What wedding dress fabrics work best for a winter wedding?

For winter weddings, you'll want to choose warm fabrics like heavyweight crepe , velvet, thick lace, brocade, and silk.

What wedding dress silhouettes work best for winter weddings?

This will depend on whether you're getting married indoors or outdoors and what silhouettes work best for your body type. However, generally speaking, floor-length wedding dresses with long sleeves and high necklines work particularly well for winter weddings.

What should I wear over my winter wedding dress?

If you're baring your shoulders, décolletage, or back, you may want to invest in a shawl, faux fur shrug, or bridal jacket to keep you warm.

How do you accessorize a winter wedding dress?

Accessorize a winter wedding dress with a shrug or bridal cape . A faux fur or shawl is another option that adds a touch of elegance. Cozy boots or embellished shoes are functional, and an exciting opportunity to bring glamour into the design aesthetic.

The 12 Best Winter Wedding Dresses of 2023

winter wedding couple — Photo by Carrie Patterson Photography

Not every bride dreams of getting married in on a warm breezy day or balmy evening. Some dream of saying "I do" when there's a chill in the air, perhaps in a winter wonderland setting outdoors among the snowflakes, with a view of snow-dusted mountains, or an intimate gathering inside with a swanky holiday theme. For such an occasion, a winter wedding dress is essential, of course.

Whether you’re getting married indoors or outdoors, consider wedding dresses crafted from heavy-weight fabrics like crepe, velvet, lace, and brocade if you're planning a winter wedding. These fabrics are warm, look luxe, and feel particularly fitting for wintery backdrops and cozy venues. We researched the best winter wedding dresses that are both stylish and season-appropriate from retailers like Lulus and Reformation, and designers like

Our Top Picks

Best Illusion Details:

Watters Frances Gown at Anthropologie

Jump to Review

Best Open-Back:

Danielle Frankel Simone Gown at Daniellefrankelstudio.com

Jump to Review

Most Simple:

Lulus Long Sleeve Mermaid Maxi Dress at Lulus

Jump to Review

Best Lace Long Sleeves:

Lulus Wedding Dress at Lulus

Jump to Review

For the Bold Bride:

Erdem Macie Caped Lurex Gown at Matchesfashion.com

Jump to Review

Most Boho:

ASOS EDITION Embellished Wedding Dress at Asos

Jump to Review

For a New Year's Eve Wedding:

Retrofête Camille Sequined Chiffon Maxi Dress at Net-a-Porter

Jump to Review

Most Dramatic:

Erdem Gathered Sequined Chiffon Gown at Net-a-Porter

Jump to Review

For a Winter Beach Wedding:

Paco Rabanne Exclusive Crystal-Embellished Satin Maxi Dress at Modaoperandi.com

Jump to Review

Best Under $100:

Lulus Lace Maxi Dress at Lulus

Jump to Review

Anthropologie

View On Anthropologie

Sizes: 0-16 | Material: Polyester, Stretch Polyester Lining | Length: Floor

For the winter bride who's been dreaming of a long-sleeve lace wedding dress, this Watters design is incredibly elegant. You won't have to worry about wardrobe malfunctions, either — the illusion neckline ensures that everything is perfectly in place.

Price at time of publish: $2,850

Courtesy of My Theresa

View On Daniellefrankelstudio.com View On Mytheresa.com

Sizes: 0-14 | Material: Satin | Length: Floor

For the minimalist winter bride, this satin gown is utterly stunning. The open back offers a chic reveal of skin that's in stark contrast to the high neckline.

Price at time of publish: $4,600

Lulus

View On Lulus

Sizes: XS-3XL | Material: Polyester, Spandex Polyester Lining | Length: Floor

This achingly chic dress was designed for the unfussy bride who appreciates clean lines and simple silhouettes. Wear yours with minimal jewelry and a matching white coat for a timeless monochromatic look.

Price at time of publish: $99

Lulus

View On Lulus

Sizes: XS-XL | Material: Shell: 40% Cotton, 30% Polyester, 30% Nylon. Lining: 100% Polyester| Length: Floor

Crafted in pretty floral lace and featuring warm long sleeves, this dress is a fresh take on bohemian style for winter. Keep the intricate detailing as the focal point by finishing with a pair of drop earrings and a bare neckline.

Price at time of publish: $119

Courtesy of Matchesfashion

View On Matchesfashion.com

Sizes: 2-18 | Material: Silk-Lurex Blend | Length: Floor

This dramatic cape gown is ideal for the winter bride dreaming of making a bold entrance. Beyond its eye-catching cape silhouette, Erdem's "Macie" gown is crafted from pale gold Lurex for a dazzling effect.

Price at time of publish: $3,057

ASOS

View On Asos

Sizes: 12-26 | Material: Polyester, Stretch Polyester Lining | Length: Floor

For the bohemian winter bride, this flutter-sleeve dress is sweet and romantic. Complete with floral embroidery, no one would guess it cost less than $300.

Price at time of publish: $168

Courtesy of Net-a-Porter

View On Net-a-Porter

Sizes: XS-XL | Material: Viscose | Length: Floor

In dazzling all-over sequins and featuring a high slit, we can picture this sequin gown on a New Year's Eve bride—it's party-perfect! If you prefer something more traditional for your ceremony, it's the perfect second-look gown at the reception.

Price at time of publish: $985

Courtesy of Net-a-Porter

View On Net-a-Porter

Sizes: UK6-UK22 | Material: Chiffon, Chiffon Lining | Length: Floor

For a winter wedding, there is nothing more glamorous than a dramatic cape gown in all-over shimmering sequins. This breathtaking style from Erdem will catch the light beautifully as you float down the aisle.

Price at time of publish: $5,995

Courtesy of Moda Operandi

View On Modaoperandi.com

Sizes: 2-10 | Material: Polyester | Length: Floor

We love a beachy winter bride (yes, it's a thing!). In places like California, Costa Rica, and the Caribbean, this lightweight satin maxi dress is a gorgeous pick. Plus, it's embellished with tiny sparkling crystals perfect for catching the light in all your photos.

Price at time of publish: $1,194

View On Lulus

Sizes: XS-XL | Material: Polyester| Length: Floor

For the winter bride on a budget, this long-sleeve gown is dreamy as ever. With long lace sleeves, an open back, and a soft ethereal skirt, no one would guess it's under $90!

Price at time of publish: $62

Courtesy of Net-a-Porter

View On Net-a-Porter

Sizes: IT38-IT48 | Material: Silk, Chiffon, Viscose | Length: Floor

If you're planning a festive evening wedding in winter, we love this feather-trimmed gown for a glamorous look. It's unexpected and will wow your guests as you walk down the aisle.

Courtesy of Farfetch

View On Farfetch.com

Sizes: 0-18 | Material: Polyester, Nylon| Length: Floor

This effortlessly chic long-sleeve dress would be right at home at a cold-weather wedding. Details like lace paneling over translucent mesh and a dramatic V-back silhouette make this gown all the more unexpected and alluring.

Price at time of publish: $998

What to Look for in a Winter Wedding Dress

Sleeves

A long-sleeve crepe gown with a high neck or open back is spectacular if you're the type to keep things classic and minimalist, yet high-impact. We love cape sleeve options as well, like the Erdem Kenley Cape-Effect gown, featuring a cape overlay so you float as you walk down the aisle. For more traditional tastes, lace is always stunning, as are tulle layers and intricate beadwork. For bohemian sensibilities, tiers of ruffles, crochet lace, and elegant embroidery are divine details, particularly with wispy fabrics as part of the equation. We also love the Awaken My Love Navy Blue Long Sleeve Lace Maxi Dress, which features long lace sleeves.

Length

For a more casual and intimate winter wedding, a retro-inspired design like a tea-length dress is simply chic, while ultra-luxe details like metallic fabrics, rhinestones, and feathers are just right for a holiday-themed evening wedding.

Fabric

You want to make sure the fabric is comfortable and allows for easy movement. Fabrics like silk, lined chiffon, and viscose are ideal for winter wedding dresses. Accessories are also a thoughtful touch, and can contribute to a wintery look. We love this bridal cape from Etsy made of a felt, wool blend. This capulet will keep you warm and chicly pull your look together.

FAQ

What wedding dress fabrics work best for a winter wedding?

For winter weddings, you'll want to choose warm fabrics like heavyweight crepe, velvet, thick lace, brocade, and silk.
What wedding dress silhouettes work best for winter weddings?

This will depend on whether you're getting married indoors or outdoors and what silhouettes work best for your body type. However, generally speaking, floor-length wedding dresses with long sleeves and high necklines work particularly well for winter weddings.
What should I wear over my winter wedding dress?

If you're baring your shoulders, décolletage, or back, you may want to invest in a shawl, faux fur shrug, or bridal jacket to keep you warm.
How do you accessorize a winter wedding dress?

Accessorize a winter wedding dress with a shrug or bridal cape. A faux fur or shawl is another option that adds a touch of elegance. Cozy boots or embellished shoes are functional, and an exciting opportunity to bring glamour into the design aesthetic.

Why Trust Brides

Laura Lajiness Kaupke is a writer and editor who covers fashion, accessories, beauty, and fine jewelry for Brides. Her work also appears in ELLE, InStyle, Glamour, Refinery29, POPSUGAR, Well+Good, and Barneys New York.

20 Long-Sleeved Wedding Dresses That Will Steal the Show