How To Be a Winter Bride
Lena - New York City
It’s no secret to anyone who knows me (or my husband) that I was a winter bride and I’m quietly proud of that fact. A winter bride in England, no less. That’s surely a reason to be doubly proud, if pride can work like that.
My own parents were married in February (albeit in sunny Jamaica), and my parents-in-law tied the knot in December. So, you could say we were simply carrying on a family tradition.
While spring and summer weddings certainly have their charms, think sun-dappled gardens and long, balmy evenings, winter weddings offer their own kind of magic. Yes, they may come with a chill in the air, but they also bring atmospheric light, seasonal beauty, and a sense of intimacy you just can’t replicate in July. Plus, winter weddings often mean fewer crowds, more venue availability, and a better chance of securing top-tier vendors.
So, if you’ve chosen to say “I do” in the colder months, whether that’s at a snow-covered château in the French Alps or beneath the bare trees of Central Park, here are my tried-and-true tips for embracing the season in style.
If you’ve had the privilege to be invited to a winter wedding as a guest, click the link to see our guide on Winter Wedding Guest Style.
1. Cover Up, Chicly
Most bridal fashion is designed with warm weather in mind; bare shoulders, delicate straps, ethereal fabrics floating in the breeze. But if you’re planning a luxury winter wedding, it’s worth investing in a look that’s not only beautiful, but seasonally appropriate.
Here are a few looks I love:
Rime Arodaky
Rime Arodaky’s bridal tailoring is nothing short of exquisite. Her Tara and Tatum jackets are refined, modern, and seriously elegant. The exaggerated sleeves, silk-satin lapels, and those statement gold-and-pearl buttons are a masterclass in chic. Style one over a sleek gown for your ceremony (I’m imagining Tatum with a dramatic train…), or wear it as a second look when the evening air turns chilly. Think of it as your wedding-day power piece.
Danielle Frankel
Photo Credit: Jose Villa
This show-stopping gown by the designer Danielle Frankel is a stunning, sculptural masterpiece.
Opting for a wedding dress with a long-sleeve detail will keep you warm even during a milder autumn or winter evening.
Photo Credit: Jose Villa
2. Warm Little Touches
Getting married outdoors in the winter months (especially in a place like New York City) is not for the faint of heart. But with a bit of thoughtful planning, it can be nothing short of magical.
Take our beautiful bride Lena, who said her vows at Belvedere Castle in Central Park. (Yes, there’s an actual castle in the middle of Manhattan, and yes, you can get married there.) With views over Turtle Pond and the city skyline, it’s a dreamy, unexpected New York wedding venue, especially in winter.
Photo Credit: The Gawnes
Photo Credit: The Gawnes
But let’s not pretend it wasn’t chilly. To keep her guests (and vendors!) warm, Lena handed out hand warmers for everyone to tuck into their pockets. I personally slipped a few into my boots. There are even rumours the bride had one tucked discreetly into her bra, but I couldn’t possibly confirm.
Photo Credit: The Gawnes
These thoughtful details are what elevate a winter wedding from simply beautiful to truly luxurious.
3. Choose a Venue That Shines Indoors
Winter weddings don’t always lend themselves to outdoor dining under the stars. But that doesn’t mean you need to compromise on beauty. When selecting your luxury wedding venue, ask to see images of the interiors set up for a winter celebration. These aren’t always the images venues feature on Instagram, but they do exist, and they can help you visualise how the space will shine when styled thoughtfully.
Photo Credit: Konstantyn Zakhariy
Take this shoot at Villa Pessina, for example. The curved reception table works just as beautifully indoors as it would in a garden setting, proving that elegance isn’t season-dependent.
4. Embrace the Season
The day after Lena’s Central Park wedding, it snowed in New York City! And as we watched the snow fall lightly, every one of us said how perfect it would have been to have a snow-dusted ceremony.
If you’re the romantic sort (and if you’re planning a winter wedding, I’m guessing you are), why not lean into the wintry aesthetic? Choose a location known for snowfall, perhaps Aspen, the Dolomites, or the French Alps, and go full “winter wonderland.” Think twinkle lights, roaring fires, faux fur stoles, and snowflakes as your natural décor.
It’s a season made for magic. Why not use it to full effect?
5. Or… Escape the Chill
Of course, not every winter bride dreams of snowflakes and mulled wine. And if you simply can’t picture yourself shivering through your vows, then a destination wedding might be the answer.
There are sun-drenched locations around the world where winter is a distant memory. Here are some favourites that remain warm and radiant even in December, January, and February:
Mallorca:
Photos: Greg Finck
Caribbean:
Whether you’re planning a high-end wedding in the South of France or an elegant winter ceremony in New York, the most important thing is to make the day feel like you. With a little planning (and a few hand warmers) it’s entirely possible to feel warm, stylish, and stunning as a winter bride.