There’s something magical about a winter wedding! The glittering snow, cool air, and festive feeling make it a wedding season like no other. But oftentimes brides wonder what kind of wedding dress they should wear for a winter wedding. While the season presents a unique backdrop, it also presents a unique set of criteria for finding cold weather wedding dresses. If you’re a bride who is looking for the perfect winter wedding dress, keep reading as we’ll be sharing the best styles and silhouettes, and answering all your burning questions for unique winter wedding ideas for brides in 2023.

What Kind of Wedding Dress Should a Bride Wear for a Wedding in the Winter?

• Long Sleeve Wedding Dress
  • Besides being beautiful, long, lined sleeves are the ideal choice for keeping you warm while looking chic and timeless. Geraldine, style 30124 is a stunning option with its long sleeves, corset detailing, and lace appliqués.
• Flounced Wedding Dress
  • Embrace the festive and whimsical feeling of the season with a flounced skirt. The layered tiers of tulle or organza create a delicate and beautiful effect made for twirling! Donna, style 5955 is our choice for a flounced winter wedding dress, serving tiered texture on a classic silhouette.
• Satin Wedding Dress
  • This fabric is ideal for a winter wedding with its heavy weight and opaque look. Satin gowns often have a luminous glow and are great for bold ball gowns or structured mermaid and fit and flare styles. Take Jude, style 2524 a modern ball gown, with cool cutouts and a stunning box-pleated satin skirt.

Unique Winter Wedding Dress Styles and Silhouettes

You want to stand out at your winter wedding with a dress that feels like one-of-a-kind. Whether you opt for simple elegance that takes inspiration from the blank nature of a snowy day or embrace the rustic and traditional vibe of a snowy night with a lace wedding dress, there are many unique winter wedding dress styles and silhouettes that can make you look and feel amazing! We love a classic ball gown for a winter wedding. The silhouette is grand and regal and a perfect fit for a winter wonderland wedding. If you’re going for a more casual wedding, think cozy cabin elopement, a casual crepe gown in a simple sheath silhouette can look effortless and elegant. Dazzle all your guests with a glittering gown reminiscent of falling snow. Go for crystal beaded details, sparkling sequins, and metallic embroidery to bring in the merry and bright feeling that winter provides. All of these wedding dresses for winter will let you shine on your big day!

Simple Winter Wedding Dress Ideas

We love the look of simple winter wedding gowns! Sleek and sophisticated, a wedding dress without all the sparkle and lace can have an understated and elegant effect that we think perfectly suits the season. A delicate white or ivory gown will look mesmerizing against a snowy white backdrop evoking a clean and fresh feeling, a blank canvas for you and your partner to begin your married life with. Emmy, style 12138 is a gorgeous choice for a simple winter wedding dress! The long sleeve crepe and satin gown will keep you looking luxe and feeling warm, while expertly placed seams help to define your figure, giving you a lovely shape. Our favorite part is the open v-shaped back, revealing just enough skin for a sultry edge to the simple, clean, and classic wedding dress. Emmy would also make a great winter wedding dress for older brides. Another beautiful option is Jean, style 15018. The modern and simple winter wedding dress elevates the classic ball gown silhouette. The Larissa satin fabric looks lustrous without any embellishments, allowing the structural details like contoured seams, v-notch neckline, and front skirt slit to shine.  

Casual Winter Wedding Dress Ideas

Some brides may think winter weddings have to be formal affairs, but you can have a casual winter wedding that still feels elevated. Picture a warm and cozy lodge, comfortable seating, and lounge areas with blankets and hot cocoa; a place for your friends and family to relax and celebrate. A casual winter wedding creates a unique and intimate atmosphere that will certainly be memorable. If this is the kind of wedding you want, then you need the perfect casual winter wedding dress to match! Our pick is Jade, style 2504. The chic sheath features a streamlined crepe skirt, creating an understated silhouette with romantic details like the frosted, embroidered bodice. We love the illusion details and how the detachable long sleeves create a beautiful keyhole back.

Winter Wedding Dress with Fur

A popular style for winter wedding dresses is fur. The warm and cozy fabric adds a chic and seasonal touch that will both look fabulous and help keep you warm. If you’re looking for a winter wedding dress with fur, you’ll probably need to customize your dress. Most wedding gowns aren’t designed with fur accents, but if you’re looking to add the fuzzy embellishment we recommend reaching out to an experienced bridal seamstress. The seamstress can help you achieve your vision, whether that’s a fur accent on the neckline or cozy cap sleeves, their knowledge, and expertise, is the best option for creating your perfect winter wedding dress with fur. We think a dress like Jewel, style 4104 would be a great winter wedding dress to customize with a fur accent! Imagine a feathered faux fur trim along the neckline or accenting the cap sleeves. It would elevate the chic crepe wedding dress and enhance sparkling beaded embroidery, that looks like falling snow, for a winter wonderland wedding dress. 

Winter Lace Wedding Dress

A lace wedding dress is a timeless look that perfectly suits winter! With so many different kinds of laces, you can have both a rustic winter lace wedding dress or go for something more sleek and elevated. This style also makes for lovely Christmas wedding dresses. Lace doesn’t always have to be traditional, though. Something like a black lace dress will add drama and mystery to your wedding day look. Our perfect picks for a winter lace wedding dress are Karlee, style 8207, and Graciela, style 30125. Our Karlee wedding dress embraces the rustic vibe we were talking about before. The lovely off-the-shoulder neckline is paired with illusion sleeves on a slim fit and flare silhouette. The crystalized Venice lace creates an almost paisley effect, and with the sheer back, it’s no wonder the wedding dress is a bridal favorite. Graciela feels modest, yet opulent, in Chantilly lace with an abundance of frosted embroidered lace appliqués. The layered laces create beautiful texture and dimension, while the high neckline and long sleeves are great for a winter lace wedding dress. A favorite lace wedding dress that we just had to mention is Helena, style 1205. This couture-inspired gown features allover crystal beaded embroidered lace that has a baroque feel. The illusion back creates a breathtaking picture frame effect and we love the unique detachable puff sleeves.

Winter Wedding Dress with Sleeves

For a winter wedding, a dress with sleeves is ideal. We would most recommend long sleeves, as it will keep you warm during the cold season. From sleek and simple to long sleeve lace winter wedding dresses, having sleeves will enhance how you look and feel at your winter wedding. For brides who love a minimalist look, a dress like Cheryl, style 12122 is a great choice! The classic bridal look meets modern-day style featuring a structured crepe bodice and an elegant off-the-shoulder neckline with fitted long sleeves. The waistband cinches you in enhancing the flared A-line organza skirt with traditional buttons lining all the way down to the hem. For a gown with a bit more whimsy and romance, we recommend Eve, style 30113. With a high neck crepe bodice and free-flowing A-line skirt, this gown shines with its delicate floral embroidery and stunning floral appliqués. The long sleeves will keep you feeling warm and looking modest, making it a perfect winter wedding dress with sleeves. 

Plus Size Wedding Dresses

Regardless of size, you can find your perfect plus size winter wedding dress. From decadent ball gowns to rustic fit and flares, these plus size wedding dress ideas for winter will have you looking and feeling amazing! A gown like Emberly, style 3354 is regal and elegant and will look beautiful at a winter wonderland wedding! The sparkle tulle and crystal beading will have you shimmering like the snow and with detachable long sleeves, you get the bonus of two looks in one. Gillian, style 3362 has the classic feel of a winter lace wedding dress specifically designed for the curvy bride! The stunning fit and flare hugs the body beautifully, in romantic Chantilly lace with elegant allover embroidered lace appliqués. The illusion neckline and long sleeves are winter approved, but the real show stopper is the scoop back with sheer detailing and gorgeous petal train. Helen, style 3376 is the perfect simple plus size winter wedding dress. The asymmetrically draped soft net gown creates a chic and textural look on the curve-hugging fit and flare. Perfectly placed ruching helps to create a smooth and perfected silhouette with delicate cape sleeves and front fly-away drape for some added drama.

Can I Turn My Summer Wedding Dress into a Winter Dress?

If you bought your wedding dress with a summer wedding in mind but had to change to a winter wedding you might be wondering “Can I wear my summer wedding in the winter?” The answer is yes! There are many ways to convert a dress to make it more cold weather appropriate. One choice would be to pair your dress with a jacket or detachable bodice. Styles like our Chantilly Lace Jacket, style 11381, or the Draped Pearl Beaded Sleeves, style 11427 are great for switching up a strapless summer gown into a winter wedding dress. Wearing these with your dress gives you the look of long sleeves. Another option is adding on an overskirt or underskirt. You might have picked a slimmer silhouette for your summer wedding, but are looking for a fuller silhouette for the winter. The easiest way to achieve this is by wearing an overskirt. The detachable option makes it incredibly easy to alter the silhouette and gives you two looks in one. A style like our Ruffle Tulle Overskirt, style 11442 can make a big impact in changing the silhouette and adding drama, converting your summer gown into the perfect winter wedding dress!

Can I Wear a Sleeveless Wedding Dress in the Winter?

While long sleeve wedding dresses are more traditional for a winter wedding, you can absolutely wear a strapless or sleeveless wedding dress in the winter. If you’re opting for an outdoor wedding, we would recommend pairing your sleeveless winter wedding dress with a jacket to keep you warm. You’ll be kept toasty in the heat if you’re having an indoor wedding, so you’re free to flaunt your arms in a sleeveless gown. We love Jacqueline, style 2501 for a glam winter wedding. This ethereal A-line glitters with a pearl and crystal encrusted bodice that cascades down the dress like falling snow. The banded waist helps to define your figure and a sparkle sequin tulle skirt creates a stunning constellation effect. Janine, style 2510 is another breathtaking sleeveless option for a winter wedding dress. The fairytale gown has a sheer corset bodice that dazzles with intricate beading and leads to a glimmering glitter tulle skirt with a bevy of beautiful ruffles. If you love the look of a strapless wedding dress, then Joyce, style 15010 is the gown for you! The princess dress features a romantic, strapless sweetheart neckline accented by pearl and crystal beading and draped bodice detail. The luxe satin gown has a box-pleated skirt and pockets for a unique winter wedding dress.

Picking the Right Fabric for a Winter Bride

If you’re worried about picking the right fabric for your winter wedding we’re here to help. The cold weather calls for specific fabric that will help keep you cozy and comfortable despite the chill in the air. Satin is an already popular bridal fabric, but also ideal for a winter bride. It’s a durable fabric suitable for all seasons, with a Duchess satin being the best for the cooler months. A sleek and stylish Duchess satin gown would be Geri, style 12147. The architecturally inspired dress features an oversized portrait neckline and banded waist to give you the look of a narrow waist. The fit and flare silhouette hugs the body and with covered buttons down to the hem, this dress takes bridal to a whole new level! Another great fabric choice is crepe. The fabric is a year-round favorite with its beautiful structure and shape, making it ideal for more fitted styles. We think Aisha, style 5868 would make a stunning crepe wedding dress. The fitted sheath beautifully hugs the body, giving you a smooth look, while delicate frosted embroidered appliqués make a stunning impact with dainty cap sleeves, a breathtaking illusion back, and lovely petal-shaped train. 

Selecting the Perfect Neckline for a Winter Wedding Dress

When selecting the perfect neckline for your winter wedding dress, we say the higher the better! Neckline styles like mock necks or delicate bateaus are a great choice to keep you covered and comfortable while still looking totally chic. High neck wedding dresses have been totally trendy from Paris Hilton to Lady Kitty Spencer and we’re not surprised. The style feels timeless and regal, especially paired with a ball gown silhouette. Our pick for a high neck winter wedding dress is Grazia, style 1088. This eye-catching ball gown embodies grace and beauty with oversized floral lace cascading down the sheer, high neck bodice. The full tulle skirt is what bridal dreams are made of, and guests will be wowed by the illusion back. If a mock neck dress feels too suffocating for you, try a bateau neckline. This neckline has a wide shape following the curve of your collarbones. This style almost has a vintage quality to it that feels totally appropriate for a winter wedding. If you’re interested in a bateau wedding dress check out Chastity, style 12128. The gown is delicate and demure with a structured crepe bodice featuring a bateau neckline and long sleeves. The ball gown organza skirt is dreamy and certainly made for twirling, with the fun bonus of pockets. The best part is the open square back that shows the perfect amount of skin!

Which Sleeve Style is Best for a Winter Bride?

While we love a strapless style, it’s easy to see why it might not be the most suitable for a winter bride. Cold temperatures require more coverage, especially when it comes to sleeve styles for a winter wedding dress, so long sleeves or three-quarter sleeves are ideal choices. Lined long sleeves will provide the most warmth, but there’s something magical about illusion long sleeves as well. Gaetana, style 30128 will keep you looking cool, couture, and covered with lined, three-quarter length sleeves. The soft mermaid features baroque-inspired medallion lace with geometric trim, to enhance the silhouette. For something a bit more romantic, there’s Felicity, style 2463. The bold floral lace makes a stunning statement, especially paired with the high Queen Anne neckline, while the illusion of long sleeves and sheer back make this gown totally swoon-worthy!

Pairing the Perfect Accessory with Your Winter Wedding Dress

Once you’ve found the gown, you need the perfect accessory to add the finishing touches to your winter wedding dress. No wedding look is complete without a veil, and we have so many gorgeous veils to choose from. If you want drama, then check out our Cathedral Length Veil with Pearls, style 2501V, an ethereal cathedral-length veil accented with iridescent pearls. This veil was designed to match our Jacqueline dress but can be paired with any winter wedding gown. For a more subtle look, there’s our Waltz Length Veil with Beaded Lace, style 12216WZ. This waltz-length veil features gorgeous beaded lace edging, for a feminine and romantic veil option. Veils aren’t the only way to accessorize your winter wedding dress, gloves are all the rage right now and we can see why. From classic opera-length gloves to more trendy styles, gloves are a fun way to add something extra to your gown. Something like our Crystal Beaded Net Gloves, style 11440 are a great option for adding some winter wonderland sparkle and elevating your look

Winter Wedding Dresses for Mother of the Bride

The mother of the bride should both look and feel amazing at her daughter’s wedding. Finding the right winter mother of the bride dress lies mostly in the mom’s personal style, but we can give some tips that will help mom also find “the one.” Jewel tones are a great option for winter weddings. These richly saturated hues, named after gems, add depth to a look and can help to elevate your dress. Our Beaded Stretch Crepe Evening Gown, style 72612 is a vibrant sapphire gown that is absolutely glamorous. The modified sweetheart bodice features beautiful beading and the draped off-the-shoulder sleeves create a lovely shawl effect in the back. We also recommend wearing long sleeves or three-quarter sleeves. This will keep you looking demure and also feeling warm. Our Allover Beaded Off The Shoulder Evening Gown, style 72729 is our favorite long sleeve mother of the bride dress. The gorgeous sheath shimmers in an all over beaded jersey, with a chic off-the-shoulder neckline and mesh long sleeve. Draping around the midsection helps to define your figure for the ideal shape.

Winter Wedding Dresses for Mother of the Groom

The rules for a mother of the groom dress are much the same as a mother of the bride dress. Things like pulling tones from the couple’s color palette or getting inspired by the location of the venue can offer you cues to find your ideal winter mother of the groom dress. If your son plans on having a winter wonderland wedding, then you should be ready to sparkle. Our Starburst Beaded Jersey Evening Gown, style 72708 is the perfect choice! The glamorous gown hugs your figure in fitted jersey with sparkling allover beading in a striking starburst designed with a chic cuffed neckline and sultry front skirt slit.

Winter Wedding Dresses for Bridesmaids

Your bridesmaids should be winter wedding ready, just like you! Keep their needs in mind when it comes to selecting the best dresses for them, like sleeves and fabric. Our favorite fabric for winter bridesmaids dresses is velvet. The heavy fabric is both luxe and warm, making it ideal for the cold weather, and with different finishes, your girls can find a style that suits them. Our Off-The-Shoulder Lustrous Velvet Bridesmaid Dress, style 21724 is a great choice! The stunning gown features a classic straight, off-the-shoulder neckline with lovely long sleeves on a slim A-line silhouette. To give your bridesmaids a more unique look, check out our floral velvet gowns! This One Shoulder Floral Velvet Bridesmaid Dress, style 21798 is so chic with its asymmetric neckline and floral look, while still getting all the benefits of that toasty velvet fabric, making it perfect for your winter wedding! If velvet isn’t your thing, our silky satin fabric is another great choice. The luminous look of the fabric gives it a luxe look and feels amazing on the skin. One of our favorites is our Silky Satin Bridesmaid Dress with Draped Surplice Bodice, style 21810. The elegant A-line has a classic v-neckline and a draped, surplice bodice that cinches in the waist with a chic wrap skirt detail.

If you’re looking for your dream winter wedding dress, visit one of our incredible retailers!