.

This will help to guide you towards, or away from, certain silhouettes. For example, a formal or black-tie dress code signifies your hemline needs to fall at a midi or maxi length, but you may be able to get away with a mini dress at a semi-formal or cocktail wedding.

You’ll notice we reject the idea that bright colours and prints are reserved for summer weddings only.

But more on that below. When it comes to colour, the only no-go on our list is white (or anything that could pass as white; your soft beige dress is out, too), unless otherwise specified by the bride or groom-to-be.

The one feature we do believe is a must for winter weddings? Sleeves. Whether the sleeves are part of your dress, or you opt for a faux fur coat or cape to throw on top, covering your arms will lock in the heat and keep you comfortable all night long.

For winter weddings taking place outside, sleeves truly are essential. Keep your spaghetti-strap number for a wedding where the temperature is more than 20 degrees celsius.  

Most outdoor weddings will take place at wineries or farms, either under a marquee or under the twinkling night sky. Below, we share our top picks for what to wear to an outdoor wedding at a winery or farm.

The colours of Plums and greens will be your best friends for a wedding of this type, layer your dress with a fur or cape to add some extra warmth. A garden wedding is the perfect place to mix textures, although still embracing the whole winter wedding.

A winery wedding is the perfect opportunity to channel your inner rustic charm. Look for a nice fabric, such as velvet or wool, to keep you warm in a jewel tone, like burgundy or emerald. A dress with sleeves is perfect, and pair it with a structured coat and ankle boots to achieve a weather-appropriate look!  

A Church wedding requires a more conservative look, a modest boatneckline is perfect for a wedding in a church, and long sleeves are recommended too. A tailored coat for added warmth and closed-toe heels are the perfect addition for this occasion.

A Farm wedding is a more laid-back vibe, however, it is essential to remember that farms can be cold and muddy in the winter. A long-sleeved midi dress or a knit dress, or even set under a trench coat is perfect for this occasion.

At an indoor winter wedding, you’ll be shielded from the elements, but long sleeves and lengthier hemlines are still ideal. The travel to and from the venue alone is enough to warrant some extra coverage. Generally, indoor venues call for more formal wedding guest dresses.

That being said, do check the dress code to save yourself from arriving at a casual reception in a floor-length gown. Let’s take a look at what to wear to winter weddings at inner-city venues and churches.
 

For a city-style wedding, shy away from the basics and lean into your modern glamour. Satin and Crepe are perfect for this type of event. Pair your outfit with a tailored blazer and accessorise appropriately to make your look effortlessly elegant.

Hotel weddings are similar to other inner city venues. If your hotel is in a major city, add some glam to your look, sequin embellishments, velvet and silk and a great addition to creating a gorgeous look. If your hotel is more countryside, go for more of the farm girl look, with basic fabrics and boots or a chunky heel.

Accessories are a must-have for winter, not just a decorative piece for your next winter wedding.

Highlight winter accessories that complete the look, such as:

Faux fur stoles - Which are a great addition for bringing both warmth to your outfit and adding a touch of elegance

Statement earrings or bags are a personal favourite of mine and are a great way to instantly elevate your outfit.

Tights or boots, if appropriate - They are both chic and functional for the colder months; however, make sure they still fit the dress code!

When deciding what to wear to a winter wedding, it is important to remember that layering is your best friend! Coats, a shawl, wraps and other accessories that can be removed when you're inside. A fun thing about winter weddings is being able to play with different textures, pairing satin and velvet adds a great amount of sophistication to your winter wedding outfit. However, it is essential to make your outfit still cohesive and to the vibe of the wedding, make sure to stay elegant and don’t go too overboard! 

Now, you may have found the perfect outfit however, we can't forget about the accessories. If you need a bag or some jewellery to really make your outfit you are in the right place! Dress for a Night have newly released bags available for hire along with jewellery to buy for your next occassion.

If you’re still concerned that you’ll feel the chill, pop a slip and a pair of thermal bike shorts underneath your dress. Go for skin-tight beige styles that won’t bunch up or show through.

These will add a bit of extra warmth and comfort, as well as prevent your dress from clinging to your skin.
 

Still wondering what to wear to that next winter wedding? Look no further - renting a dress is the easiest and most budget-friendly way to slay the style game without having to buy a new outfit.

Dress for a Night has a wide collection of designer dresses that are perfect for a winter wedding. From velvet gowns, long-sleeved dresses, you will be spoiled for choice!

Stay fabulous and frost-ready - hire your dream winter wedding look today!

DFAN Tip: We have just added a personal styling appointment at our North Sydney Boutique, for $84.99 we will reserve two items of your choice for you to try during your appointment You'll receive a gift bag valued at $119 and a $20 cashback. If you thought it couldn’t get any better. It can. Further inclusions are;

• Boob tape

• Fashion tape

• One piece of 18k Gold Jewellery (your choice)

• Tim Tam treat