Winter weddings might not be the most popular, but they can create a magical and unique experience. If you have your heart set on getting married in a colder month, you’ll need to find the perfect winter wedding dress. Winter wedding dress ideas differ from summer dresses because you need to dress for the colder weather while remaining stylish.
Fall and summer are much more popular than winter weddings, which only made up 11% of weddings in 2023. While they’re not as common, winter weddings can be perfect for some brides and grooms. As long as you know how to properly dress for a wedding during chilly weather, you can make a winter wedding incredibly special.
Winter Wedding Dress Ideas
A gown for a winter wedding usually differs from wedding dresses for other seasons. Below are a few winter wedding dress ideas to make sure your dress looks perfect during colder months.
Long Sleeve Wedding Dresses
Long sleeve dresses are best for winter weddings because they can keep the bride warm while still being gorgeous. While not the most practical for cold weather, lacy long sleeves are popular and elegant. The lace often has fancy flower designs across it.
If you’re looking for a more practical long sleeve wedding dress, consider a simplistic design where the sleeves are the same material and design as the rest of the dress. These dresses are usually solid white with not many embellishments, but the plain design can be classy and help your dress mimic fresh white snow.
Wedding Dress Cover Ups
Most dresses aren’t suitable for keeping the bride warm, so it’s a good idea to have an elegant cover up available, especially if your dress doesn’t have long sleeves. A fuzzy or silky long-sleeved piece can go over the dress, making you feel warmer while still looking your best. Many brides take the cover up off for the ceremony but use it before and after to stay warm.
Long, Flowing Wedding Dresses
Something about a winter wedding feels extra elegant. So, you may want a whimsical wedding dress to match the vibes. Dresses with long skirts that blow in the wind look beautiful next to snowy landscapes. A dress with a flowing skirt can make you feel like royalty during your winter wedding. Plus, all the extra layers of fabric at the bottom can keep your legs warmer.
Christmas Wedding Dresses
Scheduling a wedding near Christmas is a bold decision, so you need a dress that’s just as special as your Christmas wedding. Dresses with large skirts or trains are usually perfect for matching the energy of this type of event. Some brides even add a little red to their winter wedding dresses to further get in the holiday spirit.
Winter Wedding Guest Dresses
The bride isn’t the only one who needs to choose a special wardrobe for a winter wedding. Most people are used to wearing dresses suitable for warm weather to weddings, so they might not have anything comfortable for a winter wedding.
How to Dress for a Winter Wedding
Outfits for winter weddings should usually match seasonal styles, unless the bride and groom say otherwise. Dark colors, such as navy blue, deep purple, burgundy, and emerald green are popular options. Metallic colors like gold, bronze, and silver could work well too.
Winter wedding guest gowns typically have different styles and fabrics than normal. They often have long sleeves and long skirts to keep you comfortable. The fabric should be warmer than normal while still looking nice enough for a wedding. Velvet, satin, or heavy lace are popular choices.
There are a lot of dresses that look perfect for attending a winter wedding, but if they have short sleeves, you might be a little cold. Many guests wear something on top of their dress to keep themselves comfortable.
What to Wear Over a Dress at a Winter Wedding
What you wear with a wedding guest dress varies based on the dress style. Overall, it should be something that keeps you warm without making the dress look casual. A blazer, cashmere wrap, cardigan, or faux fur shawl are all great choices. Having something to cover a dress can be better than a long sleeve dress because you can take the outer layer off if you get warm at the reception.
If your legs feel cold while wearing your dress, consider adding tights or leggings to the outfit to add an extra layer of warmth. Simple black tights/leggings should do the trick since they go with most dark-colored dresses.
Winter Bridesmaid Dresses
Like classy winter wedding guest dresses, winter bridesmaid dresses are usually winter hues like navy blue, burgundy, and dark green. They’re typically floor length and are made of thick fabric. Many brides let bridesmaids choose the specific dress style, as long as all the dresses are the same color and length. So, some bridesmaids may choose short sleeves and sleeveless options while others may prefer long sleeves to keep warm. Those without long sleeves should pack a sweater to wear before and after the ceremony.
Get Winter Wedding Dresses Tailored
There are lots of great winter wedding dress ideas out there for the bride, bridesmaids, and wedding guests. The goal is for everyone to look their best without them feeling too chilly. Thicker fabrics, cozier designs, and stylish cover ups can help with that.
Since many of these winter wedding dress ideas have more fabric than normal, it’s especially important to get your dress tailored. An experienced tailor can help you ensure that the dress fits you so well that you feel like royalty while wearing it.
If you live in the Houston area, Montrose Tailors specializes in wedding dress alterations, so we can help with all your tailoring needs. It may not get as cold during Houston winters as other locations, but it’s still good to dress comfortably and fit the winter style. Book an appointment with us today to get your dream dress altered.