Dress Guide for the Winter Wedding Bride

The appropriate gown for her winter wedding, can give the bride every bit as much comfort, beauty and elegance; as it would if she were getting married in the summer. It's all about the gown. The biggest difference in the summer and winter bridal gown, is the fabrics used in its making. The summer gown is created with softer fabrics, such as silks and chiffons; whereas the winter wedding gown is created with heavier fabrics, such as satins and brocades. The laces used are different as well. For the winter wedding gown, Battenburg lace is usually used, and if lace is even desired on the summer gown, it is a chantilly lace. Battenburg lace is heavier, and helps to make the winter wedding gown somewhat warmer. In a winter wedding gown there are five basic skirt designs, and four basic bodice styles. A bride's perfect wedding gown is her chosen combination of the two. Styles for the Winter Wedding Gown:

Empire - the seam separating the top of the gown from the bottom, is right below the bust. The line of this dress is more straight up and down, compared to the A - line.

Mermaid - the bodice/waist piece go down past the hip. This part is tightly fitted. The very full, circle skirt is then attached. Some skirts are gathered, and some are not. It depends on what the bride prefers for her winter wedding gown.

Ball Gown - the bodice ends at the waist line. The skirt is very full and attached at the waistline. The hemline barely touches the floor.

Sheath - This dress can be any of the styles. Each piece is actually two pieces. The top piece is an overlay; usually of lace, organza or eyelet.

Trumpet skirt - This is a relatively fitted dress, which flares out in a circle on the floor. It's appearance is much like the end of a trumpet.

Bodice Styles for the Winter Wedding Gown

Strapless - no neckline

Scoop neck - the neckline scooped toward the bust

Sweetheart neck - the neckline looks just like the top of a valentine heart.

Halter neck - instead of having shoulder seams; the front comes up and ties behind the neck; thus leaving the shoulders bare.

Accessories for the Winter Wedding Gown

How you add your accessories will of course depend upon personal taste, and the weather. A cashmere shawl or matching bolero can be the perfect touch to make that winter wedding dress warm. An especially elegant touch would be to add a faux fur stole. If you live in especially cold climate, ¾ length gloves would go perfectly with your wedding gown. Don't wear ¾ length gloves with the bolero, though. Short wrist gloves would go perfectly with that.

Shoes - The shoes worn with your winter wedding gown can be open-toe if you prefer, but they are almost always enclosed heel. Ankle boots are sometimes worn, depending on the style of your wedding gown.

Unless you have an endless amount of hours to shop around for your winter wedding gown, I suggest using the internet. Most of the wedding gown designers have their own websites that you can go to, to view their different wedding gowns, the fabrics they are created from and prices. The ones that I use will also give you a link to go to that will give you the different states and cities that have Bridal Boutiques that carry their line of wedding gown creations.

Resources:

http://www.inesdesanto.com

http://www.casablancabridal.com - this site has some very reasonable winter wedding gowns, and they are beautiful.

http://www.pronovias.com

http://www.oscardelarenta.com

http://www.blainfeldbridal.comhttp://www.theknot.com - this site will even give you prices so you can budget.