Embracing the off season will often open doors to suppliers you otherwise may have thought impossible to secure but accepting that you may end up confronting Melbourne’s dependable winter weather is something you best not compromise with.
Use the daylight hours to your advantage and pick a venue that allows you to wed and party indoors. Complete the look with soft lighting and a theme that creates the feeling you want your day to reflect. Whilst romance is easily built with open fireplaces and an abundance of candles, adding comfort food and mulled wine to the post ceremony celebrations will ensure your guests feel the warmth too.
Keeping warm on your big day doesn’t have to mean compromise; cosy and cool can coexist! So before you dismiss the idea of a winter wedding, here’s how rugging up enables you to inject personality into your big day! After all, the key to acing a winter wedding is all in the preparation.
The Classic
If there is one thing we know of the Duchess of Cambridge, it is that she oozes style- and her wedding day was no different. Teaming up with Sarah Burton of Alexander McQueen, following her own ceremony and a quick outfit change, she graced the stairs of Clarence House sporting a classic white angora bolero. There is no better way to bring practical comfort than the softness and femininity of the humble cardi.
PHOTO CREDIT: Getty Images
Leather
Edgy and unique, a biker jacket is the perfect contrast to everything traditional. A personality injection and a keepsake far beyond the big day, customise or don’t. This look is all about you and vibes that will last well in to the night.
Denim
Painted or embroidered, fringed or with studs, adding denim to your day is sure to bring the vibes. Super cool and adding a contemporary casualness why not add a fashion staple to your day that will endure the ages.
PHOTO CREDIT: Wild Romantic Photography
Faux Fur
The ethical choice is sure to bring the snuggle! Chocolates, caramels, blush pinks and whites this soft, warm classic gives a versatility you may not find with a ‘jacket.’ Durability meets style with a fashion icon that has conquered the ages.
The Cape
Adding a regal twist to your day, ditch the train and embrace the cape. Not only a stylish way to keep warm, the cape can be tailored to your taste with lace detailing, pearl accents and with heavy or sheer fabrics. Caplet, embellished, wrap around or pleated the options are endless. The moment the cape truly arrived has to be the off white all in one trouser suit by Stephanie Rolland worn by bride Solange Knowles.
PHOTO CREDIT: Hollywood Life
Sleeves
Does a classic, long sleeve ever go out of style?? More than just practical, a sleeve adds warmth, romance and elegant lines to any frame. You could even make them detachable if you dance floor antics require complete arm exposure!
Thermals
Maybe a little extreme, but if frolicking in soft light setting on snow, a woollen tight isn’t as silly as it sounds, I mean-Siberian brides have been doing this forever!
The All Rounder
The 'Kathmandu All-Weather Wedding Dress' is a thing! New Zealand designer Tanya Carlson, in partnership with GORE-TEX created a one-off gown that outfitted one very lucky bride for a day full of adventure. Lined in pure merino wool with an adjustable hemline, it also comes with pockets and a train that transforms to a hooded cape. Light weight, machine washable and packs down into a travel bag- does it get any better for Melbourne in July?!
PHOTO CREDIT: Simon Waterhouse for Kathmandu
So before you write off a wedding in the colder months, lets chat about heating things up!
"Winter is coming...."
Stay warm out there.