This might have been one of the hottest years on record, but the cold weather is almost upon us, which means that our minds must turn towards the Baltic breeze that’s preordained to grace our shores.

And while this summer marked the return of the wedding post-lockdowns, according to Google Trends, searches for winter weddings have spiked by 160% in the last 90 days alone. The dispatch is confirmed: the sweltering lovey-dovey climes are out, the biting frost is in.

But what to wear for a winter wedding? If the promise of torrential downpours and blistering breezes is anything to go by, the mere prospect of dressing for a winter wedding is something of a quagmire. Surely a dress is out of the question. So how does one avoid shivering and chattering teeth while celebrating somebody else’s big day?

The answer, sadly, is far from simple. In fact, the question of what to wear to a winter wedding can only be answered by assessing the weather and selecting clothing that will ensure you stay as toasty as possible. My personal go-to is a velvet two-piece – Jigsaw and Sleeping with Jacques – which I pair with sharp pointed vintage kitten heels and statement jewellery (Mejuri’s croissant rings are a must-have). I have friends who prefer draped and fabulous dresses in rich jewel shades and more demure bling. Whether you’re heading to the country for a lavish rural wedding or need a simpler outfit for a chic city ceremony, here’s what to wear for their big day.

What to wear to a winter wedding