5 Tips for Choosing a Winter Wedding Dress

If you’re hosting your celebration in one of the cooler months, you may want to reconsider going with a lightweight, strapless style for your winter wedding dress. Things you need to think about? The weather, the heating situation at your wedding venue, what you’ll be most comfortable and confident in and what to wear over your wedding dress. We’ve created a list of all the essentials for a winter bridal gown to help you absolutely nail your look.

Here’s how to choose a winter wedding dress.

Pay attention to fabrics

Weightier textiles are your friends in the winter months. Consider choosing wedding dress fabrics like silk mikado, brocade, faille, gabardine, velvet and moire. They’re much warmer than rayons, organzas and charmeuses, so you’ll be a bit more comfortable in the frosty air.

Wear a long-sleeved wedding dress

Sleeveless dresses look awesome, but if you’re not in a balmy venue, you may find yourself shivering while saying your vows. We suggest opting for a winter bridal gown with more coverage, like a three-quarter length or long-sleeved wedding dress. Hey, it worked for Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle, so it can work for you!

Bigger sometimes is better

Larger dresses can not only make you look and feel like a total princess on your wedding day, but the extra layers of tulle and taffeta can help keep you warm, too. If a bold ball gown with layers upon layers of tulle or organza isn’t up your alley, try a more form-fitting wedding dress silhouette made of a weightier fabric.

Layer up

Cozy wedding accessories are key for a winter wedding, even if you’re hosting your event in a toasty warm venue. Why? Well, you’re probably going to want to snap some pictures outside and you don’t want to freeze when you’re going to and from your venues. You could go for a luxurious faux fur stole, a trendy jacket, a dramatic cape or something completely different that complements your style. Whatever you choose, you’ll want to try it with your wedding dress first, so make sure it’s returnable!

Opt for a second dress

If you really want to wear a slinkier or strapless number at your reception, consider opting for something a bit warmer for your ceremony (or cooler, depending on the heating situation in your venue). Find yourself a second look that’s just as showstopping as your main winter wedding dress, but a little more comfortable, so that you can spend your night eating, drinking and dancing in style without getting too warm or cool.

Ready to start shopping for your winter wedding dress? Find wedding dress shops on WeddingWire »