This post is inspired by Lina, one of my Deep Creek brides who is getting married in just four days. It’s currently snowing, we already have a foot of snow on the ground, we’re expected to get more over the next few days, and the current forecast says temperatures on Lina’s wedding day may not get higher than 20 degrees.

Lina emailed me last week worried about the wintry conditions and how we might best handle that on her wedding day. I first reassured her that I wouldn’t ask any of their six guests (they’re having a super small wedding…so fun and cozy and easy!) to stand outside for pictures for more than a few minutes at a time. When it’s that cold, we work in shifts! We huddle up and make a game plan, a few people go outside for pictures while everyone else stays in. Then the next few people go outside while the others warm up. It’s a beautiful thing! 

But what about Lina and her man!? They’re willing to be outside for longer to captured their married portraits, but we don’t want them to be miserable because of the cold! So I shared a list of tips on how Lina could dress warm and better withstand the wintry conditions…for the sake of lakefront pictures. 🙂

So here you go, friends! Hot off the press from the #TundraofMaryland…

HOW TO DRESS WARM FOR YOUR WINTER WEDDING

1. Fur, wraps and jackets! Just because you’re marrying in winter doesn’t mean you can’t get a sleeveless dress! What can you put over that dress that is both seasonably appropriate and photo-worthy? I right away think of fur. But if you’re wanting something of simpler style, a wrap or blanket scarf can be lovely! There’s also plenty of stylish jackets that can go well with a dress or long skirt. And even if your jacket isn’t pretty or stylish, bring it! You can wear it while we walk and in between photo spots. (Guys, too. Bring your jackets.) Here’s some inspiration…

The one thing you must note about the fur and wraps, as seen above…they are not the warmest option. They do provide some coverage, but only to the arms…and even then some wraps will only cover the upper arms. If it’s not going to be super cold, a wrap may be all you need. But if you want something with better coverage and warmth, get yourself a jacket, or something that has length…

Added tip: Red POPS against a wintry backdrop! But there’s also room for whites and the prettiness they brings to a wintry backdrop… 

My bride Elizabeth decided to “go big or go home” with this long, beautiful, perfect-for-the-forest, red cloak! She’s absolutely stunning! And you can see more from her winter elopement in their wedding video, done by JFP videographer Christine (the first elopement she ever filmed).

Another pop of color, a yellow cardigan! (The picture below is from a fall styled shoot…this color and style is especially lovely for the fall season!)

2. Winter accessories! Gloves, hats, scarves…all very appropriate! They’ll add some unique style (opportunity to add some color) and warmth to your look, and the gloves provide a place for hand warmers. (I use these in my gloves when shooting!) This tip isn’t just intended for the girls and their dresses. Guys can also throw on these accessories for style and warmth. (I don’t have a photo of a groom in winter accessories yet, but hopefully soon. Don’t be afraid to throw on some layers to get warm, gents! It’s not just the gals who get cold.)

I’m actually taking the green fur jacket pictured above to Lina this weekend! A lady from our church gifted it to me a couple of years ago!

Lina sent me a picture of her dress, shoes and hairpiece, and I think the jacket will go well with what she’s put together! The picture also shows off some stylish gloves. My mom got those for me to wear specifically with the green jacket. Sadly, I’ve never had a reason to dress up and wear this combo.

Below, Jenna is sporting a beanie hat as an added accessory. She’s also wearing a giant, ballgown style skirt with a sweater she found at Walmart. I love this easy bridal look for a winter wedding! 

3. Boots! You gotta have boots! Or at least grab some as a second pair of shoes for the day. The last thing you want is wet, cold feet because you’re wearing slinky heels or plush Ugg boots (they may be boots, but they’re not made for weather). Boots also provide a space for toe warmers (I use these when shooting in the cold) and multiple pairs of socks. There are also just some really cute, fashionable boot options out there! Look at what two of my brides have worn…

Side note: I fully support giant, colorful tulle skirts for weddings! 🙂

4. Layer UNDER your dress! What you don’t see in the photo above are the jeans Jenna was wearing underneath her skirt. While jeans won’t fit or feel right under most dresses and skirts, leggings and tights will! No one will know you’re wearing them and they’ll add a layer of warmth.

5. Borrow! Don’t be afraid to ask around for your fur, wrap, jacket, or winter accessories. My green fur jacket above came from a lady at church and now Lina might borrow it! I’m also looking into snagging my sister’s off-white furry cape she wore for her winter wedding for Lina as well. If it’s something you’re only going to wear for a brief time, no need to spend tons of money. These are things that can be easily borrowed.

Not a winter wedding pictured below, but a borrowed “wrap” for Kelsey and Mike during their fall wedding last year. It’s actually a tablecloth I got in Mexico 12 years ago and I brought it along for some added color and coziness. 🙂

If you’re planning for a winter wedding in a location that experiences cold temperatures and snow (if you’re planning for Deep Creek, we can see cold and snow from October to May sometimes…just a heads up), it’s better to be warm than 100% “stylish” for the big day, in my opinion. I think the tips above allow you to have both, so YAY! Here’s to more winter weddings!