If your heart is set on wearing a backless or a strapless number, then by all means go ahead. The only problem is that winter weddings can limit your choice of wedding dresses, since you’ll have to find a dress that makes you feel comfortable and warm despite the freezing temperature outside. Just make sure you have the right wedding over clothes to keep you warm until you get to your toasty hotel or restaurant reception.

Wedding over clothes allow you to wear your choice of wedding dress while keeping you comfortable, warm and stylish. If you’re having a church wedding and your conservative priest insists that you keep yourself covered and modest, meaning no plunging necklines or spaghetti straps, then over clothes are your instant solution to this wardrobe issue.

Types of Bridal Over Clothes

The following is a list of the most popular wedding over clothes worn by brides all over the world. Pick the one which addresses your needs and allows you to keep your personal style.

• Bolero: The bolero is a short and small jacket, which usually features rounded front corners. This type of jacket can come with long fitted sleeves or rounded capped or puffed sleeves.
• Shawl: A shawl is a form of fringed garment that is worn around the shoulders.
• Shrug: The shrug is a small, short sweater or jacket.
• Wrap: A wrap pertain to cloaks that can be wrapped around the bride.
• Jacket: A jacket is a type of clothing that falls to the waist or below the waist, similar to the coat but more lightweight.
• Capelet, Capettes and Stoles: All three pertain to a small cape that is worn around the woman’s shoulders. These over clothes are usually fastened upfront with ties, buttons or hooks.
• Cape: The word “cape” refers to all the different types of sleeveless over clothes, including the poncho.
• Coat: A coat is a type of garment with sleeves. Most coats are floor-length or shin-length covering most of the body from shoulder down. This type of clothing is usually worn outdoors.

The bride wearing her white shawl

The bride and her fluffy white wedding shrug

The bride fitting her wedding jacket

Tips for Picking Out Your Over Clothes

Now that you’ve seen our list, you’re going to have to narrow down your choices according to your preferences. The following are just some tips on how you can pick the right over clothes to wear with your gown.

#1 Pick the right fabric for your over clothes.

Each of the over clothes mentioned above can be made with a number of different fabrics. If you’re looking to bare some skin, then go for sheer fabrics like illusion.

For a feminine and delicate look, go for lace over clothes. Rayon is another fabric that works well with fringed shawls, so you may want to look for one in the same shade as your wedding gown.

Although fur coats and feather coats are all the rage with the rich and the famous, you can save money and a lot of animals by purchasing faux-fur coats. Another alternative is to go for rich cashmere capes and coats. It evokes the same feeling of luxury minus animal cruelty.

#2 Go for front-fastening over clothes for easy wear and removal.

There are some stoles, capelets and coats you can fasten in the front with large bows. They’re not only stylish, but also extremely functional. You get to show off a major part of your wedding gown while keeping yourself warm.

Avoid button-down numbers, especially if you’re dealing with lace or some other delicate material. If your gown has intricate beading, the worst thing that could happen is that your delicate over clothes snag on your gown’s detailing. Go for something that’s easy to wear and easy to take off.

#3 Look for embellishments and decorations.

Embellishments and the right detailing can help make your wedding over clothes appear stylish and chic. Go for embroideries and appliqués that make your beautiful wedding over clothes stand out.

#4 Make sure that fashion and function go hand in hand.

A lovely coat is useless if it doesn’t serve its main purpose, which is to keep you warm. You may have the prettiest bolero on, but if you’re secretly freezing your toes off, then it’s all for nothing. You’re just going to end up feeling cold and miserable on your wedding day.

Keep the cold and the blues away by choosing the right wedding over clothes. Find the over clothes that strikes the balance between functionality and aesthetics.

Here’s a wedding dress collection video featuring the latest overclothes.