Cool Weather Wedding Trends

By Lauren Sherman
November 18, 2010

Spring isn’t the only season to get hitched. About 13% of American weddings take place during the winter, according to the Society of American Florists, a trade organization. While that’s not a huge number, it’s a significant one.

The benefits of having a winter wedding go beyond the (hopefully) crisp weather. Along with saving on vendor costs, couples get to play with winter color schemes, menus, and fashions.

We tapped Kelly Skahan, an editor at online bridal resource Fashionablebride.com, to help us discern the top wedding trends for the winter 2010/2011 season and beyond. Happy planning!

Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner Wedding (Photo Brian Marcus/Fred Marcus Photography via Getty Images)

Dresses: The Quiet Comeback of Sleeves

Ivanka Trump’s lace sleeve wedding dress, inspired by Grace Kelly, started a major trend away from strapless gowns. "Her custom Vera Wang gown was a pretty sharp departure from the staid, strapless dresses we see everywhere these days," said Skahan of the real estate mogul and jewelry designer, who married last fall.

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NEW Bridal Wedding Gown

(starting bid, $65)

Ivory Tea Length Wedding Dress With 3/4 Sleeves

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NEW J.Crew "Cecilia” Simple Wedding Dress

(buy it now price, $225)

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Clean and simple lines give this an old-fashioned elegance. It's perfect for a religious celebration like Trump's.

This sheer dress with a solid slip is perfect for a more casual celebration.

Capped sleeves are a nice compromise between strapless and long.

Cocktails: Custom Drinks—and Glasses

More and more couples are serving custom cocktails as a way to liven up the drink menu. To further emphasize your love of old-fashioned Old Fashioneds, serve them up in vintage or vintage-inspired glasses, like Champagne saucer. "Registering for barware is also very popular," Skahan told us.

Waterford “Shelia” Champagne Saucers

(buy it now price, $74.99)

Mixology Starter Gift Set

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Blue Cobalt Tumbers

(buy it now price, $49.99)

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These are as classic as you can get when it comes to old-timey drink holders.

This starter set provides a great way to experiment with creating your own cocktails.

These tumblers are the epitome of mid-century cool.

Men’s Suiting and Acccessories: Well-Cut and Well-Styled

Skahan emphasizes the importance of fit and style when it comes to the groom’s suit: "Proper attention is finally being paid to the groom and groomsmen as far as suiting and accessories, and we love it." If he’s not going custom, the next best bet is to buy an off-the-rack suit and have it fitted by an expert tailor. Some of Skahan’s favorite clothes and accessories for men include preppy ties, modern-fit suits and velvet slippers.

Pendleton Wool Tie

(buy it now price, $24.99)

John Varvatos Charcoal Side-Vent Wool Suit

(buy it now price, $395)

Stubbs & Wootton Black Velvet Martini Shoes

(starting bid, $144.99)

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True preps will appreciate this vintage stunner.

This John Varvator suit is a classic style he’ll be able to wear again.

Stubbs & Wootton velvet slippers: for the groom with a sense of humor and a bit of old-school panache.

Accessories: Fur (Real or Fake)

"We can't help loving real fur (though there are some really fantastic faux pieces out there right now, too), and it's such a great way to really blow people out of the water with your wedding day look,” says Skahan.

JCrew Mongolian Lamb

(buy it now price, $109.99)

Marabou Capelet

(buy it now price, $186.69)

Ivory Faux Fur Wrap

(buy it now price, $24.99)

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Such a unique contrast with a white or off-white wedding dress.

Looks like something Marylin Monroe would have worn.

The most traditional style.

Tabletop: Mason Jars

A "country" or “barnyard” theme is more popular than ever at weddings, with brides using turn-of-the-century decor and wildflowers, a less traditional wedding bouquet, to convey a sense of comfort over prestige. If you’re not quite ready to give up the white linen napkins and sleek bouquets, consider using mason jars to add a touch of shabby chic to the table. They can serve as centerpiece vases or a place to store each wedding favor.