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C H I C A G O W E D D I N G & P A R T Y R E S O U R C E
W W W . C H I C A G O W E D D I N G R E S O U R C E . C O M
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F A S H I O N S , J E W E L R Y , A C C E S S O R I E S F O R M E N & W O M E N
Winter weddings can be magical affairs with reception
venues turned into glittery fantasy lands and snowy
landscapes providing the ultimate romantic setting. If
you’re tying the knot in a cold-weather locale, here are the
trends you’ll want to know.
GOWNS AND ACCESSORIES
For a winter gown, look for fabrics in satin, Mikado and
denser laces to provide a bit of extra warmth without
weighing down the dress or the bride. Consider styles
beyond strapless – dresses with illusion necklines and
sleeves. Lace or tulle sleeves in various lengths are trending
in designer collections and can be found in most any
silhouette. Brides intent on strapless can add a trendy
bolero for warmth, like the angora version Kate Middleton
wore to her evening wedding reception. Faux-fur shrugs
are another great option, and add instant vintage style to
slim charmeuse and lace gowns. Brides can finish off their
winter look with a pair of delicate lace or shiny satin gloves
for the ultimate in old Hollywood glamour.”
COLOR PALETTES
Brides wanting an alternative to the traditional winter
palette of silver and white should consider a range of
pastels. Light lavender, light berry, all the way to gray looks
modern when combined with white.
December brides, who want to forego holiday red and
green, might opt for deep purple accents. The eggplant
tones which have been popular can go very rich and dark
for a winter wedding. Sapphire, the jewel-bright hue
popular in fall ready-to-wear, is likely to be another strong
accent color for winter weddings. It’s a great alternative to
red.
Snowy winter palettes will remain front and center, with
the freshest combinations involving tonal whites, white and
cream, and white plus ivory.
FLOWERS AND RECEPTION DÉCOR
Whether for bouquet or venue florals white amaryllis,
anemones, and tulips are beautiful winter flowers.
Snowberries, pussy willow, and birch bark are nice for
accent elements. The trend for mixing rich and varied
textures in wedding flowers applies to table style as well.
Look for lace overlays, shimmery shantung silks, and
patterned runners, along with eclectic assortments of clear
and silver vases filled with
flowers. Berry stems and
ornament balls can alternate
with or substitute for flowers
when budget is a factor.
For large spaces with
soaring ceilings, consider
arrangements that offer
vertical drama. Tall branches
of phalaenopsis orchids in
high, clear cylinders or glitter
branches with base clusters
of white hydrangeas.
Reception menus. Warm,
spiced wines can be a
welcome addition to the
cocktail hour during winter
months. Add a soup course
and serve it in a great shooter
glass. Serve a late-night
snack as dancing winds down for guests venturing into the
cold – warm pies with ice cream, and anything hot and
chocolate are sure to be popular. Also consider a well-
done coffee station, with mixers like Irish cream, Kahlua
or peppermint schnapps, along with whipped cream and
cinnamon sticks.
You don’t see a lot of seasonal variation with wedding cakes.
In cold months, there might be a spice cake base or white
chocolate elements to the frosting.
© CTW Features
The trends cold-weather brides should
warm up to this winter
By Catherine Phelan
Wedding
Wonderlands