Alice Shreeve and Hannah Coniam-Thompson, the brilliant design duo behind London bridal label Belle & Bunty, give their top five tips on how to dress smart and stay warm at a winter wedding
With the chances of bright blue skies and frost-dusted trees, getting wed in winter can be completely spectacular. When it comes to dressing for a winter wedding, options may seem more limited, but there are so many fab styling ideas to ensure you look seriously chic while keeping warm that you really shouldn’t let the season deter you. Here are our top five tips for picking the perfect wedding outfit for the chilly season.
1. It’s all about the fabric
Just because you’re getting married in the cooler months, don’t assume you will need a warm dress – you’ll probably be cosy. Most likely the majority of your big day will take place inside and your venue will be heated – the last thing you want to feel is too hot. The key is to opt for a natural fabric, something like beautiful pure silk will keep you surprisingly warm if it does get a little chilly.
2. Layer up
Invest in a great coat, whether it be a matching tailored tux jacket or cream leather biker. On the day you can make a real impact rocking a stylish extra layer and chances are you will be able to re-wear that piece long after the actual wedding day itself. But do remember, if you choose floaty sleeves you need to make sure that your coat doesn’t crush them.
3. Choose clever shapewear
Whatever dress you choose, there is always a big underwear conundrum that spans the seasons. Our personal pick would be the nude shorts by US brand Commando, which are are amazing. Not only do they smooth out lines, giving you a flawless VPL-free silhouette, they also keep you very warm. As a December bride (Alice speaking), I had nothing but my dress, Commando shorts……. Oh, and a whole lot of adrenaline so I didn’t feel the cold at all! We rate them so highly we sell them at Belle & Bunty.
4. Go for style-statement boots
These days more brides opt for beautiful statement shoes to wear under their dress, and why should getting wed in winter be any different? Boots can look really cool under a wedding dress, plus they are comfy, will keep your feet toasty and you will get loads of wear out of them following the wedding. Our favourite right now is Sezane’s new gold boot – the ultimate statement accessory for the winter bride.
5. Customise your dress
Dresses can be tweaked to suit the season – for instance adding full-length sleeves or a high collar, and these elements always look so chic at a winter wedding. Some bridal stores are happy to add bespoke features to a style you already love to give it a more wintery look. Customisation is certainly something that is popular with our brides.
Belle & Bunty
Belle & Bunty is a womenswear label founded by London College of Fashion alumni Alice Shreeve and Hannah Coniam-Thompson back in 2003. Specialising in bridal and occasion pieces, every piece is made to order in its London workshop. For more information, visit belleandbunty.co.uk
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