Winter weddings come with a genre of their own. This includes a magnificent venue, romantic lighting, dreamy color palettes, and of course a glamorous wedding dress. The first rule of finding the perfect winter wedding gown is to blend both style and functionality. Here, we take you on a journey to help you discover the perfect winter wedding gown.
Choose Your Fabrics Wisely
When finding a winter wedding dress, it’s important to ask yourself, “Will the fabric keep me warm?”
Avoid lighter fabrics like chiffon because they do little to shield you from the frosty air. Instead, opt for heavier fabrics that won't let the air through to ensure you stay warm despite being outdoors all day long. These include moire, velvet, gabardine, and silk mikado. Brides also prefer wool to make their winter wedding day even cozier. Make sure these fabrics are 100% natural. This is because artificial fabrics can increase the weight of your dress, which can make it uncomfortable.
Don’t Compromise on Your Style
Should you sacrifice your style simply because you must cover up to stay warm during your winter wedding? Absolutely not!
While high necklines are an evergreen winter wedding style, you can always rely on an off-shoulder neckline for a more glamorous look. This can help you show off your collarbones, elongate your neck, and frame your face. An off-shoulder neckline can also extend into long sleeves to ensure you don’t freeze during the ceremony. If you’re looking for some added drama, don’t hesitate to go for a high slit. This can not only add an elegant dimension to your overall look but also stop the cold breeze in its tracks.
If you want to show more skin, you can simply invest in classy outerwear like a jacket, gloves, and scarf. Remember, your outerwear must always follow your gown’s lead. Not the other way around.
Go for Long Sleeves
Sleeves can transform your entire look. Aside from keeping you warm and comfy, long sleeves add the perfect amount of drama to your winter bridal look. Try looking for elegant long or three-quarter-length sleeves to infuse your dress with glamor and elegance. Go with larger dresses (think ball gowns and full skirts) to complement these sleeves. For instance, a long-sleeved ball gown with layers of organza or tulle will make you look like a royal princess while supplying you with ample warmth.
Layer It Up!
Layering up is the best way to brace against frosty weather. If you’re dazzling in a fitted dress, make sure you don’t expose your legs too much. If you’re wearing a full skirt, don’t hesitate to wear a pair of leggings or tights underneath.
Invest in additional layers to brace your arms and chest against harsh weather. Some stylish options include a snug poncho, a furry shawl, a cascading cape, and a texture shrug. Or, if you’re not afraid to experiment a little, grab a leather jacket that screams the word “bride” on the back.
Get Your Silhouette Right
When picking out a stylish winter wedding dress, it's important to remember: fashion is not about how much skin you’re revealing, it’s about the way you reveal it. A silhouette that sings of elegance is just as breathtaking as a cut-out back. Look for dresses that come with a higher neckline. If you can’t resist the cut-out element, find a gown that blends a cut-out back with long sleeves. A great way to replace an open cut-out detail would be to use lace. Revealing your skin with lace designs is a great way to elevate your attire while maintaining a practical cover.
Create a Dramatic Look
Winter weddings often demand royal and dramatic looks. While you’ll be covered up with long sleeves and a high neckline, you can still have a touch of magnificence to your dress. This can be done by incorporating ruffles, sequins, and other embellishments for a glamorous effect. For instance, a dress infused with crystals and gems will make you “shine bright like a diamond” when you walk down the aisle. To further elevate the dramatic look, go for winter hues like dark jewel tones. If you’re looking for something subtle and dainty, go for delicate patterns and include a cascading training for a timeless look.
Choose a Second Dress
If your ceremony unfolds outdoors, it is important to choose warm attire. However, if you’re hopelessly in love with a strapless gown or a lightweight body-hugging dress, you can simply turn it into a reception dress. Many brides switch dresses during their summer weddings, so why not unlock the trick in winter? Before choosing a separate reception dress, make sure you first examine the heating system of your reception venue.
If you don’t like the idea of investing in a second dress, try choosing…
A Detachable Dress
A detachable skirt can help you maintain a graceful look throughout your ceremony. The full detachable skirt can be worn throughout the day to keep you warm outside. When the clock ticks “reception,” you can simply remove the skirt. This not only gives you a second wedding look but also makes dancing so much more effortless and fun. If you take the detachable road, make sure you let your stylist know at which point you’ll be taking the skirt off and whether you’ll be indoors or outdoors.
How to Accessorize Your Winter Wedding Gown
The accessories you choose for your winter wedding dress should serve as both a style statement and a protective layer of warmth. Some stylish accessories options include satin shrugs, fur stoles, graceful scarves, and fur hats. If you’re looking to add more personality, you can go for leather jackets, sequined cashmere sweaters, and leopard-skin prints.
When it comes to choosing your shoes, remember to consider both style and functionality. Close-toed shoes with heels such as ankle boots with stiletto heels or matching pumps can look flawless with your winter bridal attire. If comfort is your priority, we recommend velvet or suede flats or white booties.
A Final Word
Now that you know how to stay warm and stylish during your winter wedding, the next step would be to shop for the wedding dress of your dreams. Aside from the considerations listed above, make sure the gown you choose aligns with your body type, style, and wedding venue.
