Winter Wedding Outfits 2023
Winter Mother of the Bride Outfits
Occasion dressing for the cooler season can be just as fun as summertime. A winter wedding (in the UK, December, January and February) is a time for the Mother of the Bride, Mother of the Groom and Grandmother of the Bride to show their style credentials. We hope you enjoy our selection of 2023 winter wedding outfits. If you are looking at dressing for the warmer months, look at our selection of occasion-wear and spring wedding outfits for 2023.
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Winter Occasionwear
What to wear to a winter wedding
Dressing for a wedding in winter doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style for warmth. Your invitation to a winter wedding ceremony in the UK means the opposite. It’s all about choosing a heavier fabric, longer-length dresses and the right cover-up. And you can still wear a sleeveless dress and florals, swap pastels for bold patterns and colours. A dressy trouser suit or jumpsuit with long sleeves are warmer option too.
Outfit Ideas for a Winter Wedding
Winter Wedding Outfits | Yumi Lace Dresses
Buy Lace dresses for a winter wedding or party night. Discover elegant fit and flare lace dresses under £100 at Yumi. Modern dress styles for wedding guests, Mother of the Bride, and great for parties too. Cut to flatter the figure with pleated and flippy skater skirts allowing plenty of movement on the dance floor. Beautiful dresses feature sheer fluted sleeves, vintage floral embroidery and scallop necklines. Autumn and winter arrivals in navy, plum, black and ivory will add a sophisticated touch to your occasionwear collection.
Wedding outfit ideas for colder months
Dressing for a Winter Wedding
Consider whether the venue is inside or outside when attending a wedding during the winter months. The prospect of rain, wind or even snow in the UK is undoubtedly possible during the winter season, in which case a long sleeve dress may be the default option on a chilly day. Even if the reception is indoors, the wedding ceremony may include standing outside in the cold, throwing confetti or waiting for the wedding photographs.
Gina Bacconi Winter Wedding Outfits
Best Winter Wedding Colours
Winter wedding outfits can be just as elaborate as spring and summer creations, and there is no need to go for a complete cover-up. Dresses can be with or without sleeves and topped with a jacquard silk jacket or velvet wrap. Faux fur stoles and jackets edged with fake fur offer a wonderful tactile appeal too.
There may not be the sun’s warmth but Mother of the Bride winter wedding outfits can be a kaleidoscope of vibrant colours. Warm deep pinks, purples, gold and brown will look stunning with a backdrop of a winter setting.
What colours to wear to a winter wedding
Winter opens up new ideas for bright, bold, darker shades and seasonal colours suit that winter wedding guest outfit or dress. Stand out colours include rich navy blues, burgundy, purples, and yellow and quirky pops of deep reds and bold fuchsia pinks.
Colours to Wear to a Wedding in Winter
Jolie Moi Adalena Frill Spot Print Maxi Dress, Navy/Purple
John Lewis & Partners
£59.00
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Phase Eight Womens V-Neck Ruffle Tie Waist Midi Wrap Dress - 8 - Purple, Purple
Marks and Spencer
£125.00
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Winter Fashion for Wedding Guests
Winter weddings are becoming increasingly popular, so make the most of what the season has to offer. Key looks for winter include velvet, embroidery, lace, prints, pleats, sequins and shimmer. Choosing a little sparkle allows plenty of wear out of your winter wedding outfit, especially around Christmas.
There are plenty of trends to dip into once summer is over, with maxi and midi lengths a more practical choice. Wedding guest dresses with sleeves, and higher necklines provide a little more coverage while looking just as elegant.
How to style a sleeveless dress for a winter wedding
Just because it’s winter, don’t rule out wearing a sleeveless dress for a special occasion. It is easy to cover up and keep warm in a style that compliments the dress. You will find occasion dresses with matching jackets or coats and other winter wedding outfits from brands such as Gina Bacconi, Phase Eight and Hobbs.
Occasion Jackets & Coverups
A winter wedding is an ideal time to put together your winning combination. A neutral tailored coat always looks chic and works well left undone over shift dresses. At the same time, a fabulous faux fur stole will add a luxe look to both day and evening gowns. Arm coverage also includes chiffon boleros, shrugs and shawls, cropped jackets, and elegant beaded capes.
Is it OK to wear a floral dress for a winter wedding?
A floral dress is not just for spring and summer; it is a versatile print that transcends seasons. So embrace your love of florals and botanical prints no matter what the temperature is outside. Go with bold colours, especially berry hues, for a rich, opulent look perfect for cold-weather dressing.
Winter Floral Dresses
Alie Street Holly Floral Print Mini Dress, Midnight Garden
John Lewis & Partners
£119.00
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Hobbs Women's Helena Silk Floral Midi Dress - Navy Multi
Hobbs Ltd
Hobbs Women's Skye Silk Floral Printed Dress - Navy Multi
Hobbs Ltd
You likely want to wear longer hemlines, midi dresses with sleeves and higher necklines. Textures will play their part in winter wedding outfits too, with floral dresses in satin and crepe, velvet, lace and floral jacquard.
Classic Winter Wedding Outfits & Dress Suits
There’s nothing more stylish than a dress and matching jacket for a formal occasion such as a church wedding. Discover traditional two-piece styles with dresses falling just below the knee and long flowing dresses with bolero.
Chesca Iris Floral Print Devoree Sleeveless Midi Dress, Navy/Multi
John Lewis & Partners
£325.00
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Gina Bacconi Sofya Jacquard Sheath Dress and Bolero Jacket, Pink
John Lewis & Partners
£350.00
View DetailsTimeless dress suits also work well for the Mother of the Bride or Groom and Grandmother. You will find coordinating layers from short coats, longline jackets, boleros, and shawls. A silk dress and jacquard frock coat are a stunning choice for colder months. Best of all, the dress can easily be dressed up or down later in the day at the reception.
Winter wedding outfits and special occasions needn’t be dull. It’s not just the Mother of the Bride or wedding guests looking for the season’s best styles. The party season is just around the corner, so a little inspiration will help find the perfect look for an evening event too.
Embroidered jackets, silk dresses in beautifully cut wool coats to match, dressy trouser suits and beaded dress suits make dressing up fun.
Mother of the Bride Winter Wedding Outfits 2023
Alie Street Holly Floral Print Mini Dress, Midnight Garden
John Lewis & Partners
£119.00
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Hobbs Women's Helena Silk Floral Midi Dress - Navy Multi
Hobbs Ltd
Phase Eight Women's Beverley Stripe Jacquard Midaxi Dress
Phase Eight
Can you wear trousers to a wedding
You most certainly can wear trousers to a wedding. Not everyone is comfortable in a dress, and trousers can be just as occasion-worthy. Dress up wide-leg trousers with a pretty silk blouse, heels, and a well-structured jacket. Alternatively, go with a tailored trouser suit for a more refined look. Finally, a beautiful lace overlay jumpsuit is a great dress alternative for a special occasion.
Keep your style fashion-focused with velvet gowns, long-sleeved midi dresses, and chiffon wide-leg trousers with matching camisole and jacket. Timeless buys can be adapted to see you through the cooler months and many more.
Dressy Trouser Suits
Chesca Bluebird Silk Devoree Swing Jacket, Bluebird/Multi
John Lewis & Partners
£235.00
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Gina Bacconi Wilma 2-Piece Suit With Asymmetric Cascade Ruffle Blouse & Wide Leg Trousers, Navy
John Lewis & Partners
£290.00
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Young Mother of the Bride Dresses
For a young Mother of the Bride outfit, look to dresses inspired by the latest trends. A short fitted dress with a Bardot neckline or peplum waist is an elegant combination. Fit and flare dresses with a dipped hem are far from matronly and so chic for an edgy option. Other youthful occasionwear for a wedding includes off-the-shoulder and wide-collar dresses with a full skirt. Complete your look with the perfect day-to-night bag, accessories, and dancefloor-ready shoes.
Wedding collections include a range of classic and contemporary styling to suit a young or older Mother of the Bride. Winter wedding outfits include fit and flare dresses and off-the-shoulder curve-loving maxi gowns for a young Mother of the Bride. But for the more adventurous, there are plenty of new styles to explore. Shopping by brands you love will give you the style you are most comfortable with.
Hobbs Women's Skye Silk Floral Printed Dress - Navy Multi
Hobbs Ltd
Phase Eight Women's Gabi Spot Print Asymmetric Hem Dress
Phase Eight
Jolie Moi Greyson Long Sleeve Floral Print Midi Dress, Navy
John Lewis & Partners
£95.00
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Best Winter Occasion Coats
Find the perfect layer for all your formal looks that will keep you both warm and stylish. A versatile selection of winter outerwear includes rich wool blend coats and longline jackets in various finishes.
Winter Occasion Coats
Chesca Satin Devoree Abstract Pixie Hem Coat, White/Cobalt
John Lewis & Partners
£275.00
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Lisa Tan Premium Edge To Edge Tailored Longline Jacket - Grey
Coast
Choose from a selection of winter coat styles and fabrics:
- Jacquard frock coat
- Funnel neck coat
- Faux fur detachable collar coat
- Wide collar coat with tie belt
- Single-breasted coat with mandarin collar
- Short swing coat
- Reversible wool coat
- Edge to edge faux fur coat
- Wrap over cape
- Military-style jacket with gold buttons
Winter Wedding Frock Coats
A sophisticated dress and matching frock coat with a detachable corsage offer an instantly put-together look. While dressy trouser suits give an alternative look that is ultra-modern. Figure flattering plus size clothing from Navabi and Chesca provide the perfect balance between style and comfort.
Complete Occasion Styles
For great savings on previous collections and complete occasion outfits, there are popular brands Jacques Vert, Eastex and Precis Petite. Fabrics are definitely the order of the day during the colder months too with velvet, brocade, and satin ideal for an autumn or winter wedding.
Fabulous frocks can be teamed with a wrap, fur stole or shawl for added warmth. Winter wedding outfits need never be dull and can look striking in rich tones of evergreen, merlot, midnight blue, silver, silver grey, magenta, teal, charcoal and aquamarine.
Modern Winter Wedding Outfits
Modern winter wedding outfits, bridesmaid dresses, and bridal wear styles can be found at Phase Eight and Coast. Elegant day dresses and evening gowns from Gina Bacconi, L.K. Bennett, Hobbs and Karen Millen will keep your look bang up to date. Plenty of shimmer, lace, and fun colour block dresses guarantee to get you noticed.
Wedding stores are very helpful and are packed with designer outfits with winter wedding outfits for the Mother of the Bride or Groom. They will find inspiration in the best styles and colours too.
Designer Mother of the Bride Dresses
Up-to-the-minute collections from classic tailoring to fashionable flair and contemporary styling will suit a younger Mother of the Bride as well as more mature sophisticated ladies too. Modern women whatever their age will want a winter wedding outfit that is unique and striking after all they are going to be in the spotlight too.
The luxurious fabrics and embellishments found on autumn and winter wedding outfits give a regal feel to any outfit, making it more special. Choosing matching accessories including designer hats, fascinators, shoes and handbags to complement rather than dominate is the secret of a successful Mother of the Bride winter wedding outfit. The trick is to find a balance there is no need to try and have everything match.
Winter hats and fascinators
There are many types of hat styles to suit all face shapes and personalities. Not everyone feels confident enough to wear a hat; that’s where fascinators come into the mix. These can be just as stunning and less likely to block anyone out of the wedding photos. If you are petite, an upturned brim will give the illusion of height, whereas taller ladies can carry off the most extravagant creations.
Hats and Fascinators
Phase Eight Women's Oversized Floral Under Brim Fascinator
Phase Eight
Whether you choose to wear a hat to a wedding is up to you. However, here are some suggestions and styles of headwear for a winter wedding.
- Downturn disc hat
- Ivory and black lace disc hatinator
- Pillbox with diamanté feathers and curls
- Flower and loop small side disc hat
- Silver Grey hat with feather and quill
- Jade disc fascinator
- Claret felt pillbox with bow
- Black floral mesh headband
- Purple bow disc fascinator
- Sequin pillbox fascinator
Choosing the right accessories
Luxe textures and embellishments found on winter wedding outfits give a glamorous feel. You need to add the finishing touches. All the same colour accessories can look flat and dull, and that’s not the result you are after. So instead, look to contrast the colours of your outfit with your bag, shoes, hat or fascinator. Adding a deeper shade to your dress will add depth and interest to the overall look.
Whichever outfit you choose for a winter wedding, you need to feel comfortable, so plan what you will wear in advance and ultimately enjoy the special day.
Debra Binns is the co-founder of MotherOfTheBrideOutfits.org.uk. Debra has been creating and sharing relevant content about women's occasionwear since 2009, bringing together fabulous fashion from the high street and online stores for that special occasion.
