Winter wedding guest church day outfit?

[peachslippers]

I’m looking for an outfit for a November wedding, 1pm Church ceremony. All the usual shops seem to have full length evening gowns or summery dresses. It’s a long while since I’ve been to a wedding so maybe I’m completely out of touch, can you suggest ideas? How would you wear a floor length gown in a church at 1pm? Do people have day outfits and change into these? Where are the winter wedding guest outfits or is it that I’m just a bit early? I’m 50, size 10 if that helps. I usually shop in ME+EM, Gerard Darel, Reiss, Sézane etc

I would wear a smart trouser suit in a colour that’s more wedding than work, with a fancy top (silk t-shirt, maybe). Jacket on in church and off for the reception.

I wouldn’t wear a full length gown. Maybe a midi dress with a jacket. Might be chilly in the church.
Have a browse on Phase Eight or John Lewis.

I did, they’re all summery or black tie, suits seem so workish. Looked at Rixo, Reformation and Farm Rio, nothing really day/winter wedding. Am I wrong and is this what everyone is going to be wearing?

Other than the church, the actual venue should be heated and warm. I wouldn't want to wear anything too hot, especially if dancing etc later on! I'd wear a warm coat for outside and possibly inside the church if its really cold. Maybe a long sleeved dress?
What budget? Shape? Style? Colours do you like? Might be way off but some ideas:

https://www.hobbs.com/product/flo-embroidered-dress/0226-5767-9045L00-EVERGREEN-MULTI.html#navAjax=true&cgid=occasion-clothing-dresses&sz=60&start=0&isSecondPage=false&prefn1=sleeve&prefv1=Long%20Sleeve|3/4%20Sleeve&pid=0226-5767-9045L00-EVERGREEN-MULTI&pos=13
https://www.johnlewis.com/browse/women/womens-dresses/midi/long-sleeve/three-quarter-length/_/N-flwZ1z0q18aZ1z0royvZ1yzf9il?chunk=2&sortBy=priceHigh
www.johnlewis.com/hope-ivy-the-ada-embroidered-floral-midi-dress-navy-pink/p114879077

I organise church weddings and I’ve never seen anyone in a full length gown apart from the bridal party (and ordinary cotton summer maxi dresses not applicable for a winter wedding). Typically females wear dresses that are longer mini (think a couple of inches above the knee) to mid calf length and vary from colourful prints in more flowing fabrics to more structured with jackets often to match, less than half wear hats approximately. Most our weddings are in conjunction with local Manor House venue close to the church, but some use a local hall (and to be honest I can tell the difference in terms of dress choices) but definitely no gowns for church wedding guests, so far at least, next one is in 2 weeks.

Ps I have a short sleeve version of the Hobbs dress or at least very similar, for my DD’s wedding

A friend of mine wore a teal velvet trouser suit with a pink silk shirt to her stepson's wedding. The relationships were all very amicable but she didn't want to upstage the MOG so she went for 'elevated wedding guest' vibes. It looked great. I think she bought the trousers suit from Hobbs from memory so it was mid range price. That sort of look would work for a winter wedding maybe?

It's really lovely!

https://www.coastfashion.com/product/coast-belted-crepe-dress_bcc12411?colour=berry&size=10

https://www.coastfashion.com/product/coast-lace-wrap-top-pleat-tux-midi-dress_bcc11426?colour=navy&size=10

https://www.coastfashion.com/product/coast-short-sleeve-jacquard-midi-dress-with-belt_bcc11431?colour=navy&size=10

https://www.coastfashion.com/product/karen-millen-square-neck-tailored-full-skirted-maxi-dress_bkk29446?colour=merlot&size=10

lots of options on Coast

So you’ve confirmed my thinking is right. I definitely prefer sleeves so maybe a dress and smart coat. Will scroll past the acres of summery ones!

Then just filter for long or 3/4 sleeves.

As I asked up thread, if you give us an idea of what budget, colours, styles suit you, we might provide more suggestions.