Some might say Minnesota was made for winter weddings. And with winter weddings growing in popularity (hello reduced off-season venue fees) some brides and grooms may wonder how they’re survive their outdoor portraits.

If you run cold, as I do (I’m sitting here wrapped in a blanket and my hands are freezing), here 6 tips that’ll help you and your future spouse stay warm during winter wedding portraits.

1. Choose a wedding dress and bridesmaid dresses with long sleeves

Most brides don’t initially picture a wedding dress with long sleeves but that doesn’t mean they should be ruled out. There are some seriously stylish wedding dresses and bridesmaid dresses out there that have long sleeves. “Ok great but my dress didn’t come with sleeves.” That’s not a problem. A great dress tailor – like my pal Deborah at Beauty By Design – can add them to your dress! Don’t like the idea of sleeves? Add a cute coat or faux fur into the mix to stay warm during your wedding portraits!

2. Wrap up in a scarf or shawl.

My second tip to stay warm during wedding portraits is to bring along a scarf or shawl. Not only will it keep you warm by blocking the wind and keeping in your body heat, but it’ll also look super cute and can double as a prop to wrap you and your new spouse up in! Consider getting a scarf in one of your wedding colors or in a neural, earth tone that will look elegant against any backdrop.

3. Wear long underwear or leggings under your dress.

This is my favorite wintertime life hack and I personally do it all of the time, even when I’m wearing jeans! Wear leggings, long underwear, or – if you don’t have either of those – tights under your wedding dress. This is such a brilliant tip because literally no one will be able to tell you’re wearing them…your dress hides it all!

4. Swap out your bridal shoes for winter boots or waterproof boots.

Yes, wear the fancy bridal shoes but when it’s time to go outside and take your wedding portraits, change up your footwear and put on your winter boots and thick socks! Just like the leggings tip, no one will be able to see your boots unless you make a point of showing them off. Bonus: boots, whether they’re winter boots or waterproof boots, have extra tread on the bottom that will keep you from slipping. And for the guys out there, please think about the tread on your shoes, too. No one wants you or your groomsmen to slip and fall because your dress shoes have no tread to them!

5. Bring hand warmers and mittens.

Chances are good that you will be spending upwards of an hour outside taking portraits on your wedding day. Putting hand warmers inside of your mittens will keep your hands nice and toasty in-between photos. If you need a bit of heat while you’re taking portraits, you could put one inside your boots and/or hold one between your hands and bouquet.

6. Pack a thermos of coffee, tea, or hot cocoa.

Warm yourself from the inside out. Scientifically speaking, it’s not the heat of the beverage that keeps you warm (you’d actually be better off drinking cold water because it raises your core temperature to counteract the cold liquid). Rather, it’s the caffeine that stimulates your metabolism which encourages the body to burn fuel. Though, if you ask me, holding and sipping a warm cup of coffee, tea, or hot cocoa never hurts.

Have fun during your winter wedding portraits! Know that it’ll be a bit chilly but that’s part of the fun. Embrace the elements, prepare ahead of time, and cuddle up with your future spouse, baby!

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