When excitement over a tropical fete or balmy weathered soiree simply can’t be mustered, it seems only fitting that a winter wedding date is at the top of your list. From to slope style and midi chic to avant-garde and Grace Kelly core, winter bridal fashion gives you a much-coveted opportunity for versatility in fabric, silhouette and layering. Truth be told, if these winter wedding dresses were competing in the Olympics, they’d all be neck and neck for the gold. But please, IOC, do make it platinum .
(L) photo by Carrie Patterson with planning by Lauren Emerson Events, florals by lily & co. and dress by Markarian: (R) photo courtesy of Jill Arden with planning by Harvest Moon Events
Photo by Cinzia Bruschini with gown by Naeem Khan
(L) photo by Cinzia Bruschini with planning + design by Exclusive Italy Weddings and gown by J’Aton Couture; (R) photo + gown by About Phaedra
Photo by Simon Cecere with gown by Paolo Sebastian
(R) photo by Daniel Maldonado with gown by Zuhair Murad
Photo by Walker Studios with gown by Monique Lhuillier
(L) photo + gown by Danielle Frankel; (R) photo + gown by Hermione de Paula
Photo by David Abel with planning + design by Lustre Theory and gown by Naeem Khan
(Both) Photos by Jessica Steddom with gown by Galia Lahav
Photo by Jenna McElroy with planning + design by Kailee Roberts Design and gown by Millia London
(L) photo by Megan Kay Photography with gown by Galia Lahav; (R) photo by Heather Waraksa with planning by Claire Bean Events and gown by Elizabeth Fillmore
Photo by Norman & Blake with gown by Monique Lhuillier
Winter Wedding Dress Fabrics
From November to February, it seems that heavyweight fabrics like velvet, brocade, thick lace and crepe are in cahoots with bridal designers and boutiques around the world. And that’s no coincidence. These luxe, timeless materials offer a level of warmth that others, more suited to breezy climates, do not.
(L) photo by David Abel with planning + design by Lustre Theory and gown by Naeem Khan
Photo by Erich McVey with planning + design by Joy Proctor and gown by All About Romance
Photo by Forged in the North with planning by Weaver Events and gown by Oscar de la Renta
(R) photo by Samm Blake with planning + design by Le Petite Privé, florals by Birch Event Design and gown by The Atelier Couture
Photo by Nate Shepard Photography
(L) photo by Anna G with planning by Perfect Details Ireland, florals by Victorian Posy and gown by Monique Lhuillier
Photo by Cedar & Pines with dress by Ralph Lauren
Winter Wedding Dress Silhouettes
While many winter brides opt for long sleeves and floor-length hems, we’re seeing more and more modern takes on cold-weather fashion. Opera gloves, trailing veils, sleek capes and high necks are all tasteful alternatives or enhancements to more traditional winter bridal gown silhouettes. But really, anything goes. Midis and jumpsuits can feel just as merry if the temperatures are right in your wedding destination!
(L) photo by George Alexander Brown with bouquet from Flowers by Faith and gown by Shona Joy; (R) photo by Rodeo & Co with gown by Carolina Herrera
Photo by Charla Storey and Jennefer Wilson with florals by Max Owens Design and gown from a & bé dallas bridal shop
(L) photo by Joel & Justyna with dress by WONÁ Concept; (R) photo by Benjamin Wheeler with dress by Savannah Miller
Photo by Jenny Fu with dress by Alexandra Grecco
(L) photo by Ryan Ray with gown by Galia Lahav; (R) photo by Lynn Dunston with planning by Yodit Events, florals from Designs by Oochay and gown by Floravere
Photo by Erin McGinn with florals by Stoneblossom Florals and gown by Reem Acra
(L) photo by KT Merry with planning by Baku Events, florals by Juan Pablo Cámara and bridal fashion by Carolina Herrera; (R) photo by Christian Oth Studio with planning by Cait & Jules and gown by Monique Lhuillier
Winter Wedding Dress Styles
As with all visual moments for the wedding day, let your venue take the lead. A fringed boho chic caftan gown doesn’t quite fit a ballroom setting, just as a Duchess of Cambridge ballgown doesn’t work in the desert. We shared our best tips + tricks for finding a gown that complements your venue in a past post here – worth a revisit!
See Also
Photo by Carrie Patterson with gown by Odylyne the Ceremony
(L) Photo by Perry Vaile with planning + design by A Southern Soiree, florals by Watered Garden Florist and gown by Sareh Nouri; (R) photo by Bedge Pictures with planning by Sapphire Events, styling by SOStyle, bridal gown by Reine Roi and bridesmaid dresses by Studio AK
Photo by Rebecca Hollis Photography with planning + design by Greenwood Events
(L) photo by Christy Speers with planning + florals by Monica Relyea Events and gown by Paolo Sebastian; (R) photo by Les Loups with dress by Carolina Herrera
Photo by Elise Sterck with gown by Bon Bridé
Winter Wedding Dresses We’ve Been Bookmarking
I’ll be honest, we’ve been torpedoing towards this year’s bridal fashion faster than you can say runway. From statement bows to Regency era cuts, this list covers the long and the short of it. Happy browsing!
Celestia Beaded Lace Dress from Markarian
(L) Celestia Beaded Lace Dress from Markarian; (R) Hyacinth Midi Dress from Carolina Herrera
Orsi Gown from Max Mara
(L) Watters Laurie Gown from BHLDN; (R) Diamond Duchesse Satin Gown from Emilia Wickstead
Isabella Mini Dress from Alexia Maria
(L) Allegro Gown from MATICEVSKI; (R) Germana Dress from Max Mara
Siena Dress from Francesca Miranda
(L) Yvetta Duchesse Satin Gown from Markarian; (R) Organza Bow Jacket from Halfpenny London
Willowby by Watters Coco Gown from BHLDN
(L) Afrodite Dress from Francesca Miranda; (R) Mayfair Dress from Halfpenny London
Gatsby Dress from Reformation
(L) Lyra Tiered Fit & Flare Dress from Dress the Population; (R) Bridal Nerin Gown from Costarellos
Appliquéd Embroidered Tulle Gown from Costarellos
(L) Frances Gown from Watters via BHLDN; (R) Linnea White Lace Gown from Markarian
Embroidered Tulle Gown from Pamella Roland
(L) Embellished Crepe Dress from Pamella Roland; (R) Silk Faille Twisted Bow Jumpsuit from Alexia Maria
Now that you’ve made like Glen Miller and gotten in the mood… get the full scoop on how you can create an unforgettable winter wedding ceremony here next!
Cover photo by LCS Studio with gown by Carolina Herrera via Over the Moon
