Winter weddings might not be common, but there’s something magical about getting married when snow falls. For many couples, this is the perfect time to celebrate their big day. Yet, since most people don’t associate cold weather with weddings, some special considerations need to be made for the attire. So, what are some good bridal dresses for winter weddings?
How to Choose a Bridal Dress for a Winter Wedding
While suits and tuxedos typically involve long sleeves and long pants, formal dresses don’t provide as much warmth. For the bride and bridesmaids, you need to choose dresses that are both stylish and comfortable for the weather. Think about the fabric, sleeve length, and skirt length when making your decision.
If the wedding is inside, you can choose short sleeve dresses, as long as you have a stylish cover up to wear when walking outside of the venue. If the ceremony is outside, you won’t have as many wedding dress and bridesmaid dress options if you want to stay warm.
Selecting an Outdoor Winter Wedding Dress
Winter is still the least popular season for weddings, but couples are becoming more open to the idea. From 2013 to 2014, there was a 69% increase in winter weddings, and the number of winter weddings continues to grow today. Yet, most people still have most of the event indoors.
If you want to have the ceremony (or any other major parts of your wedding) outside, choose the wedding party’s dresses carefully. Ideally, the dress should be floor length, have long sleeves, and be made with warm, thick fabric. The dresses should look great in photos without making the bride and wedding party freeze.
Choosing the Best Winter Wedding Dress
Need help choosing bridal dresses for a winter wedding? Winter wedding dresses typically have different styles than dresses made for other seasons. Here are some ideas to help you find your dream dress.
Long Sleeve Winter Wedding Dresses
Long sleeve wedding dresses aren’t common in the spring, summer, and fall, but they’re the perfect style for winter months. One of the most popular styles involves dresses with lace sleeves that have floral patterns on them. They might not provide much warmth, but they’re beautiful and match the style of winter weddings well.
If you want something a little more practical, some dresses have long sleeves made of the same material as the rest of the dress, usually satin. This can create a cohesive look that protects your arms from frigid winds.
Simple Winter Wedding Gowns
Sometimes simple is the most elegant. Since wedding dresses are usually the color of fresh snow, many of them already look perfect for winter weddings. Simple designs are usually just a solid white fabric without any embellishments or sparkles. These looks can be timeless and fit any venue, which is why many brides are drawn to them.
A simple design can also work well for keeping you warm. Without adding anything over-the-top to the design, it’s easier to make the dress in a fabric and style that’s warm and comfortable. Don’t overlook the simple styles because they might be exactly what you’re looking for.
Winter Wedding Gowns with Fur
Winter is the only season where faux fur makes sense on wedding dresses. Some dresses have fluffy pieces added to the top while others have a matching fur jacket that’s perfect for an outdoor ceremony. Instead of a veil, a fur-lined hood might look perfect for outdoor winter weddings.
Winter wedding gowns with fur are perfect for embracing the season. Faux fur is extremely stylish while also keeping you warm and cozy when taking photos outside. Adding fur to your dress might look odd in the summer, but in the winter, it can help the bride stand out and look more beautiful than ever.
Christmas Wedding Gowns
If you schedule your wedding close to Christmas, you may want to embrace that by including Christmas-themed decorations and a special dress to match. Christmas wedding gowns could include fur-lined sections like mentioned above, but many people also choose to stray away from traditional colors. Adding some red to your wedding dress can make it fit in perfectly during the Christmas season.
You don’t have to alter your dream dress to make it seem Christmasy. If you already have a dress picked out, choose a bouquet of red Christmas flowers to hold while walking down the aisle. Some Christmas accessories, such as a winter-themed necklace or headpiece, could also do the trick.
Ideas for Winter Bridesmaid Dresses
Of course, the bride looking like a winter princess should be a priority, but the bridesmaids’ dresses matter too. Not only should they be warm enough for winter weather, but they should also fit seasonal styles.
Choose colors that look good with winter styles, such as dark hues. Burgundy, navy, emerald, dark purple, and gold are all beautiful choices for winter bridesmaid dresses. Look for winter fabrics too, such as velvet or satin.
Having simple, dark-colored dresses surrounding the bride will provide a beautiful contrast next to the snowy backgrounds. Remember, not all bridesmaid dresses have to be identical. You can choose a certain winter color and then let each bridesmaid choose the dress style they feel the most comfortable in.
Get Your Bridal Dresses for a Winter Wedding Altered
Bridal dresses for a winter wedding need alterations just like other wedding dresses. In many cases, adjustments may be more important than ever with these dresses because they have more fabric. So, don’t wait to get your wedding dress and bridesmaid dresses altered.
If you live in the Houston area, consider Memorial Tailors for your wedding alteration needs. We specialize in wedding dresses, so we can handle the delicate fabrics and intricate details of winter wedding dresses.
Book an appointment today to ensure your bridal dresses look perfect for your upcoming winter wedding. The sooner you get your alterations planned, the more at ease you can feel as you plan your big day.
