Keep Warm in a Winter Wedding Wonderland
Fifteen winter wedding accessories to cure the chill without cramping your seasonal style
There are few settings quite as romantic as snowflakes falling onto a white blanketed ground with Mother Nature’s garlands of icicles hanging from the trees. Not to mention, you can save a bundle for tying the knot during off-season. Unfortunately, the downside to this ethereal wintry wedding wonderland is chilly temperatures, and, unless your ensemble features layers of down, you’re going to need accessory assistance. Thankfully, winter is perhaps the most accessory-friendly season for weddings, with the low temps begging for lush fur, frothy feathers and cozy capes to keep you warm while giving your wedding day look a special style.
Capelets were a hot accessory on the Spring 2012 Bridal Week runways, with sheer lace or tulle pieces adding coverage to gowns from designers such as Pronovius, Alvina Valenta and Maggie Sotero. For winter weddings, cover up with a cozier version made with faux fur. David’s Bridal ($99) has a beautiful plush piece that comes in white or ivory.
Grooms and brooms can keep warm without sacrificing style with cable knit scarves from Paul Smith ($83, originally $165). Available in a variety of color combinations, these handsome pieces can easily be used for your something blue or to tie in a wedding color.
For brides that want to add a touch of golden wintry glam, Kate Spade’s Nicole Jacket from the Wedding Belles Collection features a cropped fit and three-quarter sleeves—ideal for slightly warmer winters.
To prevent bulkiness on your wedding day, opt for tuxedo-inspired outerwear. This single-breasted Burberry blouson ($895) features quilted nylon, suede elbow patches and notch labels for a look that’s hot, in every sense of the word.
Slope-side winter weddings give you the perfect excuse to get creative with your wedding shoes. Instead of heels, don a pair of furry white boots—not only are they snow bunny chic, but they’ll keep your feet toasty and prevent slips. We love North Face’s Svetlana boot, a high, cozy quilted option with faux fur lining and PrimaLoft® Eco insulation (available at Nordstrom for $169.95). A less expensive choice is the Totes Diana Winter Boots, featuring a waterproof design with a subtle geometric pattern (available at Kohl’s for $36.49, originally $74.99).
Photo (left): Charlotte Geary Photography
Add personality into your wedding day look while keeping your legs warm with colorful tights. This trend has been appearing on the fashion runways since 2010, but is finding its way into the wedding day styles of fashion-forward brides. ModCloth offers an array of colors and patterns ($14.99-$35.99), whether you want to wear a pair as your something blue or to illustrate your color palette. Bonus, they make great bridesmaid gifts.
Photo: Lisa Warninger for The English Dept.
The issue with gloves during wedding ceremonies is the inevitable awkwardness of taking them off to exchange rings. This fingerless wool blend pair by Fair Isle (available at Barney’s for $109, originally $200) is a stylishly smart option, allowing you to slip on the ring while staying warm.
Because most of your body releases heat through your head, headwear can make a big difference if you plan to have an outdoor ceremony. Keep ears warm with a pair of fuzzy white ear muffs or a vintage chic ear warmer, such as this band from Kate Spade ($85). Plush faux fur hats, like this polished piece from TopShop ($44), can give brides an elegant and icy allure.
A fur trapper hat for brooms and grooms is a quirky and fun option for a casual affair, or go Rat Pack chic with a stylish fedora (we love the multitude of options at Rag & Bone, $150).
Keep in mind, hat hair is not a welcomed guest at your wedding. Having a short, clean and simple haircut makes it easy to pull of the topped looks. Style your hair as usual and put your accessory on according to the way your hairstyle flows (example: if you have a front-to-back hairstyle, put your hat on from the front to back), keeping your ‘do locked in place, while brides with longer locks should stick to ear muffs or warmers.
This plush cape by David’s Bridal ($125) is the epitome of winter whimsy. Brides can cozy up in the satin mid-length design, available in white and ivory, featuring a faux fur trim.
If you’re braving an outdoor wedding that requires all-over coverage, make sure that bridal beauty extends into your outerwear. The design of this beautiful Lillian bridal coat (approximately $2,750) by Scottish designer Lindsay Fleming nods to the Roaring ‘20s. The calf-length, double-breasted piece is made from sumptuous silk and backed velvet, lined with silk satin, and the cuffs and hem are lavishly embroidered in striking silver and adorned with AB crystals. The avant-garde design is topped up with soft and delicate ostrich feathers around the collar.
