A Guide For Guests: What To Wear To An Outdoor Winter Wedding
Chilly temperatures don’t have to mean sacrificing on style.
Winter weddings certainly have their advantages. Snowy backdrops are undoubtedly one of them-but it goes without saying that these spectacular views come with low temperatures. While that’s well and good for wedding photos, guests might struggle with the chilly weather, especially if a portion of the ceremony or reception is outside. If you’re currently a guest preparing for this type of event, know that you have options. To help you plan an outfit that’s both stylish and functional, we tapped a few industry experts who all agree that keeping warm doesn’t have to mean adding on bulky layers that take away from the outfit underneath. Ahead, your complete guide to getting dressed for an outdoor winter wedding.
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What To Wear To A Mountain Top Wedding
The dress code and themes can go between dressy and dressy/casual depending on the venue. For a wedding that I attended on top of the mountains of Telluride, I wore a long maxi dress with shiny gold cowboy boots underneath. The flat boots were a good choice for getting on and off the ski lifts that took us up to the mountain top. They also kept me from stumbling as we walked along the rocky trails that led us to the ceremony location. Next, I would recommend bringing along a shawl, even though its August, mountain tops can be windy and that can bring a chill to the air.
After the ceremony, if the reception and dinner are inside, you can always swap out your shoes for a pair of pumps and leave the shawl at your table. However, the shawl, and low-heeled shoes will be a safer choice during the outdoor portion of your celebrations.
Colorado has a rustic casual atmosphere Iwould suggest going to the website of the venue to check on the décor. Eventhough the invitation may have indicated the dress code, seeing the venue willgive you more helpful insight on deciding what to wear.
Consider The Winter Weather
First of all, youll want to consider the weather. If youre in an area that gets very cold during the winter, youll want to dress for warmth. Make sure you wear something that will keep you comfortable without sacrificing style. If youre attending a winter wedding in a colder climate, the wedding will likely take place indoors. Chances are you wont have to bundle up all night! In some areas, you might need a warm winter coat, but in others you could probably get away with a sweater or shawl. Be sure to consider the climate when deciding what to wear to a winter wedding.
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Dress For The Weather
While summer calls for light, breezy fabrics and winter definitely commands a few extra layers, fall can be a little trickier to figure out. There are so many different factors to consider before you decide on an outfit. Is the wedding taking place earlier or later in the season? Where is the venue located? Is it indoors or outdoors? Will the celebration be held during the daytime or in the evening? These are all important questions that’ll help you properly plan for the occasion.
If you’re attending an outdoor fall wedding, the possibility of chilly temperatures should be top of mind. Outdoor fall wedding attire should be a little more versatile, meaning layers are your new best friend. “Dress in layers for any outdoor weddingyou might be shivering outside one minute and sweating on the dance floor the next,” warns Lee. A dressy pashmina, cropped blazer, or bolero could work depending on the look you’re going for.
When it comes to choosing a suit fabric, location is a big deciding factor. Handspiker recommends sticking with lightweight fabrics, including cotton or a wool-linen blend for warmer destinations, like the Southern states. “As temperatures cool further north and the weather becomes less predictable, all-season options are a good idea, as well as textured, brushed fabrics such as flannel,” he adds.
Follow The Dress Code
The dress code is the most important factor to take into consideration when choosing what to wear to a wedding. The majority of couples will set a wedding dress code depending on the style of the event, as well as the time of year it’s taking place. What you wear to a black-tie wedding in the winter, for example, will be vastly different than what you wear to a casual wedding in the middle of summer.
“If the dress code is black-tie, then there is only one correct outfit: a black tuxedo,” explains Brian Sacawa, style expert and author of The Groom Guide. “Guests should also have the appropriate tuxedo shirt, a stud set and cufflinks in a matching metal, either a cummerbund or vest waist covering, black bow tie, white pocket square, and black patent leather shoes.” Similarly, women are encouraged to dress up in a floor-length evening gown or an elegant dress.
Fashion rules for a casual daytime wedding, on the other hand, are much different. “You can never go wrong with a navy blazer, a blue button-down shirt or khaki pants for a casual wedding,” says Virginia-based wedding style expert Monte Durham. “And, for ladies, you can always opt for a dress with a nice neckline and simple accessories.”
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Mountain Top Wedding Attire For Men
You probably wont feel like youre climbing Everestunless youre actually climbing Everest but its going to be colder in high altitudes than it is at the base of the mountain. Even if the dress code isnt tux-level formal, youll want to stick to dark colors, and a 3-piece suit isnt a bad move for some extra warmth. And add a tie with an appropriately rugged texture to your look.
Mountain Top Wedding Attire Inspiration:
What To Wear To A Spring Wedding In March
This entry is from our Expert Guest series where wedding and honeymoon professionals share their best tips on creating memories that last a lifetime.
Spring weddings are so lovely, with something fresh in the air as flowers are starting to bloom and the sun is beginning to shine. In addition, guests are likely not attending several weddings that time of year and which will add to the excitement of your big day. While a perfect Spring day can be great for a wedding, they are hard to come by and weather is often unpredictable.
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Ask Yourself: Would I Feel Comfortable Wearing These Elopement Shoes All Day Long
At the end of the day, it wont matter if youre wearing the right shoes if theyre not comfortable. When picking the proper footwear, youll want to ensure that youll be ok potentially wearing your elopement shoe of choice all day long.
If youll need to wear hiking boots, make sure they are thoroughly broken in before your elopement day otherwise, youll be spending your day hiking with blisters.
If youre going the sandals route, dont wear ones that irritate your toes or are likely to cause blisters on the back of your heels .
Its easy to just focus on the way a shoe looks and not really consider comfort, especially when its your wedding day. But trust us, you dont want to do this. You CAN find a comfortable and good looking shoe.
For example, I have a pair of Teva lace-up boots with a small heel that I bring with me when I shoot outdoors adventure weddings. Not only are they super cute, but they have great traction, so I dont have to worry about slipping and falling in the mountains.
Id link to them for you guys, but they no longer sell this specific boot !
Fall Wedding Guest Dresses With Sleeves
Cooler temperatures mean longer sleeves and thicker materials for fall wedding guests. In fact, extra-oversized sleeves are having a serious moment. Concerned about getting too hot on the dance floor of the reception? Organza or lace sleeves will keep you cool even at the wildest afterparty. To give some contrast to long sleeves, pick a shorter hemline or a lower neckline to create a balanced look. Here, find the best fall wedding guest dresses with sleeves.
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Adrianna Papell Plus Size Floral Printed Midi Dress
Allow us to formally make the case for wearing a blush wedding guest dress in fall. This size-inclusive frock has a regal mock neckline that leads into a blouson bodice and flowing skirt. But the best part about this dress is the ethereal blush pink floral print. We love the idea of wearing this plus size floral dress for a fall wedding in a backyard or garden setting.
Coral Anarkali With Peach
A gorgeous ensemble with a unique design thats perfect for a wedding. Add heels to keep the outfit classy and elegant. This ensemble is bound to impress everyone at the venue with its bold colors and fine embroidery. The neckpiece features intricate floral motifs. This is an awesome choice of outfit that is versatile and can be worn during daytime and evening functions.
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Black Tie Wedding Attire For Men
What It MeansThis is a formal, specific dress code, so stick to the list: black bow tie, black tuxedo, white tux shirt. Bright colors are a no-go, as are neckties, but there are several other ways you can set yourself apart. Try a tuxedo shirt with a fold-down collar for a modern look, and take the opportunity to accessorize in small ways. Add a pocket square, suspenders, or button studs to your outfit. Black tie wedding attire for men is all about low-key personalization.
What to Wear
19 The Casual Outfit For Wedding
Firstly you need to check the dress code of the party and then you could select your dress. Go for something which is unique and trendy. Experiment with different dresses and suits. A blazer would be appropriate. Do wear cufflinks as well as they give a really stylish look. Accessories are a must. Also, make sure that your shoes go well with the dress as shoes compliment the entire look.
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Simple Winter Wedding Dresses
Whether you prefer a minimalist style or the event itself is understated, a simple winter wedding dress can make an excellent option. To rock the look, just stick to a short or midi length and opt for classic silhouettes, such as a pencil shape or skater style. While embellishments are best avoided for a simple ensemble, you can add interest by selecting a lovely lace design.
When Choosing Your Elopement Shoes Don’t Underestimate The Importance Of Sock Selection
If the choice in elopement shoes is important, consider your sock selection to be crucial. Dress socks tend to be extremely thin, and hiking even a short distance in them can severely irritate your feet.
Especially if youre wearing boots, intended to be worn with thicker socks, your choice in elopement day socks can be a major difference in your comfort all day long.
I recommend Darn Tough socks as the best option for comfort, and they also have great cold-weather socks that are good for winter elopements or hiking to or from an alpine location in the pre-dawn or post-sunset cold.
They have a lot of options, so Ill link to my top picks for both women and men. I personally wear my Darn Tough socks whenever I go hiking, and theyre on my feet at basically every elopement I photograph. Hands-down my favorite socks to pair with elopement shoes, and worth every penny.
P.S. As an adventure elopement photographer, I make it my business to help our couples with all the little details of planning their adventure weddings, including figuring out which elopement shoes work best for the type of adventure elopement theyve chosen.
While I pride myself on taking epic photos of epic couples in epic places, I do so much more than that. Im there to guide you through the adventure elopement process.
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If The Invitation Says Mountain White
If the couple wants you to play up the mountain aspect at their white-tie wedding, make sure to still stick within the extremely formal dress code to ensure that youre at their preferred level of formality.
For Those Who Prefer a Masculine Style:A long, black tailcoat, a white pique vest, and a bow tie are still musts, but there are a few small ways you can add in some fun elements. Opt for dress shoes instead of opera pumps and wear a pair of festive socks or don a scarf as you would with a tuxedo for a chic take.
For Those Who Prefer a Feminine Style:Consider a formal ball gown made from a flowy fabric in rich, Earthy tones . Think accents such as lace, appliques, fringe, tiers, and ruffles. For an extra touch of whimsy, select a hairstyle that includes braids to complete your elegant boho look.
Whether youre attending a mountain destination wedding or just a celebration amongst the peaks, knowing what to wear so that you feel comfortable and look your best is important. As long as you pay attention to the wording and adhere to the formality, youll be able to party with confidence as you celebrate the happy couple.
Best Silhouette: Dessy Asymmetrical Drop Waist High
courtesy of the dessy group
A puff sleeve is always an elevated look on any dress. This slip dress has a high-low silhouette with a dropped waist, creating the illusion of movement in the dress. There is also a slit on the side for additional symmetry and a V-neck that rests slightly off the shoulders.
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Cruise Ship Wedding Attire For Men
Depending on the formality of the wedding, a cruise ship wedding is the perfect opportunity to bust out a white dinner jacket. The ivory jacket was actually invented for use in tropical climates, where, weve heard, cruise ships tend to sail. But even if youre on one of those Alaskan cruises, a white dinner jacket will stand out at a black tie optional cruise ship wedding. If the dress code is more relaxed, watch the weather and dress accordingly: Lighter suit colors for warm weather, darker suit colors for cool weather.
Cruise Ship Wedding Attire Inspiration:
