Have you felt that cool breeze in the air lately? The holidays are on their way, and if the goosebumps on your arms are accompanied by butterflies in your stomach, your winter wedding is probably on its way, too. Are you prepared for the big day? Whether you’re weeks away from your dream wedding or you’re working toward winter 2024, here are my top five tips for a gorgeous winter wedding.

1. Embrace the Season

Did you know only 11 percent of weddings took place outside the traditional May-October wedding season last year? A winter wedding is a stunning event to plan, and gives you the opportunity to create a day that’s both fresh and unique to this industry. So when you’re preparing for your winter wedding, it’s important to embrace the season! Choose a seasonal menu full of hearty soups, winter salads and festive comfort foods. Embrace rich velvets for fabrics and warm hues for colors. Worried about losing the natural light too early? Fairy lights and candles can create the perfect cozy mood—and make for some gorgeous photos!

2. Give Yourself Time

With winter being a unique wedding season, it’s easy to think dates and venues will have plenty of availability, or your guests will have plenty of days off to spend with you. But holiday travel and events book early, and your vendors will, too! Be sure to start planning in advance, and give your guests plenty of time to coordinate holiday calendars with save-the-dates at least six months out.

Even if your winter wedding plans are well underway, this tip applies to the day itself, too. Roads are icy and snow can cause delays, so make sure you give yourself (and your wedding party) plenty of time to commute and prepare. 

3. Consider your Guests

It’s always important to make your friends and family feel welcome on your big day, but with a winter wedding, those steps of comfort for your guests look a little different than the traditional ushers and cocktail hours. Planning an indoor ceremony or reception? Make sure you have a coat check upon arrival, and have plenty of coordinated mats handy for snowy shoes. Any outdoor events? Consider serving warm beverages, or passing out blankets with your programs. If you’re passing out favors, opt for some seasonal favorites like mulled wine spices, mittens, or cozy candles. 

4. Warm up with Layers

Nothing can take you out of a romantic mood faster than cold feet—and I don’t just mean nerves! If you’re walking from space to space, have some cute boots handy to change in and out of, and make sure your bridesmaids do the same. Long dress? Grab some thick or fleece-lined tights to keep your feet and legs toasty. Your accessories and outerwear will be on full display, so make sure you’re prepared with chic layers (for you AND your wedding party!)

5. Prepare for Emergencies

Contingency plans are a part of any event, but they’re especially important for a winter wedding. If you’re planning to use any outdoor spaces, make sure there’s an indoor option that’s available and convenient—winter weather is so unpredictable! Are you providing transportation for your guests? Make sure you have backups available if conditions are bad, and alternate routes ready to communicate if roads are closed. Keep an eye on the airlines, too… your honeymoon travel plans might be delayed!

Your wedding day is easily one of the most photographed days of your life, so it’s no wonder brides and their wedding parties go above and beyond to look their best. And while we’ve all searched the internet and built our Pinterest boards with the perfect hair and makeup looks, we tend to focus on what looks pretty — and lose sight of what might not be functional or best in the long run! Keep dreaming, and keep pinning everything you do want… but read on for a few things you might not. Speaking as someone who’s photographed a wedding or two, here’s my top five wedding day hair and makeup mistakes to avoid.

Wedding Day Hair and Makeup Mistake #1: Trying Something New (at the last minute!)

Don’t get me wrong… if you want a new look for your big day, go for it! Just don’t wait until your wedding month to take the plunge. When it comes to beauty products, makeup looks, haircuts and colors, it’s best to test it out in advance, when there’s plenty of time to correct (or regrow!) anything you don’t like as much after all. There will be plenty of other things to worry about on your big day. Making a plan, playing in advance and having a glam trial set up are all great ways to avoid any surprises or disappointments when it comes to your wedding day hair and makeup.

Mistake #2: Getting Too Trendy (and dating yourself later!)

Trust me, there’s a difference between being fashion-forward and falling into trend traps. Remember looking at your parents and grandparents’ school photos? The blue eye shadow and Farrah Fawcett Flips haven’t exactly stood the test of time, and neither will anything we’re all sporting right now. Your wedding photos will be the images you cherish for years to come, and the ones you show and pass down to the next generations! Make sure your wedding day hair and makeup can stand the test of time as something you’re proud to share.

Mistake #3: Catering to Your Inspo (and not to yourself!)

Hair-spiration is a beautiful thing, and is usually super helpful for whoever is styling you. But odds are, the bride in the photo is not you… and this is YOUR big day! When choosing your makeup look and colors, make sure you’re looking at things that will work with your skin tone, face shape, eye shape, eye color, etc. The same thing goes with your hair! Does your dream up-do work with your natural hair texture? Will it match the style of your dress? Does everything bring out the very best in your features? Have your inspiration handy, but don’t be afraid to personalize your final look into something that works perfectly for you!

Mistake #4: Disregarding the Weather (even if your wedding is indoors!)

Does your hair get frizzy in humidity? Does your skin dry out in dry air? Wherever your ceremony takes place, it’s important to consider the weather when putting together a plan for your wedding day hair and makeup… especially if you’re planning on taking any photos outside! If it’s typically windy, opt for a hairstyle that’s not going to blow in front of your face all day. If it’s typically sunny, make sure your makeup products (and any parts in your hair!) are armed with an adequate SPF. Need some extra moisture or setting power? Have your favorite products handy! You can usually look up a city’s monthly average well in advance, but it’s a good idea to keep an eye on your detailed local forecast as the big day gets closer. 

Wedding Day Hair and Makeup Mistake #5:  Too Much Drama (and not enough shine!)

There’s something timeless and stunning about black and white wedding photos, am I right? Well nothing stands in the way of those images more than going too dramatic with your wedding day hair and makeup! When it comes to your hair, make sure nothing is slicked back too severely (so you don’t photograph bald from the front), and make sure any smokey eyes won’t become sunglasses when your images are converted to black and white. There are plenty of ways to make a dramatic statement without compromising your photographs… Remember, we want this day to last forever! How it photographs is just as important as how it looks in person. (And no one wants to spend the whole day touching up and maintaining a dark or heavy look!) Don’t hide yourself behind too much drama, and opt to let your beautiful self shine!

No matter your style, having a plan, doing a trial and making a day-of schedule are the tried and true ways to avoid any wedding day hair and makeup mistakes. Play to your strengths, do what makes you feel beautiful, and above all else, be YOU! Beauty trends come and go. Your love is forever! Let’s capture a timeless day that will make your heart swell.