WINTER BRIDESMAID DRESSES

GUIDE FOR CHOOSING THE PERFECT WINTER BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES

Many jokes have been told through the years about how terrible some bridesmaids’ dresses are. At one point or another almost every woman has had to pay a lot of money for a dress to wear in a friend’s or family member’s wedding that didn’t fit, was the wrong color for her, or was just downright ugly. Pick your bridesmaids’ dresses carefully or you might end up with a few less friends than you started with!

Bridesmaid dresses for an indoor winter wedding

There are some good tips to keep in mind when choosing the bridesmaid dresses for your winter wedding. Some of them apply to choosing a bridesmaid dress at any time of year: keep in mind the weight and height of your bridesmaids, and also their ages. A bridesmaid who is 5 feet tall will be swimming in a long evening gown and someone who is 6 feet tall might end up looking like a giraffe. Summer brides need to worry about their bridesmaids getting too hot or wearing a fabric that will show sweat stains; winter brides have an entirely different set of things to consider when choosing their bridesmaids’ gowns. Many of the same considerations that brides need to think about with their own dresses also apply for their bridesmaids’ dresses, but there are a few other things to keep in mind when choosing your bridesmaids’ gowns.

 Choose a dress your bridesmaids really can wear again

Unlike summer weddings where the bridesmaids’ dresses usually are very light and gauzy and go out of style very quickly, winter brides can choose classic style dresses for bridesmaids that the women will be able to wear to other events. Winter weddings are the perfect time to dress your bridesmaids in classic jewel toned evening gowns that are simple and elegant. Pick traditional style gowns in evening or tea lengths; leave the cocktail length dresses for summer weddings.

Shape and fabric matter

In a winter wedding, the fabric of the dresses will really add to the atmosphere of the wedding. In order to keep your bridesmaids warm, choose dresses in heavy fabrics like crepe silk, satin, and velvet. Consider choosing a three piece dress with a heavily constructed sleeveless top like a corset top with a matching long sleeve shrug, and a long A-line skirt. A-line dresses look good on every body type and size, and since the dress has separates the women can choose for themselves if they want to wear the shrug or not. Since your bridesmaids probably won’t be able to wear layers of petticoats like you will, give them long dresses with a simple style that are not too tight so that they can add a warm layer underneath if they need to.

Bridesmaid dresses for an outdoor winter wedding

Think outside the box

Are you a fashion forward bride? If you are, then consider letting your bridesmaids wear beautiful tailored suits for your outdoor winter wedding. If a tailored pantsuit is out of the question, consider choosing ball gowns for your bridesmaids that will easily accommodate extra petticoats, boots, or even a pair of leggings for warmth outside.

If the dresses are strapless, add cute little fur or fake fur jackets to the dresses along with fur trimmed gloves. Velvet coats or wraps that match the dresses can also be a pretty way to keep your bridesmaids warm at an outdoor winter wedding. Go with separates like sequined or embroidered sweaters and long silk skirts to add additional warmth. If you get creative you can find ways to get a dress or outfit that will complement your wedding but also keep your bridesmaids warm and happy.