Faux fur—in the 2000’s faux fur and feathers were all the rage. Now, with 90’s and 2000’s fashion coming back in style, faux fur and feathers are making a resurgence in a much more thoughtful way.
This resurgence is seeping into the wedding industry, where we are seeing more faux fur and feathers in dresses, gloves, hats, and other accessories. Can it work? Is it guady? How do you keep it feeling luxurious and nice for a wedding?
Let’s explore the world of faux fur in winter weddings together.
Why to Consider Faux Fur for a Winter Wedding
Winter weddings are going to lean into the elements of the season: white snowy look, evergreen and winter florals, icicles, cool tones, and faux fur.
I bet you can already feel the tactile or touch aspect of faux fur as we talk about it right now, soft, fluffy, comforting. Because fur was used for warmth and comfort, it literally can provide that just by being incorporated into your winter wedding.
There are several reasons why you want to consider using faux fur for your wedding:
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Luxurious Touch
Remember that tactile we were talking about? Yes fur is luxurious to touch (generally), and faux fur has come to match or surpass it. Faux fur can a luxurious touch visually and physically to your wedding and wedding décor.
As well, it is always nice to have something soft and fluffy nearby on a bigger day 😉
It’s Accessible: Faux Fur is More Accessible and Better for Animals than Real Fur
Fur was traditionally associated with winter because it was used as clothing and accessories to keep us warm throughout colder temperatures. As we’ve evolved and changed as a society, fur became less of a necessary and actually more of an evil: killing animals for luxury instead of necessity.
In the modern world, we’ve introduced faux fur. It is usually a plastic blend that simulates fur, without taking an animal’s life. But importantly, it can also be used to keep us warm in the winter.
Traditional fur was considered a luxury because it was difficult to obtain, and was often very pleasant tactile-wise. Faux fur has really stepped up to the plate to match real fur, if done correctly.
It is much easier to get high-quality, realistic faux fur at a decent price. The key is looking for ones that provide a good tonality, and are reusable in other aspects (let’s still be kind to the earth).
You can even purchase faux fur by the yard at a fabric store if you are looking to add faux fur accents to your wedding gown or accessories.
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It’s Practical for a Winter Wedding—Let’s Be Real
Coming back to the warmth aspect of faux fur, it’s just practical for a winter wedding! It’ll help keep you warm while outside, and still keep you looking nice and in style. If you are going to keep warm in the snow, wouldn’t you rather it be in something like a faux fur wrap or jacket instead of that black puffer jacket you wear everyday anyways?
There was a reason real fur was worn in the winter….
4 New Ways Winter Wedding Dresses & Décor Can Use Faux Fur
Let’s dive into what we came here for: four unique ways to use faux fur in your winter wedding (as clothing, accessories, or décor).
1. Faux Fur Sleeves (Stationary or Detachable)
I thought this was such an obvious use for a winter wedding dress—faux fur on the sleeves. But honestly, I found that most dress designers and vendors would only put it on the end of a long sleeve (at the cuff).
I then came across this wedding dress with tulle sleeves from SHEIN, that hairbykayla.utah had ordered for a winter wedding stylized bridal shoot I participated in. I realized the faux fur possibilities were there for sleeves in different ways.
From short cap sleeves to bishop sleeves to cuffs, you can create a new-age romantic take on your wedding dress sleeves by adding texture. It’s a great way to break up what could be an otherwise boring long or short sleeved dress.
My favorite concept I’ve come up with, is using a round white faux fur puff right near the elbow (like a ¾ sleeve) This is something that could become easily removable but create the illusion of a ¾ sleeve without sacrificing the warmth of a full-length sleeve.
2. Faux Fur Ribbon with Florals
A way to be more subtle and traditional but utilizing faux fur as a ribbon accent with your florals can be white stunning. Both warm and cool toned brown faux fur can be cut into strips and would pair well with different velvet colors.
You could also utilize white or dyed faux fur strips to wrap around your bouquet as well. The key would be pairing with other rich, matte ribbons. I would recommend avoiding shiny ribbons paired with faux fur.
The strips could even be long and incorporated into table florals.
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3. Faux Fur Collar
Faux fur collars may seem like an “old fashioned dress” style—but honestly, I think they can be done well if they aren’t too big and fluffy. A subtle peter pan collar (or even traditional pointed collar) on a dress would be stunning with white faux fur.
Where I think you can particularly get unique with this is for the spouse in the suit—faux fur along the lapel of the suit could be a unique, interesting way to tie faux fur together. It can allude to the high-end quality of a jacket lined with fur, without actually being a fluffy jacket lined with fur.
Or, if you want to get custom in a hidden way, you could line a suit jacket in fur! Talk about a subtle tie in. And the best part, you could always have a second suit coat made for normal wear or for parts of your day that are indoors.
4. Colored Faux Fur
The last unique way to incorporate faux fur into your wedding dress or wedding suit is one you have to be thoughtful and intentional with—colored faux fur.
Colored faux fur can easily become tacky and cheap if done wrong. The lower the quality of the fur, the placement, and the color all affect how “luxury” it will feel.
I found that rich colors (burgundy, blue, forest green) and most pastel colors (pastel pink, bird egg blue, etc.) will continue to feel luxurious. It’s because it is still subtle and easy to pair with other colors.
However, you can take this onto a more extreme, over-the-top, Vegas style feel with faux fur in bright colors (bright pink, bright yellow, etc.). Remember, you want to match your personality and the mood you want to set for your wedding! So, if you have loud, outgoing, rambunctious personalities—lean into that boldness!
More Ways to Seamlessly Incorporate Faux Fur with your Winter Wedding Dresses
We couldn’t leave out the more well-known ways for wearing or using faux fur in your winter wedding.
1. Bolero or Jacket
Boleros or jackets made of faux fur are the most obvious start because most real fur was made into cloaks or jackets. So naturally, we would tend to head this way.
The one thing to consider about a jacket is that while wonderful for outside, if your reception is indoors and you get hot and take it off, it will no longer tie into any theme you have. Which may be totally fine but may also interfere with your version. You just need to keep that in mind.
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2. Shawl or Wrap
This is probably the most common way we have seen faux fur used (next to jackets). I still think these are wonderfully elegant and fairly versatile. I mean, if you can wear faux fur like a blanket on your wedding day, you’re going to be pretty cozy. I wouldn’t complain.
The key with shawls or wraps is how full they are, how long they are, and how they pair with your wedding dress. If the beading on the sleeves or bodice of your wedding dress is a big part of why you love it, you may not want to cover that up. But if you style the shawl to properly show-off a corset bodice or the detail in your wedding skirt, it can be a great compliment.
3. Cape or Cloak
Honestly, I feel like a lot of women have moved away from capes or cloaks and they are inching their way to make a comeback. A faux fur cape or cloak will be a bold statement piece for your attire, so keep that in mind so it doesn’t overtake the parts that matter to you.
Faux fur wedding capes and cloaks have recently been more common among men. Surprisingly, with the resurgence of viking-esque style, faux fur capes or even ones with faux fur trim can become quite masculine if styled correctly. This is not only applicable to men, as women who may want to convey that can also tap into that power and strength.
4. Faux Fur Lined Veil
Veils will often be lined with lace as a more traditional approach to adding delicate, intricate details to them. However, faux fur and feathers have also recently been more popular as trim in veils, adding softness but texture in mutli-layered or even single length veils.
I personally feel faux fur can be an easy way to add a fun, party vibe to a look without taking away from the elegance or beauty.
5. Faux Fur Lined Gloves or Cuffs
The 90’s trend also carries over to sleeve cuffs and gloves: faux fur lined or trim is back in! There is not much more to say about that.
6. Faux Fur Hand Mittens
Mittens are such a cute and practical way to work in faux fur that you don’t have to don the entire evening. This is especially nice for outdoor ceremonies or pictures.
Do remember, if your hands are covered your ring won’t show in pictures. But that doesn’t stop you from getting ring shots indoors or doing a few without your mittens.
7. Faux Fur Boot Toppers
I have to add this in because boot toppers or boot socks are burned into my 2000’s memory and existence: you can add fur above boots, especially if you are wearing snow boots.
This would be most ideal and practical for the bride who will be wearing snow boots to walk through the snow, but not in snow that is very deep. We all know what wet faux fur looks like, and trust me you don’t particularly want to show that off after trekking through knee deep snow.
8. Faux Fur Belt
A more subtle touch could be using faux fur as a belt. Adorned with subtle pearls, rhinestones, or a rich velvet colored ribbon can pair nicely to add dimension and texture, and accentuate the waist.
More recent trends are dresses and accessories that create a drop waist, where the clothing hugs the hips or lower than the natural waist before flaring out, creating a longer torso. Drop waists can also be created with belts, which could be something to consider here.
Elegant Nods of Faux Fur in Your Wedding Décor
Okay beyond adorning yourself, faux fur is an excellent wedding décor that can be worked in very easily in various ways such as:
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Faux Fur Table Runners
That’s right, faux fur as a table runner. I mean, essentially it is fabric! So if you are looking to go for something much more rich and outside of the light cheesecloth trend, use faux fur.
You could even utilize strips to run the length of the table if a full faux fur is too expensive or too much for your style.
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Faux Fur Chair Sashes
If the ribbon style accents with faux fur is more your style, than chair sashes or chair ribbon may be the way you want to go.
Particularly contrasting against just about any color (black, navy, red, white, pastels, etc.)
I could see this adding up very quickly cost wise, so you’d want to balance this with other faux fur accents or do a select amount of chairs. Remember, the key is balance and accenting.
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Faux Fur Rugs
I actually really enjoy this idea if you plan to utilize the rugs in your home afterwards, but using faux fur as rugs. Whether this is under an arch or where the ceremony is taking place, you could use a few to achieve the job.
Now if you want to take things up a notch, creating conversational living rooms, or set-ups like a living room with seating and blankets and tables and rugs, could be another
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Faux Fur in Florals/Wreaths
Is a wreath a little too holiday/door décor oriented? ABSOLUTELY NOT. In fact, I think this is a beautiful way to nod to the holiday season and tie into décor and florals throughout your venue. And little faux fur ribbons or pieces for texture in wreaths or florals could be absolutely stunning. Just remember to think about it in the terms of contrasting texture (which is really in with florals right now, just FYI).
Faux Fur-Wrapped Vases and Candle Holders
If you are going to use faux fur, don’t stop at your winter wedding dresses. And if we are already considering using it as ribbon, why not incorporate it by wrapping the candle holders and vases with faux fur accents.
There are several ways to do it: wrap a piece of faux fur around the bottom, middle, or top part. Add some beads, ribbon, or flower pieces to enhance: petals sprinkled along the bottom of the candle, or surrounded in greenery, or even using the currently so popular ribbon bow.
These thoughtful details not only elevate the visual appeal but also invite guests to immerse themselves in the enchanting ambiance of a winter-themed celebration.
How to Keep Faux Fur Elegant and Not Tacky in Your Wedding
But is faux fur tacky? Or better yet—how do you keep it from becoming tacky?
The key is in balance: you want something that is high quality, matches your colors with the right tonality, and is used sparingly within your décor as an accent so it doesn’t overwhelm.
Remember that elegance often lies in simplicity and attention to detail. By choosing high-quality materials, thoughtful designs, and maintaining balance in your overall aesthetic, you can ensure that faux fur enhances the elegance of your wedding attire and decor rather than appearing tacky.
Quality
Investing in high-quality faux fur is a smart decision that goes beyond just saving costs. Opting for low-quality faux fur might seem like a way to cut corners, but you run the risk of ruining your entire wedding ensemble. The slight difference in price is well worth it. You can be sure that your wedding – dresses and décor – will make a lasting and positive impression. Here’s a few more reasons why high-quality faux fur is the best choice:
- Premium faux fur closely mimics the look and feel of genuine fur. It’s made from top-notch materials that provide a soft and comfortable touch. Almost, it’s hard to tell the difference between the faux and authentic fur.
- High-quality faux fur is a cruelty-free alternative because the manufacturing is governed by ethical standards. It gives you the chance to enjoy your winter wedding dresses with faux fur while ensuring that no animals were harmed in the process.
The plastic material used for faux fur is not resistant to frost, and this is even more apparent with cheap, obviously plastic faux fur. Poorly made faux fur doesn’t even seem to cover up its plastic component so it looks too fake to match your elegant wedding attire or your venue’s exquisite interior design and will curl or cave under extreme conditions. Always make sure to check the manufacturer’s recommendations on weather conditions for the pieces you purchase.
So, whether incorporated into the bride’s attire, groom’s accessories, or various decor elements, investing in top-notch faux fur contributes to the overall success of a memorable and visually stunning event.
Tonality
This plays into your color scheme, but tonality of faux fur is important. Not just talking about the color, but does it have dimension in its color. Even white faux fur tends to have dimension with gray or browns (alluding to the warm or cool undertone you can pair it with).
High-quality fur that feels luxurious is much like our own hair—it is multi-dimensional. Look for that tonality and coloring in the faux furs you consider.
Use it As an Accent Color or Texture… and Use it Sparingly
Incorporating winter wedding dresses with faux fur as an accent color or texture can be a design masterstroke when done sparingly. Whether used as a delicate trim, an accessory, or a subtle detail within the gown, faux fur introduces a touch of cozy opulence without overwhelming the overall aesthetic. In short, do not overdo it!
Carefully infuse faux fur as an accent color/texture to add a layer of sophistication to your bridal ensemble. Do it to complement the winter theme beautifully. By employing faux fur with restraint, brides can strike a perfect balance, creating a look that is both timeless and seasonally inspired.
Complimenting Your Color Scheme
Your wedding color palette is one of the pivotal choices you have to make during planning. Sometimes, the mixing and matching of colors can be a challenging task and you have to be careful when picking faux fur shades for your winter wedding.
Is Your Color Scheme Cool or Warm Tones?
Silver would be an obvious choice for a winter wedding, but other colors can be equally lovely. Neutral colors like ivory, champagne, gray, and taupe can make for a warm or cool tones. However, their temperature will depend on the undertones.
Cool hues like green, blue, and purple, effortlessly harmonize within their spectrum. Meanwhile, the warm colors of red, orange, yellow, cream, brown, tan, and olive create a cohesive resonance. Also, pure and neutral whites go perfectly with warm undertones like gold, yellow, and peach. You can make each shade work together with proper styling. It helps if you would consult with a professional to understand the basics of color schemes.
Achieving a harmonious ensemble is often simplified when cool tones complement cool tones, and warm tones effortlessly blend with their warm counterparts. However, getting more advanced you can create intentional contrast/tension by mixing warm and cool colors.
The biggest thing to remember with faux fur is that it too has warm and cool undertones based on it’s color.
Colored Faux Fur
Because we are entering our colorful era (yes finally *cries in color*), colored faux fur is now also becoming an option. Pastel blues faux fur sleeves with a pastel blue wedding dress—yes yes yes!
Although generally, luxurious touches are going to more resemble nature, don’t be afraid to go bold and colorful if that is your personality. Dye the faux fur lavender if your wedding is playful and whimsical.
Staying within pastel colors is a good way to bring in that pop of color without going too overboard if you are concerned with too much color.
If you are looking to stay more neutral in the sense of natural: balance is the key. If the wedding dress is a neutral or soft shade, consider using a more vibrant or contrasting colored faux fur to add a pop of color. If the dress is bold and rich in color, a subtle or complementary faux fur can be more appropriate.
Before deciding which faux fur colors you will use with your winter wedding dress or for your venue’s décor, try experimenting a little. Test whether they will harmonize, while also ensuring the balance.
Remember, The Day Is About YOU and YOUR Story—Do What Fits Your Wedding Day
Winter wedding dresses with faux fur is more than just a trend; it’s an expression of style and a festive proclamation of joy while walking down the aisle. By choosing high-quality faux fur and incorporating it with thoughtful precision, you elevate your wedding ensemble’s style.
You can achieve sophistication, warmth, and individuality by using faux fur that coordinates. Whether as a delicate trim, a statement accessory, or a cozy embellishment, faux fur, when used properly, weaves a story of elegance and winter romance.
But in the end, whether you use faux fur and how you use it. Be true to yourself. Don’t shy away from what you are drawn to because guess what—it is your story and you get to write it (including this wedding romance chapter).