Weddingbee Blog

I have a problem.

I really really really REAAAAAAAAALLY really like sweaters. Cardigans, to be more precise. And I live in Florida.

*hangs head*

This obsession has been met with everything from admonishment—“STOP BUYING THRIFT-STORE CARDIGANS IN THE DEAD OF SUMMER.”—to adoration: “I saw a cardigan you’d love!”

I was especially enamored of Mrs. Cardigan’s approach to wedding-day cover up and, emboldened by my on-the-fencedness when it comes to my strapless dress, I’ve been stalking photos of brides in cardigans for months now.

Image via Weddingbee (Mrs. Cardigan) / Photo by She & He Photography

Uh, did I mention we live in Florida?

Still, I can’t get over this look. I use cardigans to dress up and dress down a number of outfits. I recently started to participate in Kendi’s 30-for-30 remix and seriously, guys, four of my 30 items are cardigans. And it’s almost July. It’s not even cold in my office. In fact, it’s hot. This is obscene.

But. Want more convincing that I should indeed rock a cardigan on the day of? I thought you’d never ask:

I love the short-sleeved approach, and the yellow! / Image via Ruffled / Photo by Shannon Nicole Smith

So, this is the perfect one. Perfect length, perfect sleeves, perfect beading. This is what I want. / Photo via Ruffled / Photo by Kate Harrison

But what about something like this pretty print? Especially since it’s hot pink… / Image via The Bride’s Café / Photo by Shannon Nicole Smith

At first I thought my best shot would be a vintage number. On Etsy alone, you get more than 300 results when searching for cardigans in the vintage section. Like, f’rinstance, this number.

Image via Etsy seller laceandbones

But seeing as how vintage cardigans can so often fit funky—not a slim enough silhouette, too long weird sleeves, too hot acrylic with lining—I’d either have to scour vintage stores around here or shop new. Summer’s probably not the best time to be looking, but…

This is adorable, along the lines of the short-sleeved one up top, and it comes in a cute-as-a-button color. But I’m not sure it’s fancy enough for a ceremony. / Image via Nordstrom

This. Is. Perfect. But Kate, why must you taunt me with your lovely garb and your exceedingly high price tags? I thought we were friends, but $300 for a cardigan—that, I cannot abide. / Image via Nordstrom

This is charming and looks quite breathable, but I’m not a fan of the light pink color for our wedding. / Image via Nordstrom

At first I thought I wouldn’t wear the cardigan for the ceremony, but given that I can get slightly fancier options, I do like that idea. Cardigans are *me*. It’s my look. I’d really love to bring a little of that into the wedding day, while keeping it classy.

I realize a few things. One, I may be sweating like a pig that day. Two, it may be a little warm still in November in Florida. Three, how do I try on cardigans to find the perfect one that works with my dress? It’s not like I can take the dress to the department store and try it on with the cover ups. I also don’t love the idea of buying cardigans with the possibility of returning them because, again, it means I’d need to continue slipping in and out of my dress, which I’m terrified to do. And four, will a cardigan obstruct the lovely corset back?

What do you think? Do you love the cardigan look? Hate it? How would I try it on to find the perfect one? Am I weird? It’s OK, you can say so.