Warm Accessories for Winter Weddings

Chattanooga weather is unpredictable. If you’re planning a January wedding, it may be 70 degrees… or it may be 20 degrees. Occasionally I’ll get jealous of wedding planners located in places like California. Where they know with certainty that the weather will be 65 degrees and sunny. Or even somewhere Colorado where you can guarantee a winter wedding will be snowy. But here in beautiful Appalachia, we have to plan for everything. Whenever I start to get a little envious of other climates, I take a deep breath. I remind myself how magical it is when you do get a mysterious warm day in the middle of February. The look on a bride’s face when that happens is priceless. Ultimately, I’m ok with it. We trade in peace of mind for the beauty of changing seasons. It makes me a better planner to be prepared for everything. There are so many beautiful and classy ways to accessorize for cold-weather weddings.

Because of COVID-19, many 2020 brides bought summer wedding and bridesmaids dresses. And then had to reschedule their wedding for colder months. If this is you, there is no need to change up your entire color scheme or have your girls buy new items. Just accessorize using the list below to winterize your wedding.

Fur Wraps 

Fur wraps are a classy way to winterize your wedding. They’re timeless and elegant. It’s rare to find an accessory that has the bulk required for warmth but is still designed to be shapely. You could opt for the mink stole look. Or you could go more for the little fur jacket option. They have fur wraps on Amazon for as little as $16. But spending a little more means you’ll be a little warmer. Think real fur vs polyester fur. If you’re ordering online, I’d recommend buying a few and trying them. See which works best for your dress… AND which will be the warmest. Many of these wraps are only furry on the outside. 

Winter Wedding Shoes 

You have a few different options for warm wedding shoes. Closed-toe flats are always a solid option. Choose a shoe made of hemp or leather, to ensure it’s the warmest material. Pair your flats with invisible Smartwool liners to stay even cozier.

You can also opt for hidden sherpa-lined boots. This is great for the outdoorsy bride who has her heart set on a ceremony in the middle of a dewy field. Or on top of an overlook. If you’ll be traipsing through the elements, it’s important to remember that the drier you are, the warmer you are. Chattanooga has a high resting dewpoint. It’s humid here, even in winter. The grassy field you'll be striding across like a goddess? That field is likely soaking wet. Boots are a good option for staying warm all night. Don’t underestimate the hiding powers of a long dress with a train. Likely no one will see your feet anyway… Unless you want them to.

Fur Headwraps 

Head accessories are so much fun. As a bit of a fashion-nerd, I love early 20th-century fashion. Pairings outfits with little hats, combs, and veils are so charming. We’ve lost that in the 21st century. Weddings are one of the only times it’s socially acceptable to wear headdresses. In this way, winter brides are especially lucky. Instead of a flower crown, or a tiara, consider a fur headwrap instead. Picture a sparkling Russian Winter Wonderland theme, like in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. 

Tall Gloves 

This winter accessory is another nostalgia-inducing style. I’ve always admired my grandmother’s wedding photos. These photos are not like wedding photos today. They're not candid shots of swoon-worthy moments. These photos are stiff and posed, almost like a royal wedding portrait. And yet… I still admire the elegance. Especially in the form grandmother’s silk elbow-length gloves with pearl buttons up the sides. On her wedding day, my grandmother looked like Zelda Fitzgerald. Modest, classic yet coy. Winter weddings are the perfect way to tap into this piece of fashion nostalgia. Just remove them and give them to your maid of honor when it’s time to adorn your rings. 

Feather Shrug 

Is Fur not your thing? Not to fret. Feathers are just as warm- or warmer than fur! Feathers keep birds cozy in arctic temperatures. And don’t forget about everybody’s favorite blanket... the down comforter. But they are a completely different style aesthetic.  A feather shrug is a loud, proud statement piece.   A feather shrug will match with an edgier bride. 

Cape 

Ok… real talk. How many times in your life will you have the opportunity to wear a cape? The answer is not many! If this sounds like you- seize the day! We’re not talking Superman capes here. We’re talking Queen Elizabeth on her coronation. We’re talking about the front page of Vogue Bride. Capes can be short or long. The long cape will likely take the place of a cathedral style veil. The short cape looks amazing with fitted, hour-glass style dresses. 

Cozy Poncho 

As a bride, you may not want a poncho covering up your thousand-dollar dress. But ponchos are a great option for your bridesmaids. Especially if your bridesmaids have different color dresses. A uniform poncho can be a great way to tie everything together. Not to mention… you’re basically wearing a blanket. Your bridesmaids will love you even more than they already do (if that’s possible!).

Guest Blankets 

Line your ceremony/ reception chairs with cozy blankets for your guests. Blankets add a lot of warmth to the cold, hard surface of their chairs. They’ll love cozying up with their blanket and a hot glass of apple cider. Not sure what you’ll do with 30+ blankets after your wedding? They also make gorgeous wedding favors. You can even personalize them. 

Crackling Fire

Yes, I consider this an accessory! Some people may disagree with me. But to prove this, I look to Denmark. Denmark is the happiest country in the world, despite being one of the coldest and darkest. This is greatly in part to their “hygge” lifestyle. Here’s the basic premise of hygge: to live your life in the coziest, loveliest way possible. Here are a few examples for a few things that are hygge:

• A hot cup of tea

• Fuzzy socks

• Lighting candles at dinnertime

• A roaring fireplace

Fires are the epitome of cozy. And a crackling fire as a backdrop to your ceremony could be exceptionally romantic.

You can even use mini Flickr fireplaces as a table setting. Guests could roast marshmallows. But before you buy table-top fireplaces, make sure to check to see if your venue contract has any stipulations about open flames.

Need Help?

 If you need any other ideas, just drop me a line! I’d love to help you brainstorm winterization techniques that are unique to your wedding.