While we love the beauty that each season brings, there’s something extra magical about dreamy winter weddings that turn up those glamorous big-day vibes.
From the opulent colour schemes and rich, textured fabrics to an abundance of romantic candlelight, comforting food and snow-dusted photography backdrops, this spectacular season easily melts our hearts!
And we’ve not even mentioned winter bridalwear options, which include spectacular dress designs and heavenly accessories to suit a whole host of seasonal nuptials. Think demure ballgowns for stately celebrations, enchanting A-lines for those winter wonderland feels, or pared-back, figure-hugging gowns for chic black-tie style ‘I dos’.
Sound like a bit of you? Then this post couldn’t be any more up your wedding-planning street as we delve further into winter wedding dress styles along with fitting bridal accessories; plus, we’re spotlighting our very favourite winter-friendly gowns from our current collections.
Shopping For A Winter Wedding Dress
Just like any other season, there aren’t any set-in-stone styling ‘rules’ for winter brides, but we’d always advise keeping the weather, setting, and style of celebration in mind when shopping for a winter wedding dress.
Of course, it’s also important to think about your own personal style and the dress cuts and necklines you tend to favour, as these are likely to be what best suits your figure and what you feel most comfortable in.
As temperatures dip during the winter months, layers and coverage are likely to be key considerations in order to keep warm and cosy. For that reason, floor-length, high-neck silhouettes and those with sleeves often prove popular, along with multi-layered ballgowns.
When it comes to winter wedding dress fabrics, heavier-weight materials, such as mikado, crepe, lace and brocade, tend to reign supreme, favoured for their heat-retaining nature and opulent aesthetic. We also love materials like silk and satin that have a subtle sheen and so glow beautifully in the soft winter light.
But do bear in mind that just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean you have to cover up from top-to-toe. There are plenty of winter-friendly gowns that allow a gorgeous flash of flesh, such as backless and off-shoulder designs, as well as those with high leg splits and sultry illusion detailing.
Bridal separates and gowns with detachable elements, meanwhile, can provide the best of both worlds, with brides able to switch up their look - and their layers - thanks to head-turning overskirts, cool capes, and stylish sleeves.
For those going down the festive sparkle, high-glam or lavish winter styling route, gowns with glittering detailing can be a match made in wedding heaven! Look out for dresses with metallic embroidery, crystal, sequin or beaded embellishment or in shimmering tulles that will dazzle for days!
If looking to emit more enchanted princess-style vibes, gowns with layer upon layer of romantic tulle and subtle sparkle detail will effortlessly fit your bridal brief.
At the other end of the style spectrum, simple winter wedding dresses tend to tick boxes for those planning sophisticated stately home nuptials or relaxed city centre celebrations. These designs are less about detailing and more about beautiful clean lines and luxurious fabrics, whether in flowing or structured silhouettes.
Modern winter brides, meanwhile, will likely go weak at the knees for dresses with on-trend design elements, such as big, bold sleeves, oversized bows and luxe feather trims.
Accessories For Winter Brides
Winter is the ultimate season for accessorising with endless cover-up, outwear and finishing touch options for brides to create a totally unique big-day look.
Again, in the interest of looking fabulous AND keeping warm, many winter brides opt for an additional layer on their top half. This could be anything from a plush faux fur jacket, stole or wrap to a cute lace topper, embellished capelet or a chic cashmere sweater, a la Olivia Palermo!
More contemporary cover-ups include cool leather or denim jackets, often with handpainted or personalised design elements. Then there are pearl-studded wedding tuxedos and, one of the biggest bridal trends for 2023, captivating bridal capes.
In terms of bridal hair accessories and jewellery, those with crystal adornments suit the winter months perfectly, adding to the fine festive and lavish party feels. We also love to see decadent bridal crowns and headbands, jewel-embellished belts and pretty much anything detailed with iridescent pearls (obviously!), be it a veil, bag or heels.
Talking of which, we’re excited to announce a brand new accessory brand to our North Yorkshire bridal boutique - the amazing Hayze Bridal - that specialises in the dreamiest bridal veils and bows. Designs from this fashion-forward brand include shimmering organza hair bows and luxe pearl-peppered veils that would top off winter bridal attire in glorious style!
Our Top Bridal Gown Picks For Winter Weddings
And now, onto some of the heart-stoppingly beautiful winter wedding dresses you’ll find hanging on the rails of our pretty North Yorkshire bridal boutique. We’re talking everything from sparkling showstoppers and modern minimalist gowns to fabulous curve-flattering designs, meaning there’s an option for all!
Spot one that steals your heart? Then be sure to book a Luxury Bridal Experience at The Little Pearl, during which you can see your dress crush in the fabric and try it on, along with other gorgeous dresses from our collections, assisted by your very own bridal stylist.
Ever by Evie Young
This Cinderella-like ballgown ticks some serious winter bride boxes! Its luxe corseted top descends into the fairytale layered skirt of dreams, complete with glitter tulle overlay. Ever’s detachable balloon tulle sleeves elevate the opulence and give brides the option to change up their look.
Potion by Rachel Rose
For those in search of a simple winter wedding dress, we adore the captivating Potion gown by Rachel Rose. Its dreamy mermaid silhouette shows off curvy hourglass figures beautifully, while its detachable sheer chiffon sleeves, long length and illusion neckline provide a good amount of coverage without the need for multiple layers.
Maeve by Wtoo
A personal favourite of ours, the sensational Maeve gown effortlessly emits ethereal opulence. Perfect for winter wonderland and chic New Year’s Eve weddings alike, it features a to-die-for hand-beaded pearl bodice with a scattering of gems cascading down its frothy tulle skirt.
7577 by Stella York
One of our top winter wedding dress designs for curvy brides, Stella York’s 7577 dress combines a beautiful plain Mikado silk skirt with a super romantic lace bodice. Its cap sleeves and illusion tulle back make it a great choice for fuller-busted brides, allowing for coverage, support and an elegant flash of skin.
Elodie by Evie Young
This enchanting ballgown gives us pretty princess vibes with its soft textured lace detailing, romantic pleated off-shoulder straps and gorgeous layered skirt. The sequin sparkle-dusted lace also means you’ll twinkle as your twirl in this dreamy winter-friendly dress.
Empire overskirt by Rachel Rose
The queen of transitional bridalwear, Rachel Rose offers a choice of innovative detachable additions within her stunning collections so brides can build their own big-day look. This includes a number of magical overskirts, striking sleeves and some heavenly ‘angel wings’. One of our favourites is the structured Empire overskirt, which can be worn with slimline dress designs, such as Pearl or Chloe, to enhance the drama and turn up the heat!
Lucky by Wtoo
Another dazzling showstopper, Lucky features dreamlike lace detailing and iridescent beadwork constellations that catch the light at every turn. Its beautifully layered mermaid skirt adds enchanting movement to the bottom half of the gown, while the bodice features a striking plunge illusion neckline.
Empire Dove by Rachel Rose
For winter brides wanting full-on fairytale feels, it doesn’t get much more ‘once-upon-a-time’ pretty than Dove Empire. Crafted in rich premium stain, we’re completely mesmerised by its soft pleated bodice, sweeping skirt and sumptuous bow.
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