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Cat:336d8010-1fcd-4410-9356-c39e985527ec
How do Winter Brides deal with weather?
Fashion and Health and Beauty
How do Winter Brides deal with weather?
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So, my FI and I have decided to get married in the winter due to the greater availability of venues than the summer/spring. The problem I'm looking at right now is that it's going to be COLD, even in
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Fashion and Health and Beauty
How do Winter Brides deal with weather?
<font color="#ffffff">You found The One; now find The Dress. Discuss gown styles, hair trends, beauty basics, deals, and more!</font>
So, my FI and I have decided to get married in the winter due to the greater availability of venues than the summer/spring. The problem I'm looking at right now is that it's going to be COLD, even in
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Forums > General Wedding Planning Topics > Fashion and Health and Beauty > How do Winter Brides deal with weather?

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Forums  >  General Wedding Planning Topics  >  Fashion and Health and Beauty  >  How do Winter Brides deal with weather?

How do Winter Brides deal with weather?

posted at 11/4/2009 11:56 AM CST on weddingchannel.com
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So, my FI and I have decided to get married in the winter due to the greater availability of venues than the summer/spring. The problem I'm looking at right now is that it's going to be COLD, even inside since the venue we want is a big open space. Now, I am constantly cold to begin with and have a mild thyroid problem, which is treated with meds, but I still feel cold, especially my feet and nose.

We know that most bridal dresses aren't long sleeved - nor do I want a long sleeved dress. I want a sweetheart strapless.

 

We’re getting married where we live now, which is Chicago (we also went to college here) and winters are ridiculous here compared to my parent’s home (Ohio) where it never really got below 18 degrees. They can get to -20 here.


I guess my real question is - how do you winter brides deal with the cold? Do you just suck it up or compromise your fashion?
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Re: How do Winter Brides deal with weather?

posted at 11/4/2009 1:05 PM CST on weddingchannel.com
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 Personal opinion- In winter, in Chicago, bare shoulder strapless gowns with arms uncovered look just plain stupid.  Jarring, like wearing a rain slicker on a sunny day, or walking around a mall in a bathing suit in Feb because they do set the thermostat at 74 degrees.

Although they do not show on many wedding sites, there are loads of gowns available with sleeves, or partly  covered shoulders.  Many manufacturers have it as an available option, you need only ask.
     If your idea is that strapless are sexy, consider a gown with a close fitting top, and some cut out or area lightly covered with lace, which in the "gets the imagination going" way , can be quite sexy.
Consider long formal gloves, and an off shoulder cap sleeve
 with a portrait or sweetheart neckline.
     A jacket, shrug or other extra piece worn much of the time and taken off just for certain times is a great compromise with a bare or strapless gown out of season.   Much more attractive than a strapless gown over slightly blue tinged gooseflesh, and a bride who looks like she is about to pee or cry except for the false smile she has pasted on.

     Strong opinion, yes - a definate pet peeve. 

     I love fashion, and formal, dressy gowns in particular.  But doing things that are laughable thinking they are fashion forward really just shows an inability to choose the features and elements of cut and style that make the outfit fashionable while being seasonably appropriate. 

    It is more of a challenge, and more striking than cookie cutter "everyone is doing strapless" choices.  Be dramatic, and different, and sexy too.  In a winter appropriate outfit.
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Re: How do Winter Brides deal with weather?

posted at 11/4/2009 1:13 PM CST on weddingchannel.com
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     What is it about strapless that you like?  What is your figure type?
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Re: How do Winter Brides deal with weather?

posted at 11/4/2009 2:21 PM CST on weddingchannel.com
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 I have an hourglass figure - I really like Sweetheart necklines so my bosom won't be flashing everyone and I like A-Line/Princess style gowns that can hide my thighs, but can be fitted (like a bodice top) to show off my curves more.

Hmm I hadn't thought of gloves before, that might be an option. Do you only wear them for the reception and pictures or would they be worn in the ceremony? I'd be kind of concerned about the rings and if the ring fit my finger snugly without gloves if it would fit OVER them or get stuck. Or would I have to take off gloves before the exchange of rings?

I'm not really sure about sleeves still - I think sweetheart necklines with sleeves tend to look a bit weird but I guess that's a personal opinion.
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Re: How do Winter Brides deal with weather?

posted at 11/4/2009 4:18 PM CST on weddingchannel.com
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 You could also try to find a nice, thick, elegant wrap or shawl to match the dress. Something to keep your arms and shoulders warm when you must venture into the elements, but can still be used or tossed away indoors for the ceremony and dancing after.

Also, you could try to find a thick pair of tights, or knee high socks to keep your legs and feet warm. What kind of shoes you pick will decide this a little better. Perhaps you could find a nice pair of white snow boots. No one really looks at your feet anyways, and comfortability has always been more important to me than looking "just so."
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Re: How do Winter Brides deal with weather?

posted at 11/4/2009 8:52 PM CST on weddingchannel.com
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 I'm planning on sucking it up for the church ceremony, staying bundled up til the last second before walking down the aisle,  but immediately after, for the reception will wear an ivory dressy cardigan over my strapless dress, since I am always cold too.

I want my strapless dress!  I already compromised on not having a beach wedding-since we didn't want to wait so long-so I'm sticking to my dream dress.
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Re: How do Winter Brides deal with weather?

posted at 11/5/2009 6:47 AM CST on weddingchannel.com
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 I too am get married in the winter..... i used this oppertunity to wear a fur caplet with a fur muff in ivory it is faboulous! and besides when eles would you be able to bundle yourself in ivory fur? or faux fur....Go PETAAccessories Style WC603138 - Satin mid-length cape with faux fur trim.
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Re: How do Winter Brides deal with weather?

posted at 11/5/2009 11:06 AM CST on weddingchannel.com
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 of course you can wear a strapless gown in winter! formalwear is basically season-blind, really. no one expects you to wear long sleeves just because it's cold outside. of course, there are some styles that appear more summery or appropriate for an outdoor wedding, which wouldn't make sense for you. ours is going to be in january in nyc, and i think it's the most beautiful setting for a sleek, sophisticated, slightly-more-formal wedding with a dress to match. if you're worried about being cold, i've seen some gorgeous wraps (but no real fur!).

Also, don't underestimate the warming powers of a glass or two of champagne!
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Re: How do Winter Brides deal with weather?

posted at 11/5/2009 3:37 PM CST on weddingchannel.com
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 I am getting married in December in the mountains of Colorado.  I have a strapless Reem Acra gown that I think looks totally appropriate for winter as it is a big ball gown made of ivory silk with beading and embroidery on the bodice.  Very formal, perfect for a holiday wedding in winter.

That being said, I DO have a faux fur cropped jacket that matches the dress.  While the rooms my ceremony and reception are being held in both have a fireplace which will have a fire burning, I plan on wearing the coat to and from, on a carriage ride we're taking, and I'm pretty sure my own body heat and that of the other people there will keep me warm during the reception and dancing.
If possible try to find a reception venue that has a fireplace to help?  I also think it's very festive and cozy.

 

There are quite a few websites that sell long capes, faux and real fur jackets in white and ivory to help you out.  In season you can even find them in department stores at times, which is where I got mine.
Just google wedding jackets or faux fur jackets and you'll get a lot of hits.

It's your wedding.  Wear what you want.  You want to be comfortable but I think a jacket is a good way to do that and looks so cozy.  Or a cape.... Undecided...there are a lot of options.

Good Luck!
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Re: How do Winter Brides deal with weather?

posted at 11/5/2009 8:18 PM CST on weddingchannel.com
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 In Response to Re: How do Winter Brides deal with weather?:
I have an hourglass figure - I really like Sweetheart necklines so my bosom won't be flashing everyone and I like A-Line/Princess style gowns that can hide my thighs, but can be fitted (like a bodice top) to show off my curves more. Hmm I hadn't thought of gloves before, that might be an option. Do you only wear them for the reception and pictures or would they be worn in the ceremony? I'd be kind of concerned about the rings and if the ring fit my finger snugly without gloves if it would fit OVER them or get stuck. Or would I have to take off gloves before the exchange of rings? I'm not really sure about sleeves still - I think sweetheart necklines with sleeves tend to look a bit weird but I guess that's a personal opinion.
Posted by Abby5


Abby5 -
     It does not take a lot of sleeve to offset the completely bare look of bare shoulders and arms.  Even cap sleeves will do it, particularly if they are on the outside edge of a sweetheart neckline. 
     They make a higher and wider top V,  further from the narrower waist,  which is slenderizing, compared to a dress that ends across the top of the bust, and closer to the waist in distance and size..   If you do wear 3/4 or full gloves, they do not broaden you when the appearance of the neckline with sleeves is wide at the top, V'd down to waist.



 
     The support from above, even minimal, helps to avoid that bosom-on-a-platter look some people get when a strapless that has been on for hours kind of eases on down a full figure.

     My former roommate was surprised as a bm in a strapless dress at a wedding last spring.  Though she is quite full busted, she has slender and toned upper arms and shoulders, and thought she was fine since her longline was supportive. 

     What she did not realize was that since her FI is tall, and often they slow dance not in a formal pose but with her arms up to his shoulders , every time she extended arms up and put them down after a dance, a little more of her was overflowing the top. 

     For her wedding dress for late winter in Quebec, she is either going for cap sleeves for the support and profile, or an illusion (lace) 3/4 sleeve which looks light and airy on the shoulders, not heavy with a sweetheart neck, but both more covered and wintry, and supportive.

     She has been e-mailing me her final few - has not chosen yet.  She was excited to find that Maggie Sottero and a number of other designers will add either a cap or an illusion sleeve to most of their sweetheart strapless, even where it is not listed, because it is consistent/flattering to the bodice designs (done at factory on request.)

     Here are some sleeved looks she is considering.  A matter of opinion - I prefer the look on someone of her height and shapely figure for the illusion of a longer hourglass,  as well as the less bare look in winter. The cap sleeve and the lace halter over satin sweetheart she would wear with gloves.














bottom one - hard to see, sheer lace halter over a sweetheart neckline of satin.
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Re: How do Winter Brides deal with weather?

posted at 11/5/2009 11:22 PM CST on weddingchannel.com
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 Get what you love!  It's your wedding, and you have to live with the wedding photos after the fact.  

Doing a dressy cardigan is a great idea!  And there are great shawls that you can get that will look good if you do any outside pics in the snow.

What ever you choose, do it YOUR way.
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Re: How do Winter Brides deal with weather?

posted at 11/6/2009 7:47 AM CST on weddingchannel.com
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 Hi, I'm getting married on December 26, I found a gown that has a full length lace coat with long sleeves.  It is beautiful and appropriate for the wedding and reception.

Good luck!
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Re: How do Winter Brides deal with weather?

posted at 11/7/2009 10:29 AM CST on weddingchannel.com
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 In Response to Re: How do Winter Brides deal with weather?:
Hi, I'm getting married on December 26, I found a gown that has a full length lace coat with long sleeves.  It is beautiful and appropriate for the wedding and reception. Good luck!
Posted by 5036692698417336


A lace coat can be so dramatic - and you can choose on or off at different times.  Have a picture?
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Re: How do Winter Brides deal with weather?

posted at 11/8/2009 11:44 PM CST on weddingchannel.com
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 Boston~ WOW, full length lace? That sounds breath-taking, and yes please a picture! Must have been expensive.
     I am French by heritage, and I plan to incorporate French lace in several ways. My vail will be a heavy type of ivory, French lace, with slight sheen, hanging from an up-do, like a lace ponytail. My groom is a small guy & I am 5'10." My dress is a slim silohette, for the sake of our formal shots & ceremony positions next to eachother. For the trip to the reception & the exit, I would love to have a grand-looking French lace coat.

This is very inspiring. ~Miss Abby
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Re: How do Winter Brides deal with weather?

posted at 11/10/2009 8:50 PM CST on weddingchannel.com
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 In Response to Re: How do Winter Brides deal with weather?:
Personal opinion- In winter, in Chicago, bare shoulder strapless gowns with arms uncovered look just plain stupid. 
Posted by WhatawagSBNy



I totally agree, Whatawag. I want to do a winter wedding and I imagine myself with a white mink fur stole, draped sexily over my sleeveless gown (for a retro feel).

"I don't mind this being a man's world, as long as I can be a woman in it."- Marilyn Monroe

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Re: How do Winter Brides deal with weather?

posted at 11/10/2009 11:14 PM CST on weddingchannel.com
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 In addition to your arms, don't forget about your feet!  I'm getting married in December (and I live in Canada) and will be wearing big white fuffy boots under my gown while I'm outside (no one will see them anyways ; )

I searched everywhere looking for a wedding coat that I envisioned.  I've seen the lace ones, and while they are beautiful, they aren't really that warm.  I also love the look of the short bolero-style jackets...but that just isn't enought to keep me warm where I live.  I guess it all depends on how much time you'll be spending outside.

 I ended up having my mom sew me a full length ivory brocade jacket with a faux fur lining.  It is fitted through the bodice and sleaves, then flares out at the lower waist.  It has a short, stand-up (neru) collar, and faux fur cuffs and hem trim.  I found the pattern (it's a Butterick one), and my mom just had to add some length to it.

blog post photo blog post photo blog post photo
blog post photo
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Re: How do Winter Brides deal with weather?

posted at 11/11/2009 12:01 AM CST on weddingchannel.com
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 I love the richness of Brocade-  sounds gorgeous.  And that is a classic design.
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