A winter wonderland wedding is so enticing. Frosty mornings, crisp air and icy-blue skies coupled with roaring fires, flickering candles and a hopeful dusting of snow. The concept of a winter wedding is magical. However, cold temperatures also bring the need for some practicalities. Discover beautiful ways to incorporate cosy wedding coats into your bridal attire and stay warm on your big day.
Even if you’ve always dreamt of a winter wedding, a wedding coat is something you might have overlooked. Remember, it’s a long joyous day and the last thing you want is anything to spoil the fun, especially shivering in the cold. After all, you don’t want to be your something blue!
Whether you’d like an item that channels autumn and early winter with splashes of vibrant red, mustard and blood orange, or a festive Christmas piece, we’ve got some stylish tips to keep you warm and looking utterly chic.
Our styling tips will ensure that you are still showcasing your glorious gown during these colder months. From sleek white coats and statement faux fur numbers, we’ve got a few traditional and alternative ideas to keep you warm during your special day.
Why not team your dress with a pretty bridal collar, coat or cloak? Get inspired with the various options below.
Dress Sleeves
For brides that want to brave the cold – as a coat is never usually part of the plan – we’ll start with some suggestions on how to tailor your dress for those winter-wonderland weddings.
Choose an elegant sleeve, whether that’s all the way down to the wrist or three-quarter length. This is a practical and beautiful extra layer that will help to keep goose bumps at bay.
If lace isn’t your thing, opt for intricate illusion embroidery, or you could even embrace a full fabric sleeve.
Batwing sleeves create a gorgeous, flowing silhouette and loosely cover the entire arm. Consequently, they’re a fabulous option for women who aren’t entirely comfortable with their arms, or if they simply want to feel unrestrained and comfortable.
Illusion cut-outs or panelling is a fabulous way to cover up and have a layer of material against your skin without feeling like you’re entirely wrapped up. As well as this, they can be intricately embellished or elegantly simple, perfect for traditional and contemporary brides. You could even enjoy the best of both worlds with a V-neck slip under lace illusion overlay.
Dress Collars
Another firm favourite is a high collar. Not only can you get creative with the cut, but collars frame the face beautifully. Also, they’re perfect for brides who aren’t into plunging necklines.
A high lace illusion neckline is a beautiful feature on a flowing dress for the bohemian bride. If you’re looking for something soft and understated, a barely there mesh neckline will add that thin layer without being visible.
Glamourous brides can opt for a dazzling neckline adorned with beading and embroidery. A show stopping choice, this is a must-have for the bride looking to channel the ultimate ice-queen look.
The timeless Peter Pan collar is of course a contender. After all, it attracted the likes of Grace Kelly, Elizabeth Taylor and Kate Middleton on their wedding day. A chic feature on a simplistic wedding dress for the elegantly understated bride, the Peter Pan collar isn’t going anywhere.
Faux Fur Coats
The epitome of winter wear, fur – faux of course – is a statement piece that adds a touch of glam to any outfit.
Look boho-chic in a faux fur coat in neutral browns, black or caramel shades. The perfect accompaniment to a winter woodland wedding, imagine strolling through the frosty trees draped in decadent fur.
The traditional bride can choose a fabulous white, grey or cream shade. Not only will this look super high-fashion, but it will complement your wedding dress beautifully. A stark white floor length fur coat will look striking against a snow-covered manor house or mansion backdrop.
These fashion favourites are guaranteed to make you feel stylish. Cosy up in a short, calf-length or floor-length number.
Alternatively go with a fur collar, snood or a fur shoulder wrap. This is a great option if you don’t want to fully commit to a coat.
They can be gently draped along your shoulders and will still showcase your wedding dress beautifully. Not as thick and heavy as a coat, they’re an excellent option if you’re planning an early or late winter occasion and the weather is warming up a bit.
Keeping It Simple
Long, slender white or ivory-coloured coats will complement traditional wedding dresses perfectly. They’ll also look absolutely stunning against a snow-filled backdrop.
The detailing of your chosen coat should really depend on your wedding dress – and personal preference of course. You definitely don’t want to detract from your dress, so if you have a simple gown, a simple coat might be the best option.
The shape of the coat can also be determined by the silhouette of your wedding dress. A winter wedding coat should sit comfortably over your dress. If you have a very fitted gown a straight up and down long-line coat would work nicely.
Alternatively if you’ve opted for an A-line or ball gown dress, a more fitted coat that draws in at the waist will complement your silhouette.
Short coats sit beautifully at the waist, just above the hips. This will show off the skirt of your wedding dress. As a result, they’re a great choice for brides who are wearing a full skirted dress with layers of tulle. Although remember, a short or cropped coat might not keep you super warm.
Coloured Coats
Dare to be bold and opt for a colourful coat. Choose your favourite colour or match your coat to your wedding theme. This way you’ll be sure to stand out in your photos. You’ll also be in perfect coordination with your bridesmaids and wedding party!
We love the idea of a pop of red. It would stand out against a frosty backdrop and is a warm and festival colour, ideal for a Christmas wedding. You could also opt for red accents in your bouquet and floral arrangements.
On the other hand, colour doesn’t always have to mean vibrant. Soft pastel tones are effortlessly romantic for a winter wedding. Think powder blue or blush pink.
Full Snow Queen
It’s your wedding day; you can do what you want to! We’re advocates of a full on snow queen look.
Fur-trimmed white coats are the perfect choice to embrace this style and you can enjoy the best of both worlds with a touch of faux fur.
Match the coat with a faux fur hat and white gloves to keep you warm whilst still looking trendy. If you want to go all out, you could even wear a dazzling diamante tiara in your hair or an extravagant head piece.
Accessories
Believe it or not, there is a whole host of bridal accessories perfect for a winter wedding. Firstly, there’s bridal footwear from high-heeled boots to shiny white wellies!
Bridal capes and shawls are the perfect extra layer for your winter wedding outfit, particularly if you’re braving a sleeve-less dress.
Long white gloves worn under your coat will also help to keep you nice and snug as well as adding a touch of 1920s glamour.
Hats are a traditional wedding accessory, although not so much for the bride nowadays. However, a cosy hat would be a welcome feature to a bridal outfit for a winter wedding.
Lastly, a slip is a super easy and affordable way to add an extra layer of warmth. However, if you do opt for a slip or bridal underwear that covers you up, ensure you try anything on with your dress beforehand. You don’t want there to be any lumps and bumps visible from those under layers on the big day.
Whatever style you choose at this majestic and romantic time of year you’re sure to look stunning. Just pick and choose the tips we have listed above to stay warm! If you have any other fantastic ideas, leave a comment below.
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