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If you’ve never been to a New Year’s Eve wedding, the first thing you’re probably fretting about is what to wear to a New Year’s Eve wedding!
I went to my first New Year’s wedding a few years ago and immediately thought, it’s time to bust out the sparkle. It’s New Year’s Eve, after all.
Here, I’m answering all your questions and sharing cute dresses that are perfect for a New Year’s Eve wedding guest.
CAN I WEAR BLACK TO A NEW YEAR’S EVE WEDDING?
A New Year’s Eve wedding is totally an occassion to bring on the glamour. If you’re normally nervous about wearing black to a wedding, you could totally get away with it for New Year’s Eve.
Black is always elegant, and since New Year’s Eve weddings are typically at night, black is appropriate.
I wore a black dress with some beading and sequins to the New Year’s Eve wedding I attended. It was subtle, festive and such a fun way to spend the evening.
It also adds some glam and “life” to an otherwise plain black dress.
After all, New Year’s Eve is an occasion made for making an impression. And a wedding is no exception!
WHAT’S THE NEW YEAR’S EVE WEDDING DRESS CODE?
A New Year’s Eve wedding tends to be a little more formal in nature, so you can go all out and wear a full-length dress!
These weddings also typically happen at night, where you’ll be there when the clock strikes midnight, so you’ll want to be in something festive and maybe a little more formal.
If you don’t have a dress like this at the ready, I highly recommend checking out Rent the Runway. I use them for special occasions and have been thrilled every time!
I rented this sequin gold skirt for family holiday photos, which would also work great for a New Year’s Eve wedding.
It’s a great way to get a designer dress for less, especially if you’re not sure you’d even wear it again.
What’s great is you can find gowns starting at just $60.
Use code FIRST for 20% off your first rental from Rent the Runway.
There are also coordinating accessories you can rent, so you can get a complete head-to-toe look. This is especially handy if you don’t always have glam accessories but are looking to take things up a notch as a wedding guest.
Nervous about renting for an occasion? Don’t be. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when shopping Rent the Runway:
- Read the reviews! This helps so much.
- Pay attention to body type and sizing when looking at photos/reviews
- Pick a backup size, it’s free!
- There’s also an option to pick a backup dress, too.
- Call right away if there’s an issue. RTR is great at shipping something new, ASAP.
ARE SEQUINS APPROPRIATE FOR A NEW YEAR’S EVE WEDDING?
Yes! It’s New Year’s Eve, after all, bring on the festive atmosphere!
There are lots of gorgeous gowns–both long and short– with sequins that would be perfect for that NYE wedding.
If sequins aren’t your thing there are plenty with a hint of sparkle, too.
Look for metallic dresses, subtle amounts of sparkle or textures that make a statement, like velvet.
Staying Warm at a Winter Wedding
One of the hardest things about being the winter wedding guest outfit is, well, it’s cold out!
You want a cute dress, but also don’t want to freeze. And want something that’s appropriate and demure if it’s a church wedding.
For that, you’ll need a beautiful stole, wrap or coverup. Something that’s luxe, like this faux fur capelet, but will keep you warm.
Tights are also a great idea, and can make a fashion statement. I’m currently obsessed with these Gucci tights!
Yes, pretty cover ups can be tricky to find. So I’m rounding up a few of my current favorites here.
RELATED: 9 Fall Skirt Outfits to Recreate This Season
Can You Wear Pants to a NYE Wedding?
If you’re into the tuxedo look, by all means bring it! This one is super cute and features sheer sleeves.
You could also wear a nice jumpsuit to a winter New Year’s Eve wedding.
What Not to Wear as a New Year’s Eve Wedding Guest
By all means, stay away from wearing white to any wedding.
Since New Year’s weddings tend to be a bit more formal, you’ll also want to stay away from casual materials like knit dresses or cotton dresses.
Here are a few other outfit ideas to avoid:
- Leggings
- Jeans
- Anything white
- Summer dresses
- Anything too short/revealing
PIN ME, PLEASE!
Have you been to a New Year’s Eve wedding before? What did you wear? Leave a comment below and let me know!
I’ve secretly always wanted to attend a NYE wedding! They are always such a fun way to close out a year!
These dresses are absolutely stunning! I definitely need to get invited to a NYE wedding!
These are excellent suggestions for a NYE wedding. I know a few people who got married on NYE and it seems those weddings are always the most elegant and fancy, so your outfit ideas were perfect!
Now I am so wishing we had a New Years Eve wedding to attend!! These dresses are so much fun!
xo Laura Leigh
http://louellareese.com
I’ve never been to a NYE wedding but now I want to! These are such great outfit ideas! I love all the glitzy options!
Lizzie
http://www.lizzieinlace.com
I totally agree with all of these tips! (And love that gold sequin maxi skirt by the way!)
I’ve never heard of a NYE wedding – how fun! I totally agree with you – if it’s an evening wedding and you’re also going to be ringing in the new year while you’re at the wedding, dress up in a big way! You look just gorgeous in that sparkly skirt you rented – I love the idea of renting evening wear (men have done it forever). Great tips and fashion links!
Ruth
https://voguefauxreal.com/2019/12/09
These are such gorgeous dress options! I’ve never been to a NYE Wedding, but that sounds like so much fun! Xx.
A NYE wedding sounds so fun and fancy!! It’s the perfect time to wear a long black dress!
-Morgan
The HER Chronicles [] http://theherchronicles.com
I have never been to a NYE wedding but I’ve heard so many great things about them! Love these tips and all of the black dresses you linked!
Rachel
http://Www.hello-her.com
So many beautiful dresses!! I love all of the sequin picks!
Dressing for NYE wedding sounds so fun!! I love your sequined skirt!
http://www.rdsobsessions.com
My first time getting married.we are getting married at the city hall.for the wedding reception could.(on another day) I wear a black and gold dress.? I am 60 & he is 61 years.he never been married.
If you feel beautiful in it, I say go for it! Embrace the glam nature of the evening and celebrate your love in something that makes you feel ravishing! Age definitely doesn’t matter when it comes to this 🙂
You know what? It’s your party, wear what you feel beautiful in. And I think black and gold would be stunning. Make it the theme for the decor of the party, too. Congratulations to you!
Ruth
https://voguefauxreal.com/2019/12/09
Where is the gray dress from? It’s pretty.
How can I get the gold dress as displayed