What color bridesmaid dress is best for a winter wedding?

Deep jewel tones like emerald green, burgundy, and navy blue work best for winter bridesmaid dresses. These rich colors complement the season’s cozy atmosphere. Velvet and satin fabrics in these shades add texture and warmth to winter wedding photos.

Most bridesmaids need 2 to 3 fittings when ordering winter dresses. Plan for delivery 8 to 12 weeks before your wedding date.

Top Winter Bridesmaid Dress Colors Comparison

Color	Best For	Complements	Season Mood
Emerald Green	Evening ceremonies, formal venues	Gold accents, white florals	Rich, elegant
Burgundy/Maroon	Indoor receptions, holiday themes	Greenery, cream details	Warm, romantic
Navy Blue	Outdoor settings, versatile styling	Silver, blush, ivory	Classic, timeless
Black	Sophisticated affairs, city venues	White roses, metallic	Modern, dramatic
Slate Blue	Garden settings, rustic themes	Gray, silver, neutrals	Serene, cool

 

Why These Colors Work for Winter Weddings

Emerald Green

Emerald green bridesmaid dresses are perfect for winter weddings because they reflect the evergreen trees that keep the season colorful. This jewel tone stands out in photos.

The color pairs beautifully with:

• Gold and brass accents
• White winter florals
• Natural pine centerpieces

Velvet emerald bridesmaid dresses add texture and depth to wedding photos and remain popular for winter celebrations.

Burgundy and Deep Reds

Deep reds contrast beautifully against winter backdrops like white snow, pine trees, and gray skies. These warm shades create cozy atmosphere.

Burgundy works especially well for:

• December holiday weddings
• Indoor receptions with candlelight
• Romantic ceremony themes

Burgundy adds warmth and romance to cold winter months, especially in floor-length velvet gowns with faux fur wrap accessories.

Navy Blue

Navy remains a safe, versatile choice. Navy blue is a color worth considering for winter bridesmaid dresses according to wedding fashion experts.

This classic shade offers flexibility because it:

• Flatters most skin tones
• Works with multiple accent colors
• Transitions easily from ceremony to reception
• Photographs well in various lighting

Black

Black satin bridesmaid dresses create a sophisticated winter wedding look when paired with white roses, white table linens, and touches of greenery. Black adds modern drama.

Black bridesmaid dresses shine at:

• Evening celebrations
• Urban or industrial venues
• Black-tie affairs
• Minimalist wedding themes

Slate Blue and Gray Tones

Slate blue complements the winter season’s icy atmosphere and pairs well with neutral colors like gray, ivory, or silver. These cooler tones feel fresh.

Gray and slate blue work beautifully for:

• Snowy outdoor photos
• Modern minimalist themes
• Mixed metallic accents
• Evening receptions

How to Choose the Right Winter Color

Follow these 5 steps to select your perfect shade:

Step 1: Consider Your Venue Look at your ceremony and reception spaces. Indoor venues with warm lighting suit burgundy and emerald. Outdoor winter settings pair well with slate blue and navy.

Step 2: Match Your Wedding Theme Holiday-inspired celebrations call for emerald and burgundy. Modern minimalist themes work with black, gray, or navy.

Step 3: Think About Skin Tones Choose colors that flatter your bridesmaids. Jewel tones like emerald and burgundy suit most complexions. Navy and slate blue offer universal appeal.

Step 4: Pick Your Fabric Velvet continues as a favorite for winter weddings because it is luxurious and slightly heavier, perfect for the season in rich tones like emerald. Satin adds elegant sheen. Chiffon offers lighter weight with movement.

Step 5: Order Early Allow 8 to 12 weeks for dress delivery. Schedule first fittings 2 to 3 weeks after arrival. Plan final fittings 1 to 2 weeks before the wedding.

Winter Dress Fabric Guide

Fabric	Weight	Best Colors	Benefits
Velvet	Heavy	Emerald, burgundy, navy	Adds warmth, rich texture
Satin	Medium	All jewel tones, black	Elegant sheen, structured
Chiffon	Light	Slate blue, dusty colors	Flows well, romantic look

Wedding experts suggest selecting options with sleeves, heavier fabrics, or styles that pair well with shawls when weather is cooler.

Colors to Avoid for Winter Weddings

Skip these shades for winter celebrations:

• Bright pastels: Light pink, baby blue, and mint green feel too spring-like
• Neon shades: Overly bright colors clash with winter’s natural palette
• Pure white or cream: Reserved for the bride and can blend into snowy backgrounds
• Summer brights: Hot pink, coral, and sunny yellow lack seasonal appropriateness

Stick with deeper, richer tones that match winter’s cozy atmosphere.

Styling Tips for Winter Bridesmaid Dresses

Add Warmth with Accessories

• Faux fur wraps or shawls
• Long-sleeve dress options
• Closed-toe shoes in matching tones
• Metallic jewelry (gold with warm colors, silver with cool tones)

Consider Practical Details

Wedding fashion experts suggest avoiding short dresses as winter weddings call for long dresses. Floor-length gowns provide coverage and warmth.

Winter weather requires practical planning:

• Choose dresses with covered backs or sleeves
• Provide wraps for outdoor photos
• Select appropriate footwear for potential snow or ice

Mix Textures for Visual Interest

Brides are mixing satin, velvet, metallics, or sequins, with winter seeming to inspire more boldness and sparkle in bridal parties.

Combine different fabric finishes in the same color:

• Velvet and satin together
• Matte and shimmer combinations
• Sequin accents with solid fabrics

Regional Considerations for Winter Weddings

Cold Climate Venues (Northern States)

• Prioritize warmth: velvet, long sleeves, covered backs
• Best colors: burgundy, emerald, navy
• Plan for indoor photos as backup
• Provide wraps for all outdoor moments

Mild Winter Regions (Southern States)

• Lighter fabrics work: satin, chiffon
• Wider color range: slate blue, dusty mauve
• Outdoor photos more feasible
• Still choose seasonally appropriate rich tones

Timeline: Ordering Winter Bridesmaid Dresses

12 Weeks Before Wedding

• Select color and style
• Take bridesmaid measurements
• Place orders

to 10 Weeks Before

• Dresses arrive
• Schedule first fittings

to 4 Weeks Before

• Complete alterations
• Schedule final fittings

2 Weeks Before

• Pick up finished dresses
• Steam and prepare for wedding
• Confirm all accessories

Conclusion: Choosing Your Perfect Winter Shade

The best bridesmaid dress color for winter weddings depends on your venue, theme, and personal style. Jewel tones, burgundy, forest green, navy blue, and black remain top choices according to wedding fashion experts.

Remember these key points:

• Rich, deep colors suit winter best
• Velvet and satin fabrics add seasonal elegance
• Plan 8 to 12 weeks for ordering and alterations
• Choose colors that flatter your bridesmaids

Winter weddings offer unique opportunities for dramatic, romantic color palettes. Your bridesmaids will look stunning in the right jewel-tone shades.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most flattering bridesmaid dress color for plus-size figures in winter?

Navy, burgundy, and emerald green flatter plus-size bridesmaids beautifully. These jewel tones create elegant silhouettes. A-line and empire-waist styles in these colors work best. Avoid very light or very bright shades that show every contour.

Can bridesmaids wear different shades of the same winter color?

Yes, mixing shades creates visual interest. Try pairing burgundy with maroon or navy with slate blue. Keep fabrics consistent when mixing shades. This works especially well for large bridal parties of 5 or more.

How far in advance should bridesmaids order winter dresses?

Order 8 to 12 weeks before your wedding date. This allows time for production and shipping. Schedule first fittings 2 to 3 weeks after delivery. Plan final alterations 1 to 2 weeks before the ceremony.

Do darker colors photograph well in winter light?

Yes, jewel tones photograph beautifully in winter. The natural light during winter months is softer and more diffused. Dark colors like emerald, burgundy, and navy show rich depth in photos. They also contrast nicely with white snow and evergreen backgrounds.

What fabric keeps bridesmaids warmest in winter?

Velvet provides the most warmth and weight. Satin offers medium coverage with elegant drape. If choosing chiffon, provide wraps or shawls. Long sleeves and covered backs add warmth regardless of fabric choice.

Should winter bridesmaid dresses always be dark colors?

Not always, though dark jewel tones remain most popular. Slate blue, dusty mauve, and soft gray work well as lighter options. These cooler, muted tones still feel seasonal. Very bright or pastel colors feel less appropriate for winter settings.