The Winter Wedding Dress Guide

Fabric does more for warmth and mood than any other choice. Heavier fabrics like satin, mikado, and crepe have body and structure that look rich in soft winter light. They also hold their shape well in cooler, drier air.

Lace and tulle are still lovely in winter, especially when layered over a lined bodice. A gown with long lace sleeves or a fully lined skirt gives you the romance of lace with more coverage. If you want to feel the difference, ask your stylist to pull the same silhouette in two fabrics so you can compare them side by side.

Long sleeves are one of the most requested details for winter brides. Sheer illusion sleeves keep the look light, while lace or crepe sleeves add warmth and a classic, elegant feel. Off-the-shoulder and cap sleeves are a nice middle ground if you want some coverage without full sleeves.

If you love a strapless or spaghetti strap gown, you do not have to give it up. Many brides wear a sleeveless dress for the ceremony and reception, then add a cover-up for outdoor photos and arrivals.

Cover-ups let you adjust your look as the day goes on. Bridal capes, faux fur stoles, long-sleeve lace boleros, and cathedral-length veils all add warmth and drama to outdoor photos.

A cape in particular has become a favorite for winter weddings because it photographs beautifully and comes off easily once you are inside. Bring your cover-up to your final fitting so you can see the complete look together.

Higher necklines such as bateau, high illusion, and Queen Anne feel especially fitting for winter and pair nicely with long sleeves. A sweetheart or V-neck still works beautifully when balanced with sleeves or a cape.

Think about your train and the ground you will be walking on. Snow, salt, and slush are hard on fabric. A chapel or sweep train is easier to manage outdoors, and a bustle keeps the hem off the floor during the reception. Your alterations specialist can recommend the right bustle for your gown.

Winter light is softer and the days are shorter, so many couples schedule portraits earlier in the afternoon. Ivory, champagne, and soft blush tones look especially warm against snow and evergreen backdrops.

Keep a pair of warm, comfortable shoes nearby for outdoor shots and walking between locations. A little planning means you can enjoy those photos instead of rushing through them.

If your wedding is next winter, now is a wonderful time to begin. Shopping 12 to 14 months ahead gives you every gown option without rush fees. At Boulevard Bride in Lake St. Louis, our stylists can pull sleeved styles and structured fabrics, and help you think through veils and cover-ups, so you can picture the full winter look in one appointment.