One of the first things you notice when buying your winter marriage is that some designers seem never to have heard of the North at all . ( Some can be forgiven, since they live in more temperate climates. ) To them, each dress is a summer dress, with differences based totally on the level of pomp and circumstance, not the weather.

Throw back the hood, wear your hair in a swish, tiara-topped chignon, then warm your hands with a luxuriant fur muff. Naturally, this combo will not quite work if your dress is made from a delicate chiffon, so to be sure to select a robe that is's important and lined, made of satin, brocade or any other heavy fabric.

Another favored choice is an asymmetrical fake fur wrap that rests on one shoulder, or the fur or marabou shrug that covers both.
Capelets and stoles are more important faux-fur accessories with a dramatic, ice princess look, but they obscure more of your dress.

Winter is also a terrific time to go no holds barred with ball gown, princess or A-line silhouettes, cathedral-length veils and trains ( make sure they're detachable ), swish formal updos, and lots of glittering jewellery. Pucchi's Classics line has some splendidly lacy, lined, trumpet-sleeved gowns that fit the bill completely.

For the more daring bride, Monique Lhuillier offers a few offbeat gowns with a vintage touch that also suit the winter months, with their long sleeves and illusion lace bodices.

And while we're talking tailors, remember those gorgeous winter wedding gowns you saw in the mags -- the ones with dramatic faux-fur trim stitched right into the sleeves and neckline? The ones that, alas, are not possible to find? See if your seamstress couldn't pull that off herself.

But winter brides have the ideal excuse to wear those lovely lace-up wedding boots ... A possibility not to be missed.

Looking for more? Check out cheap winter ball dresses and cheap winter ball dresses