Dressing for a winter wedding

Rosamund wearing Elizabeth Bessant couture at her winter wedding

We are now in December and while most of us are planning Christmas, some of my lovely clients are planning gorgeous winter weddings. A winter wedding is very romantic, but also brings its complications.

Snow is great in photos, but no one enjoys being cold, so if you will be having outdoor photographs be kind to your bridesmaids and suggest they wear thick tights under their dresses. Faux fur stoles or capes are a stylish alternative to a pashmina. Brides may also want to do the same if they are not wearing a wedding coat as part of their outfit.

There are practical considerations too. Your guests will arrive wearing coats so make sure there is someone delegated to taken and hang those up, you don’t want coats draped over the back of chairs – especially if you have paid for chair covers to theme your wedding.

Rain can threaten to dampen spirits but this doesn’t just apply to winter weddings. You may want to invest in transparent umbrellas for your guests to avoid an assortment of colours and golf umbrellas with advertising logos. A white umbrella is a lovely touch for the bride – you can even get white wellies for outdoor photos!

Bride Ulrike wearing Elizabeth Bessant couture silk suit and cape for her winter wedding

Forward planning is even more important at this time of year, to avoid any late arrivals it would be worth suggesting guests travelling a long way stay close to the venue the night before the wedding – especially if they are crucial to the celebrations. This may also apply to your photographer although that will probably be at your expense.

Once you have braved the elements you will be able to enjoy the best a winter wedding has to offer – candles, winter floral displays and maybe even a Christmas tree.

For ideas for your special day please visit my new website www.elizabethbessant.co.uk or follow me on Twitter or Instagram.