If there’s one planning event brides look forward to the most, it’s shopping for their wedding dress. There is just something undeniably exciting about trying on a myriad of gowns to find the one that fits your figure and style. Not to mention makes you feel beautiful walking down the aisle to the love of your life. And shopping for winter wedding dresses is no exception.
“Winter weddings immediately throw people into coziness and warmth,” says Galia Lahav, an Israeli fashion designer primarily known for her bridal and evening wear. “If weddings are all about celebrating intimacy and togetherness, then the winter setup just enhances the entire thing. It reminds us of the best time of the year—the holidays where we can be surrounded by family and friends.”
“Brides getting married in the winter have the most beautiful elements of all the seasons to play off of,” adds Bri Marbais, bridal stylist at The Bridal Finery in Winter Park, Florida. “Metallic color palettes, romantic venue lighting, and a variety of textures are just a few common winter wedding must-haves.” All of which serve for plenty of inspiration!
Winter Wedding Dresses: What to Consider
Considering winter is such a distinct season, shopping for a bridal gown or winter wedding outfits is a whole different process compared to spring or summer. Here are the tips our bridal experts say you should be aware of when shopping for the perfect winter wedding dress.
Warmth:
When it comes to winter wedding dresses, it’s important to prioritize warmth combined with formal flourish. “A ball gown with a full skirt and long sleeves are sure to keep you feeling toasty all evening long,” suggests Hailey Ramirez. “If you plan to have an outdoor ceremony or take photos outdoors, you may want to rethink that backless, sleeveless gown.” However, most styles can be winterized with a few simple touches. She recommends including a thick, skin-toned layer underneath to provide the sexiness of showing skin while secretly adding warmth in layers.
It also doesn’t mean you have to automatically eliminate anything revealing (such as a plunging neckline or open back). You’ll just want to consider whether a long sleeve dress is something you would be into, or if an illusion neckline that provides both warmth and a hint of skin is more your style.
You can also consider more heavyweight fabrics. A tulle or velvet dress will be warmer than silk in cold weather. Also a crepe jumpsuit could work nicely in lower temps as well.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: 5 Expert Tips for Planning an Epic Winter Wedding
Style:
Covering up to keep warm doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice fashion. While a high neckline is always chic, her recent go-to for winter brides include an off-the-shoulder neckline for a dose of glamour. This can frame your face, elongate your neck, and show off your collarbones while still extending into a long-sleeve dress. She also recommends a high slit, which adds dimension and a sense of mystery to your dress. “Adding a simple hook-and-eye closure also stops a cold breeze in its tracks,” she adds.
Sleeves can also make your entire look. A long-sleeved wedding dress can add the right amount of drama while still being practical in terms of coverage, notes Lahav. For brides looking to show more skin, she recommends outerwear such as a scarf, jacket, or even gloves. “There are so many options, but your dress should set the tone and not the other way around,” she says.
Detachable features:
If your ceremony will be taking place outdoors in the winter, a detachable skirt is something to consider, according to Marbais. “The skirt will give the bride a grand and timeless feel for their ceremony while keeping them warm outdoors,” she says. “Having the option to remove the skirt for the reception will give the bride a complete second look and something easier to dance in.”
In order for the stylist to provide the best options during the appointment, she recommends brides come with an idea of their wedding timeline. For example, at which point during the wedding they will be indoors or outdoors.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: These are the 16 most popular wedding day perfumes.
Accessories for Winter Wedding Dresses:
Winter weddings typically call for colder temperatures, which means outerwear is a must. “Brides have more options now than ever for this important winter wedding accessory,” says Marbais. She recommends chatting with your bridal stylist to learn what pairs best with your chosen dress. This could be a faux fur coat or shawl, a vintage cape, or even an oversized comfy sweater. Even if they don’t sell these in their store, they may have some recommendations for where you can find them.
Gloves are also making a huge comeback, notes Lahav. “Combining a nice pair of gloves with your gown is a wonderful way to cover yourself, but also a way to create two looks.”
And while they’re more practical, lets not forget tights to keep your legs warm!
Shoes:
Shopping for shoes for your winter wedding? Marbais urges brides to not only keep style in mind, but functionality as well. “While snow is incredibly magical, having the right pair of shoes will make getting around much easier,” she says. “It wouldn’t be a bad idea to have two pairs of shoes to choose from, depending on how the weather turns out the day of the wedding.”
Winter Wedding Dresses: Our Favorite Tips
| What to Consider | Why It’s Important |
|---|---|
| Heavier fabrics like velvet, satin, or brocade; avoid lightweight fabrics like chiffon. | These luxe fabrics are both elegant and warm. |
| Dresses with long sleeves or higher necklines for added warmth. | Extra coverage is practical for cold weather and looks super chic. |
| Dresses with detachable layers or overskirts for versatility. | You can adapt to different temperatures throughout the event. |
| Be mindful of indoor heating when choosing your dress; avoid overly warm options if you’ll be indoors for long periods. | You don’t want to overheat, especially when dancing! |
| Icy blues, rich reds, or metallics all work for a winter-themed color palette. | You’ll look festive and gorgeous! |
| Closed-toe shoes or boots, possibly with non-slip soles. | Will add an extra layer of safety in snowy or icy conditions. |
| Winter-specific accessories like faux fur stoles or elegant gloves. | Adds a seasonal touch and extra warmth |
Current Trends for Winter Wedding Dresses
A strong trend that Lahav has noticed for several seasons now is lace sleeves as well as dramatic sleeves. “Big, puffy, over-the-top sleeves create drama and romance. It’s a one-of-a-kind look that immediately transforms the whole gown into a fashion-forward, sophisticated statement,” she says. “Another bonus is that big sleeves always photograph well. They allow you to have more playfulness and variety in your wedding images.”
Winter Wedding Dresses FAQ
When it comes to winter wedding dresses, there really are no rules as our experts note above. However, you DO want to be practical. Long sleeves and thicker materials will keep you warmer. However, if you have fallen in love with a silk sheath dress, just make sure you at least have warm accessories on hand to keep you comfortable.
Cocktail attire isn’t necessarily made for warmth, so it’s important to make sure you bring all your traditional cold-weather gear (like that parka or faux fur coat and gloves). Pantyhose are also a great way to keep your legs warm if you’re wearing a shorter dress.
All products featured on Woman Getting Married are independently selected by our editors. However, we may earn affiliate revenue on this article and commission when you buy something. Learn more.
That Galia Lahav Bay dress is gorgeous!