If there’s one event associated with weddings that brides look forward to the most, it is always shopping for ‘the dress’. Whenever you tell someone you’re getting married, or meet someone new and mention you are planning a wedding, you can gaurantee there will always be mention of the wedding dress.
Choosing a wedding dress is just undeniably exciting – it’s like every girls dream from a young age. Trying on a myriad of dresses in different styles and shapes, falling in love with several gowns, picking out veils, sparkly jewellery and feeling like a Princess. With this in mind, shopping for winter wedding dresses can be slightly different that the standard Summer wedding shop. There’s something a little more magical and whimsical and a Winter wedding, whether it falls across Christmas, the frosty January and February period, or the crisp late Autumn months of October and November.
When shopping for your wedding dress, always consider the time of year first. A winter wedding is going to make you think about things that Summer brides don’t ponder over too much – like layers, colour schemes, materials and textures. Plus, it can dictate the hair and makeup you go for, too. You want to make sure your dress will provide enough warmth incase you experience unexpected snowfalls on your big day, or harsh winds. That being said, the Winter months can see lots of rain, and very dark evenings. It may be you have to settle for indoor photos as light can be lost at 3pm, but let’s try and stick to elements that affect your wedding dress selection in this article…
What to consider when shopping for winter wedding dresses
Winter weddings celebrate warmth, cosy vibes and have that wholesome, magic feel. There is something about the crisp cold air outside when celebrating a wedding that is just breathtaking and wonderful.
First of all, when shopping for your Winter wedding dress, remember that it doesn’t mean you have to stick to ‘rules’. Winter weddings don’t necessarily mean no plunging necklines or open backs, but, you may feel dresses with these features don’t lend themselves to your Winter theme. It can be a chance to explore more elegant styles, with long sleeves, high necklines and matching jackets. It could even open up opportunities to wear jacket and trouser suits, hats and faux fur.
Accessories
Realistically think of the accessories you might need when styling up your Winter dress. You can start getting an idea of detachable accessories like boleros, cropped jackets, veils, tiaras, jewellery and shoes even before you have selected the dress, as accessories can fit into a theme first if needed.
You might have a Christmas theme, where bridesmaids are in deep red dresses and you are hoping to bring some white fluffy faux fur to your outfit. This could mean statement crystal drop earrings and sparkling jewels in the form of a pendant necklace, or a delicate diamond bracelet. Remember that your wedding jewellery should compliment your Winter wedding dress, finishing it off and adding a touch of glam. Ideally it shouldn’t take over or take all the attention away.
Warmth:
When it comes to winter wedding dresses, it’s worth bearing in mind that you will need an element of warmth, which can eliminate certain styles of dresses. Unless you wanted to keep a shurg or bolero on all day, you’ll probably choose to avoid a sweetheart neckline that bears the shoulders and arms.
Instead, look at slinky long sleeve styles, or tulle ball gown styles with full skirts and sleeves. Even weddings that take place in the coldest of Winter months may still mean that the bride wants outdoor photos, so this does mean that it’s worth looking at dresses that can be winterized with a few simple touches.
Look at dresses which can lend themselves to wearing thick, skin-toned layers underneath, which can give the illusion of showing skin, yet secretly adding warmth in layers.
Style:
Wearing a wedding dress that is styled to keep you warm doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice fashion. There are high neckline styles which will always look chic and sophisticated. But, if you wanted to go for something a little more slinky, look for off-the-shoulder necklines which can include puff sleeves, or even off shoulder strapless dresses, which come with detachable sleeves. This is a trend that has grown over the past two wear, and you can get a range of different sleeve styles to slip on and off.
Also, with long flowing skirts that come with most winter style wedding dresses, look at ones that feature a high slit, as this can add dimension and a sense of mystery. Plus, it oozes femininity.
Although sleeve dresses tend to be the number one choice for Winter wedding dresses, remember that for some brides, it’s OK to want something that shows more skin. You just have to look at ways to add layers that don’t look too ‘chunky’.
Long elegant arm gloves can work of you chose to wear a strappy dress or one that shows off the shoulders. A cropped jacket or faux fur shawl works wonderful when draped over a fitted fishtail dress. There are so many options, and it’s important that you chose a style that works with your personality and can be adapted to the Winter weather, rather than feeling forced to fully cover up and end up not feeling like ‘you’.
Detachable features:
This is again quite a ‘new’ feature when it comes to wedding dresses. How many of you are familiar with detachable skirts? There are some super cute short wedding dresses that come with detachable long flowing skirts, so you can layer up during the day ceremony, but whip the skirt off for the evening. Having the option to remove the skirt for the reception gives some excitement to your outfit, and also makes it easier when it comes to swishing around for that first dance!
Winter Wedding Dress Trends
Some Winter wedding dress trends to bear in mind include detachable skirts, high necklines, lace sleeves and dramatic sleeves. One of the most ‘wow’ trends for Winter are the big, puffy, over-the-top sleeves that can be detachable, but also dresses that have them as a main feature. These sleeves create drama and romance, and work well with slim bodycon style skirts. It’s worth following some of the themes and trends from your wedding venue too – for example, some venues lend themselves to vintage and rustic styles, whereas others can be very glamorous and chic.
Looking on Instagram and Pinterest are great places to start if you are really unsure about where to start, when it comes to Winter dresses. Save the styles that jump out at you, and start creating your own inspiration boards along with jewellery, veils, shoes and accessories. You’ll soon find the whole look and feel will come together perfectly.
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