From Ceremony to Celebration: Layering Looks for the Winter Bride
Written By Iris Goldsztajn
Winter weddings are magical, it’s undeniable. A chill in the air, a festive feel, and for the lucky ones, perhaps even a light dusting of snow. As much as we adore a summer wedding, there’s also something extra special about not hosting the third wedding your guests have attended that month like you might be doing in August. Of course, the colder months present a sartorial challenge for your nuptials: How do you put together the bridal look of your dreams without your extremities succumbing to the plunging temperatures? For us, the answer is clever, elegant, delicious layering, gowns with detachable elements, warm wraps, and choosing your fabrics carefully.
Practice Detachment
You’ll need layers if any part of your wedding takes place outside in the winter cold — whether that’s just the short walk from the ceremony to the reception or you’re doing photos in the chill. But layers needn’t be extra: Many wedding gowns now come with gorgeous detachable pieces that are integral to the look and can be peeled off once you’re safe in the warmth of your venue. These are perfect for brides who like the idea of wearing several wedding dresses in theory but aren’t willing to commit to more than one full outfit. That way you get a versatile look without ever having to change. Galia Lahav gowns with detachable sleeves that provide that lovely extra layer include the Hudson, the Sweeney, the Fiori, the Venezia and the Dynasty. Meanwhile, the Brooklyn comes with both a detachable organza overskirt and a lacy high-necked jacket, both of which you can peel off as needed throughout your wedding day. And the Waldorf not only comes with detachable sleeves but also transforms from an off-the-shoulder beauty into a strappy marvel.
Wrap Up
Choosing a wedding gown with detachable elements is one way to layer your bridal look. Adding on separates such as a wrap, a jacket or a bolero is another. Galia Lahav’s Brooklyn comes with a sumptuous lace jacket for if you want to be 100 percent sure that your dress goes with your bridal outerwear. Otherwise, you can get really creative with your overcoat: We love a velvet cape, a faux fur bolero or a tailored blazer matched to your gown.
Material Girl
Layering is practically a requirement for your winter bridal look to carry you through the cold. With that in mind, the fabrics you choose to wear on your special day — whether for your dress or for any separates you pair it with — also have an important bearing on how much you’ll manage to stay warm. For your gown, and especially if you’re choosing not to wear a jacket on top, try sticking with denser fabrics such as the Dynasty or the Fiori’s rich silk, or the Venezia’s luxuriant organza. This also goes for your wrap or jacket. Other fabrics to look out for in your top layer are those that are lovely and warm as well as adequately opulent, such as velvet, faux fur or cashmere.