The Bride's Heart

More and more brides are looking to the winter months for their big day. For some details, this may pose a bit of a challenge. When you start searching for winter wedding dresses, it opens up many beautiful possibilities.

Since a winter bride will not have to worry about sweltering beneath layers of fabric, the material of the dress itself could be a heavier weight silk or satin.

The thought of a gown made from a silk brocade fabric, with its intricate raised pattern, and interwoven gold and silver threads would be out of the question for a ceremony and photo session in the August sun. Now it is not only breathtaking, it also provides a bit of warmth against the wintry elements.

Although the majority of gowns sold today are sleeveless or strapless, there is a trend toward the elegant look of the 1940′s long sleeved styles. Imagine an ivory satin gown with simple, clean lines, a portrait collar and dramatic, long trumpet sleeves.

For brides who still prefer to bare their shoulders, but want a little extra insulation in their winter wedding dress, a wrap, cape or stole is just the thing. Whether it is a faux fur trimmed cape, fastened with a shimmering clasp, or a rich, deep poinsettia red cashmere wrap, these accessories are striking, as well as practical.

Winter brides have everyone’s permission to be creative with the color of their dress. After all, particularly in snowy areas, there is usually more than enough white to look at. Why not opt for a shade of very pale blue, or creamy ivory for those winter wedding dresses?

Whether a bride chooses the traditional white or something else, it is the details which in the end, will make the dress truly stand out. Crystals can shimmer on the bodice and train of a gown like new fallen snowflakes in the moonlight. Pearls can add a warm glow to a dress, making everyone forget how cold it is outside.

From the material, to the sleeves and the embellishments, a dress can be stunning, no matter the season.