Brides getting married anytime between November and March in Washington, DC or Northern VA know that their wedding day will likely be pretty chilly! As your wedding photographer, I will always encourage we plan your timeline to ensure some outdoor portraits as natural light makes for the most flattering photos. However, knowing how cold it can get those months, I always plan to work as efficiently as possible to help keep my bride from freezing! I always send them a few tips before the big day that have been a huge help in the past! 

1. Bundle Up! 
Wedding dresses are wonderful because the skirt is often heavily layered, which means you can wear warm leggings underneath without anyone noticing! For your top half, winter brides look amazing in a fur shawl and as a bonus, they will keep your shoulders warm! If you want to forgo the shawl, pack an over-sized coats instead; you can wear this between shots and as we move from place to place — then when we are shooting, my second will keep it ready for you!

2. Pack Hot Hands! 
These little suckers are amazing not just to have in your pockets, but to also shove in your shoes! They can be purchased at any Target/CVS/Grocery Store and are great for both the bride AND the groom, so grab a pack for both of you. One little trick is to “activate” the packet about 30 minutes before you need it. They can take a bit to actually warm up, but last for HOURS once they do so there is not harm is doing this early. 

3. Ditch the Heels! 
No, no, not all day — trust me, I am too much of a shoe addict to advise any bride that it’s a good idea to pass on heels. But I highly recommend having a backup pair of shoes for when we head outside for portraits that will help keep your feet warm. If you have a big poofy dress, this could mean boots; or if you have a lighter, airy dress, then perhaps sneakers would be best! Either way, having on socks and real shoes will help you be so much more comfortable in the chilly temps!