What to wear as a winter wedding guest?

[RhythmAndStealth]

Just been been asked to save the day for a wedding on 1 December.

I've never been to a winter wedding before. What do I wear?

It's a church service followed by a meal/dancing at a (fairly grand) country house hotel.

I'm 42, 5'4", size 12ish (14 top, 10 bottom).

Best I can think off is a cashmere jumper with a tulle skirt (just below the knee) and a coat slung over my shoulders. Bit like this pic.

But maybe a tulle skirt is a bit passé?

I think you can definitely find something better than a tulle skirt especially if you're short. It's a bit soon to shop for a winter wedding I'd wait till October.

Yes I would wait until nearer the time. I would say a warm coat is essential as there will be some standing around in the cold but don't wear a cashmere jumper - you will roast if you try to dance in it!

Agree with above. More thin layers are better than fewer thick layers (channeling my mother here).

I've only been to one winter wedding and it was fecking freezing outside, but sweltering inside, due to big open fires.

I couldn't find a nice warm coat in time, so ended up wearing a light one, (which looked nice, but wasn't warm enough), and suffered for it! Definitely try and find a really warm coat. Maybe a furry hat? I've seen some people looking great in them. I think I'd just look ridiculous myself! Definitely warm gloves too.

Ok, so a good coat is essential...suspect the church will be freezing. Thanks Minty and Rockaby.

Already have lots of furry hats/snoods. And some lovely long cashmere cable knit wrist warmers that go up to my elbows. So those could be an option.

I'm not intending to buy anything now, just get a few ideas in mind and go from there. I do hate dashing round at the last minute. It's possible I'll make something as I'm quite handy.

Does occur to me though that I might have a look for a good coat now off somewhere like the Outnet, as last year's winter coats would probably be reduced now, and I will be able to get something I couldn't otherwise afford. Off for a wee look now....

I got married in December (7 years ago) and despite the church having the heating on it was bloody freezing! I can remember seeing the breath coming out of my mouth saying my vows! It was a very old church though. So definitely a nice warm coat. Most people at my wedding wore long wool coats, nice gloves and pretty scarfs in the church. My mum wore a lovely dress suit with a fake fur stole and leather gloves. A lot of people also wore hats rather than facinators etc. During the reception people wore dresses with either jackets, shrugs or pashminas etc. We had a stately home venue, which was a big old house, but it was nice and warm inside.

That's interesting Stop.

I need a new coat this winter anyway. Was thinking a single breasted knee length camel coat type thing. Although one with a full length one with a full skirt also suits me.

Also need a new jumper, so a cashmere jumper/cardigan may still happen- just with something lighter underneath.

It's also occurred to me this could be an excuse for a pair of heeled boots. We're very likely going to be staying in the reception venue so I could always change my shoes. I have a lovely pair of sling backs made out of kimono fabric that go with everything, but would be totally unsuited to outside. But this way I could just pop them on later.

Don't really want to wear a dress, because I usually live in dresses. So some kind of skirt/top or maybe a trouser suit.I was thinking of buying a tuxedo suit for a work do of DH's in the autumn (largely because I think that it's unfair that women have to buy a new dress for everything). Maybe I could do that, just style it really differently.

My DD went to a winter wedding and wore a long sleeved fitted red dress - with red lipstick! I think she wore a black coat to keep
warm outside but took it off in the Church as it was warm. Fake fur jacket would also look good. Jewel colours such a as purple, green, blues and deep pinks can look good and you can wear velvet which is a winter fabric. There were some great velvet trouser suits around last year. Or wait and see what winter fashion turns up for 17/18.

Velvet is a great idea BojoRojo. I've got dark hair and dark eyes so emerald or ruby red maybe, even dusky pink. And I'd get more wear out of that for winter/Christmas generally. Thank you!

I love a winter wedding. So much easier to do glam but I think it's a bit more my style than summer!

Mine too Nashville. I don't do flowery/pastel very well. But I do the rock chick end of glamourous in my sleep. Will need to tone it down a bit for a wedding, but still. Eyeliner can get piled on I. The looks later on!

*in the loos

Fab dress/tux with long wool coat and good leather gloves.
To be used again for many winters.
Furry hat would be glam but could leave you with hat hair

I went to a wedding in November and wore a claret knee length wiggle dress with gold flowers on & gold accessories and a claret blazer. I was cold in the church though, but was fine at the reception. You could wear a coat as well.

I would always go for a coat in winter as a blazer may not be warm enough for hanging around outside. You can put any dark dress with fur. I love fur hats but you can easily get felt pill box or similar with a small veil. I think winter weddings are more glamourous and in many ways easier than a boiling hot day.