Should You Have a Dress Code for Your Winter Wedding?

Let’s dive into the reasons for having a winter wedding dress code and how to make it work for you and your guests.

Setting the Tone
A dress code sets the tone for your wedding, giving guests a clear idea of how formal or casual the event will be.
Enhancing the Aesthetic
Winter weddings often feature rich color tones and luxurious textures, such as velvet or satin. By guiding guests toward certain styles or colors, you can create a visually stunning look for your event, particularly in photos.
Practicality and Comfort
Because the winter brings cold temperatures, it requires practical considerations. A dress code can allow guests to dress warmly and still look stylish. Specifying “formal attire with winter accessories” might inspire shawls, wraps, or elegant coats that align with the event’s sophistication.

Here are a few ideas to inspire your winter wedding dress code:

Black Tie: Perfect for a formal evening wedding
Semi-Formal: A slightly more relaxed option that still feels polished.
Seasonal Elegance: Incorporate the beauty of winter by suggesting jewel tones, metallics, or textures like velvet.
Festive Flair: For December weddings, you might encourage guests to embrace subtle holiday-inspired attire, like deep reds and greens.

Make your dress code easy to understand by clearly including it on your invitations, wedding website, or both. Here’s how you can phrase it:

Formal Example: “We request black-tie attire. Think tuxedos, floor-length gowns, and your most elegant accessories.”
Seasonal Example: “Dress to impress in winter-inspired formalwear! Jewel tones, velvet, and metallics encouraged.”

With the right balance of guidance and flexibility, your winter wedding is sure to be as stunning as the season itself.