Christmas is a particularly special time to get married – or attend a wedding. There’s cosy lighting, sparkly decorations and perhaps even some snow outside, which all makes for the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable day.
But if you’re a guest, what do you wear for a Christmas wedding? It can be tricky to pull a look together, without looking festively over the top (or like you’re in fancy dress) yet still being on theme and seasonally appropriate.
Read on for some handy tips for the ideal winter wedding look, starting with choosing your suit.
What Colour Suits are Appropriate For a Christmas Wedding?
When shopping for Christmas wedding suits, the first thing to do before you buy or hire anything is to check the dress code. The couple may have set a particular theme or colour palette for the day. This is particularly common with Christmas weddings, where schemes such as frosted neutrals, jewel tones, metallics and even red and green are popular choices.
If there’s no dress code, here are some great ideas for winter wedding suit colours:
- Black – a classic look best chosen for black tie dress codes or very formal ‘gala-style’ weddings
- Silver or grey – these are versatile colours that are easy to wear, but add a touch of metallic style that could work really well for a snowy winter wedding
- Dark blue – this colour works for weddings at any time of year, but a lavishly deep shade is ideal for winter events
- Brown – a smart brown tweed suit is a dapper choice for a daytime wedding, especially if there are any parts of the day set out in nature.
- Deep hues such as plum, olive, copper, sage and burgundy – winter is the ideal time to show off your style with a well-cut suit in a rich, deep colour.
Christmas Wedding Suit Ideas To Keep You Warm
You may be focusing solely on aesthetics when pulling together a look for a Christmas wedding, but there’s also practicality to consider. It’s the end of December: it’s likely to be pretty cold.
You need to choose something warm enough to see you through lengthy outdoor photo sessions, perhaps even in the snow. But you also need an outfit you can layer up, so it’s easy to remove a layer when you hit the dancefloor later in the evening.
There are two key considerations here – fabric type (and weight), and layers. Tweed is an excellent choice for winter events, because it’s usually made using wool. It’s a strong, warm cloth with a soft and open texture, perfect for keeping you cosy even in chilly temperatures. It also happens to look super sharp for formal events, making it a popular choice for winter wedding suits. Donegal and herringbone are also a good pick for winter-appropriate suits.
As for layers, a three-piece suit is the best choice for winter events. The addition of the waistcoat or vest will keep you warm, while the jacket is easily removed if you find yourself eating dinner next to a roaring fireplace or strutting your stuff on the dancefloor at the reception.
Accessorising Your Christmas Wedding Outfit
How you style your look all depends on what suit you’ve chosen, but here are some seasonally appropriate ideas to consider:
- A tailored overcoat – a must if temperatures are forecast to be low on the day. Go for a navy or charcoal, or another dark shade.
- A cashmere scarf – another elegant touch to keep you warm when waiting outside the venue for the happy couple to arrive
- Footwear – choose polished leather Oxford, Derby or brogues in dark brown or black (depending on the suit colour). Smart leather boots also work well for colder days or more rugged outdoor venues.
- Boutonnière – incorporate seasonal foliage such as pine sprigs, holly berries or a small white rose into your lapel.
Suit vs tuxedo: what’s appropriate for a Christmas wedding?
It all depends on the dress code, but generally speaking you should only wear a tuxedo if it’s a black tie or ‘gala style’ event. For most other occasions, a suit is the best choice.
If unsure, speak to the groom or other members of the wedding party to find out which would be the most appropriate choice.
Christmas Wedding Outfit Dos and Don’ts
Dos:
- Layer up with a waistcoat and choose warm, textural fabrics such as tweed or wool
- Invest in a smart formal overcoat
- Check the dress code before buying or hiring a suit
Don’ts:
- Wear light summer fabrics such as lightweight cotton, linen or thin synthetic blends – they’ll look out of place and leave you freezing
- Wear suede shoes, especially if it’s forecast to be wet or snowy
- Go overboard with novelty items – it’s tempting to fully embrace the occasion, but you don’t want to detract from the elegance or importance of the day.
Ready to start looking for your perfect suit? Book an appointment here.
Key Takeaways
- Check the dress code first – the couple may have specified a particular colour palette or Christmassy theme
- Choose rich, winter-appropriate colours – think dark blue, grey, brown, burgundy, plum, olive or copper
- Prioritise warmth and layering – tweed or wool suits and a three-piece style are ideal for cold weather
- Add practical, polished accessories – a dark formal overcoat, cashmere scarf, leather shoes/boots and seasonal foliage in your boutonnière
- Keep it elegant, not novelty-themed – over-the-top Christmas accessories could spoil the elegance and gravity of the occasion.
