Weddings happen all year round, but it can be especially tricky to know what to wear if you're a guest at a winter celebration.
There is seemingly no end of strappy dresses and pretty pastel numbers to wear to a summer ceremony, but dressing for a winter wedding requires a little more thought.
You've probably got to contend with going from chilly outside temperatures to balmier indoor ones, and you need to look smart and glam while still feeling comfortable.
Midi and maxi length dresses are popular choices for weddings when the weather's cold, but you could also opt for an on-trend tailored jumpsuit or stylish co-ord suit as something a little different.
You'll probably also need a coat or a jacket – but not one that's better suited to walking the dog or tidying the garden.
Trying to find the perfect outfit can be especially stressful if you're not sure what the bridesmaids will be wearing – eek! – and if you have a few weddings in quick succession, it can also be quite expensive.
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But our high street heroes have us covered with standout pieces for affordable prices so you'll feel like the belle of the ball (other than the bride, of course) without breaking the bank.
Alternatively you may want to rent your look for the big days. There are plenty of sites that offer designer and luxe options to borrow, which you then send back – think Hurr, My Wardrobe HQ, and Hirestreet if you're looking to borrow the dress of your dreams.
Read on to see out selection of stylish outfits to keep you cosy yet chic for winter weddings this year.
Best winter wedding guest dresses
1. ASOS DESIGN Curve Satin Flutter Sleeve Midi Dress
We love this pretty and elegant floral satin dress from ASOS, which skims the body and ends just above the ankles.
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The deep V-neck flatters larger busts while the floaty sleeves are great if you're uncomfortable with baring your upper arms.
It's a steal at just £60, and it'll look equally good at summer weddings or garden parties.
- ASOS DESIGN Curve Satin Flutter Sleeve Midi Dress, £60 from ASOS – buy here
2. Boden Tie Back Slip Midi Dress
We love the simplicity of this Boden midi dress, which gives a different twist to the classic slip dress.
The tie-up halterneck shows off the shoulders in a very elegant way (very reminiscent of Meghan Markle's second wedding dress, don't you think?), while the bold colour looks seasonal enough without seeming too Christmassy.
- Tie Back Slip Midi Dress, £133 from Boden – buy here
3. River Island Black Satin Wrap Midi Dress
River Island's satin midi dress ticks all the boxes for us, and is the ideal dress for autumn and winter weddings, whether you are attending both the ceremony and reception or just the afterparty.
Quelling any stress around whether your arms will be chilly, it has elegant long sleeves with a slightly squared off shoulder to add structure and an equally delicate open back that, in our opinion, is the ultimate in both subtlety and opulence.
Ruching creates definition around the waist and an asymmetrical hemline and slight slit means walking's a breeze (if you're wearing the right shoes).
Under £50, this is a classic piece you can wear again and again – just accessorise differently each time and no one will even notice it's the same dress.
- Black Satin Wrap Midi Dress, £48 from River Island – buy here
4. Nasty Gal Tulle Tie Shoulder V Neck Maxi Dress
One word comes to mind when we look at this dress: show-stopping.
It's effortlessly classic with draping ties around the shoulders that feed into the overall illusion of movement.
A symmetrical V cut for the back and front creates length while the tiered ruffles around the hemline add some weight to the design, which is what makes it look more expensive than it is.
It's standout while still being understated, and we love it.
- Tulle Tie Shoulder V Neck Maxi Dress, £69 (was £129) from Nasty Gal – buy here
5. Rat & Boa Coralina Dress
Rat & Boa pieces always make a statement.
This open back dress is ideal for those wanting a touch of glamour and who aren't too worried about showing a bit of skin.
It has an open back, is maxi length and features a cowl neck which combined with the electric blue shade, makes this a winning combination.
- Coralina Dress, £165 from Rat & Boa – buy here
6. Ghost Satin Sleeveless Midaxi Slip Dress
Sometimes elegance lies in simplicity, just like this Ghost slip dress.
Available in six colours and from sizes XS to XL, this is a super flattering cut without making much of a fuss.
- Satin Sleeveless Midaxi Slip Dress, £129 from M&S – buy here
7. H&M Lace Bandeau Dress
H&M is our go-to for everything and anything, whether it's jumpers, loungewear or occasion dresses.
If you're an evening guest, this is a beautiful and flattering option with its princess silhouette and lacy tulle skirt.
- Lace bandeau dress, £51 (was £59.99) from H&M – buy here
8. Whistles Tie Back Stretch-Crepe Maxi Dress
Whistles has nailed occasion dressing, especially with this number, which is ideal for a formal wedding.
Everything from the baby blue colour to the elegant slit, maxi length, and stand out tie back ticks all the boxes for us.
- Whistles Tie Back Stretch-Crepe Maxi Dress, £199 from Selfridges – buy here
Best winter wedding guest outfits for over 50s
1. Hobbs Eleanor Polka Dot Print Midi Dress
Feminine and flattering, this nips you in at the waist then flares out into a floaty midi length skirt, while loose-fitting fluted sleeves cover the tops of arms.
With a pretty pale blue (it's not white, don't worry!) polka dot print, this would look equally good at formal summer occasions too.
- Hobbs Eleanor Polka Dot Print Midi Dress, £119 (was £169) from John Lewis – buy here
2. River Island Green Satin Knot Detail Jumpsuit
A jumpsuit is a great alternative to wearing a dress to a wedding, and paired with the right footwear and accessories, can look just as glam.
This dark green satin number has a tummy-hiding tie waist and long flared sleeves for a stylish fit.
- Green Satin Knot Detail Jumpsuit, £65 from River Island – buy here
Best long sleeve winter wedding outfits
1. Rixo Zadie Jacquard Midi-Dress
Wearing a Rixo dress will really mark you out as someone who knows their trendy fashion brands, and we love this simple but striking teal green number.
It's not the cheapest, but we bet you'll get lots of wear out of it – and if you ever feel like lending it out to others, Rixo is really popular on rental sites like Hurr.
- Rixo Zadie Jacquard Midi-Dress, £255 from Liberty London – buy here
2. New Look Black Tortoiseshell Print Midi Dress
Costing less than £40, we think this elegant wrap dress looks far more expensive than it is.
The slinky, shiny satin material makes it perfect for partying, while the long sleeves, wrap waist and midi length hem keep it looking appropriate for wedding ceremonies too.
- Black Tortoiseshell Print Satin Wrap Long Sleeve Midi Dress, £39.99 from New Look – buy here
3. Nobody's Child Burgundy Satin Fleur Bridesmaid Midaxi Dress
This dress may technically be called a bridesmaid dress, but as long as it doesn't match the actual bridal party's outfits, wedding guests can definitely wear this too.
Favourite features include the half-length sleeves, frill hems and gathered waist, which think gives this dress serious Vampire's Wife vibes (but for a fraction of the cost).
- Burgundy Satin Fleur Bridesmaid Midaxi Dress, £85 at Nobody's Child – buy here
4. Reiss Opal Fitted Velvet Suit Blazer and Trousers
Suits are a great wedding outfit option too, and this two-piece veers away from workwear and into partywear with its luxe velvet fabric and satin trims.
Keep it looking glam by pairing it with some statement heels, chunky gold jewellery and glitzy clutch bag.
- Opal Fitted Velvet Single Breasted Suit Blazer, £298 from Reiss – buy here
- Opal Velvet Flared Trousers, £198 from Reiss – buy here
5. Isabella Oliver Pixie Maternity Dress
Pregnant? No problem because we've got a good looking and comfortable dress for you.
Stretch material means the dress will shape around your baby bump, while the deep cherry colour gives it a wintery feel.
- Isabella Oliver Pixie Maternity Dress, £52 (was £75) from John Lewis – buy here
6. Ted Baker Grayda Petal Print A-Line Mini Dress
The big sheer balloon sleeves steal the show with this dress, which is a great option if you're looking for a mini dress.
Wear with a oversized blazer and chunky platforms, and bare legs if you're feeling brave (if not, sheer black tights will look just as good).
- Grayda Petal Print A-Line Mini Dress, £115 (was £165) from Ted Baker – buy here
7. Oasis Rachel Stevens Satin Twill Co Ord
If you don't want to wear a dress or have to strip off every time you go to the loo in your jumpsuit then we'd like to recommend a co-ord.
This style is a failsafe option, as the co-ord has been a huge trend for many seasons over the last few years.
Plus each part is individual, so you can rewear with different items of clothing and no one would be any the wiser.
- Rachel Stevens Satin Twill Co Ord Trousers, £19 (was £59) from Oasis – buy here
- Rachel Stevens Petite Satin Tie Back Top, £9 (was £59) from Oasis – buy here
What to wear to a winter wedding
It can be tricky to know what to wear to a winter wedding, but we've got plenty of great outfit ideas for you, from dresses to jumpsuits.
It's important to look smart and respectful yet still glam, as you've probably got to go from ceremony to dinner and then dancefloor.
You've also got to think about the temperature and, unlike with a summer wedding, long sleeved dresses, smart trousers or long skirts might be a good idea.
If in doubt, why not chat to other guests ahead of the date to see what they're wearing?
Where to buy winter wedding guest outfits
Looking for somewhere to buy a winter wedding outfit? Online is your best bet.
These are some of our favourite online retailers, just make sure you factor in delivery times.
- ASOS – shop here
- H&M – shop here
- Mango – shop here
- New Look – shop here
- Selfridges- shop here
- & Other Stories – shop here
- River Island – shop here
- Nasty Gal – shop here
- M&S – shop here
- Nobody's Child – shop here
- John Lewis – shop here
How much do wedding guest outfits cost?
Knowing how much to spend on a winter wedding guest dress or outfit is entirely up to you and your budget.
Weddings can be expensive, so make sure you factor this in; the hotels, drinks, gifts etc. all add up.
We have seen stunning wedding guest dresses for under £50, even under £30 at some retailers with sales on, so keep your eyes peeled for a bargain.
Personally we wouldn't spend much over £100, but it depends on your budget, how close you are to the bride and groom, and also the cost per wear of your outfit – if you think you will rewear it time and time again, then you may be more inclined to fork out more.
How much should I spend on a winter wedding guest outfit?
Wedding guest outfits can cost anywhere from £28 up to hundreds of pounds, so it is entirely up to you how much you want to spend.
For a breakdown of all the dos and don'ts during wedding season, read this guide on what you should be wearing to a winter wedding.
If your daughter's the one getting married and you're stuck on what to wear, these are the mother of the bride dresses to have on your radar.
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Want more options? Here are some more of the best wedding guest outfits.
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