With proper planning and a little preparation, a Winter Elopement can be a beautiful, romantic and (relatively) warm experience.

 

couple kiss in a winter scene

The first and most obvious consideration is dress. What do you wear if it is going to be freezing cold and you still want to look fabulous?

The unfortunate fact is that most dress designers assume you are going to be getting married indoors or in a warm location, so they design dresses for Charleston, South Carolina in August, right? Those pretty, sexy, gauzy gowns are typically backless and sleeveless. They look amazing but simply are not suited for mountain top weddings even in July at higher elevations – especially if the wind kicks up. Wind chill is the biggest culprit creating your discomfort. Mountain tops have wind speeds that are two to three (and sometimes more) times the velocity than in valleys like where Asheville is located. So if you look at the forecast for Asheville, subtract 10 – 15 degrees and that will be the temperature at mountain top altitude. Then if the wind is blowing you can subtract 10 – 15 more. That is what the real temperature will be.

Here’s an example: The elopement shown below was in late April. The temperature in Asheville was 77 degrees, but on the mountain top it was a brisk 43 degrees with wind gusts an estimated 30 miles per hour. This couple was totally unprepared for this extreme weather. The good news is that you do not have to be.

Ladies, call this a Russian Conspiracy, but they don’t let a little winter weather get in the way of their romance in Moscow or in other Northern Climates, like Sweden, Norway and Finland! They dress up with full length gowns that have multiple layers for warmth, with long sleeves, and then accessorize with gloves, hats, snow boots and yes, furs! You don’t have to dress like Ralphie’s little brother Randy in A Christmas Story  to stay warm for North Carolina mountain weddings. Our winters are generally mild. But it is still winter, so dressing like a Northerner will prepare you for most eventualities. Therefore, with them as our muse, here’s our suggestions for keeping warm for a winter destination elopement…

1. Long sleeves.

Exposed skin is skin than chills the fastest.

2. Full length skirt. (Yes, I know, most wedding dresses are full length).

But not too long of a train especially if it is in snow or damp ground because the hem – if it is contact with moisture – will be wet and cold on your ankles and feet.

3. Winter boots.

Splurge a little here. Fur lined and waterproof if you want the best warmth and protection. The hem of your dress should cover them for most of the photos.

4. Fleece lined yoga pants.

This alone will save your lower extremities from the cold.

5. Fur stoles or fleece lined dress jackets as part of your outfit.

Even imitation ones – which are relatively inexpensive – provide warmth and can be elegant additions to your outfit. Use a dressy jacket as an accessory. Stoles and jackets may be removed for short periods of time for photos, then put back on during breaks or relocations to warm you back up.

6. Fur Hats.

We lose more heat from our heads than any other part of our body.

7. Dress Gloves.

Remember when elegant ladies wore long sleeve gloves? You should avoid any cotton gloves though. Wool or fleece remain warm even when wet.

If you are interested, I created a Pinterest Board of winter outfits that are totally gorgeous: https://pin.it/68b62Vi

snow kiss with just eloped sign

What about the guys?

1. Consider a wool suit.

Most suits are made for wearing to the office and tuxedos for parties held indooors. Wool suits are not only warmer, they are more wind resistant and keep you warmer if you get wet.

2. Base layers.

Under Armor and other brands – especially made for hunters and winter athletics – have both upper and lower base layers to wear beneath your visible clothing.

3. Boots rather than dress shoes.

Same reasoning as for the ladies in item #3 above.

4. Hats 

I always wear one in the winter. Most bald guys do. If you have hair, you should still consider wearing (or bringing) one too. Better to have one and not need it, than not have one and wish that you did.

5. Gloves

Same as for the ladies above. Take them off for photos.

6. Full length wool coat.

If you have one already, then you know.

Finally, everyone can bring a winter coat to warm up with from time to time.

 

All of the following weddings were during the winter months…

little girl gives bride butterfly kisses
newlyweds, bride, groom first dance

We often take off the stoles for photos sessions. Even with snow on the ground, our weather is usually mild enough to take photos like these.

dance at wiseman's view

Who says you have to wear white?

amore by the duck pond with geese in background

What tradition do you come from?

Always enjoy the moment…

on a cliff with snow

Bottom line… think ahead and be prepared.

bride lifted in the snow by groom