For most who have fantasized about the intimate details of their wedding since their earliest days, likely a season has been chosen for which the event will take place. For me, spring has been dubbed my ideal season for the ideal; however, I can’t help but romanticize the concept of a winter wedding. 

The colors change, the dress style changes, and I adore the idea of taking photos where the train of my gown blends into the sea of white encompassing the floor. 

With this, however, the template of the event changed dramatically. In the changing of the seasons, it is eminently important to conform to the essence of the season. 

Something to keep in mind for soon-to-be brides who have scheduled a winter wedding: you likely aren’t going to be warm, at least your upper half. Regardless, half the battle is pretending you are warm—a ‘fake it till you make it’ of sorts. 

To achieve this, my personal favorite is a lace sleeve. A lace-covered bodice fading into an illusion neckline and stretching down the arm is just so beautiful. This is best accomplished when it bleeds down the wrist and up the back and doesn’t feel solid, almost as if it is fading. In achieving this look, you must ensure it doesn’t appear chunky with the lace in collections up the sleeve, and you want a simple timeless lace; avoid tacky at all costs.

In looking further into the bodice of a dress, the back is so important. I adore an open back on almost any style of gown. This look pushes the boundary in terms of conservation, yet still maintains an elegant appeal. 

Colorwise, winter weddings are much more niche than a fall wedding. It is of utmost importance to pertain to the natural scenery and overall aura the weather exhibits. 

In my opinion, darks are most suitable for the weather. Your typical blush and pearly pinks: out, or at least much more challenging to do without a dark counterpart. 

One pallet that is suitable for the winter remains in the staple of navy and gold. Metallic picture frames, chairs, or accents in the bouquet can perfectly cater to this theme, with table clothes and bridesmaids displaying the navy. 

Champagne, burgundy, and forest-tone greens. I absolutely worship this. A simple silk dress caters to this, possibly slightly off-white, and the deep greens and reds can make their appearances in the flowers and decorations. This is stunning. 

Purple remains a staple in the colder seasons in its representation of stature and elegance. In my opinion, purples are done best in the complement of one another, and multiple shades blend well. 

In the summer and spring, lilies and wilder-looking flowers are appropriate and fitting to the scenery. Wild arrangements of radiant flora dominate the landscape, and it is everything. However, the winter calls for a different approach. 

Simplicity is a prevalent theme in these months. Roses are classic and chic; they will never not be beautiful. Hellebores and Gardenias also match this theme of organics and simplicity.  

In any of these color palettes, choosing a bouquet can make or break the execution, so it is important that it is kept clean and uncomplicated. A few bigger flowers can be used to accomplish this, rather than filling arrangements with fillers such as Baby’s Breath.

While my impending engagement is long to come, I can’t help debating the possibilities my wedding poses. My dream wedding continues to change as my options expand and evolve, and winter has revealed itself as much more of a contender.