What to wear to a winter photoshoot
Discover what to wear for a winter engagement photo session to create stunning, coordinated looks without overly matching. Learn tips on choosing complementary accent colors, incorporating cozy textures, and using subtle patterns to enhance your photos. Find inspiration for layering stylishly and staying comfortable in winter settings while reflecting your unique style as a couple. This guide is perfect for engaged couples looking to plan their winter photoshoot wardrobe and capture timeless, magical memories during engagement season.
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The side effect of proposal season? Winter engagement photo sessions.
Winter engagement photo shoots are undeniably magical. If you’re not planning an engagement shoot, no worries - winter is also a great time for family photos too!
The neutral tones of the season, coupled with cozy layers and a backdrop of snow or bare trees, creates a timeless setting.. With engagement season in full swing, it’s the perfect time to capture this milestone with a winter wonderland feel.
When it comes to planning your outfits, there’s a fine line between looking cohesive and looking like you’re dressed for a family holiday card. The secret is to coordinate looks, while avoiding being too matchy-matchy. After all this is your fiance we’re talking about, not your twin. Here’s how to strike the perfectly balanced coordinated winter look:
1. Pick an Accent Color
Choose one or two accent colors to tie your outfits together. For example, if you’re wearing a burgundy scarf, your partner could wear a hat/headband, boots, or lipstick/nails in the same shade. Neutrals like ivory, grey, navy, and camel make excellent base colors, allowing your accent hues to pop without being overwhelming.
Pro tip: Earthy tones and jewel tones work beautifully against winter backdrops. Not if your backdrop is going to be evergreen trees, you’ll want to go with a cream or neutral color outfit, instead of a navy or black which can blend in too much with the pine color.
2. Incorporate Texture
Textures add depth to your photos and create visual interest. Think cozy cable knits, suede, wool, or even faux fur. If one of you wears a chunky knit sweater, the other might opt for a tweed jacket or corduroy pant. Embellished headbands are also a great way to add texture. The contrast in textures will look fantastic in photos while staying true to the winter theme.
Pro tip: If you don’t want a lot of texture in your fabrics, you can opt to include beaded accents in headbands or a brooch on your jacket lapel to add interest.
Get this polished city look:
3. Play With Patterns
Patterns can be a great way to coordinate without matching exactly. One of you might wear a subtle plaid scarf or a striped shirt, while the other picks up the color palette with solid-colored pieces. Just be sure to keep patterns subtle and not overly busy—they should complement, not compete.
For example, if your partner is wearing a plaid flannel top with burgundy and navy tones, you can do a burgundy scarf or sweater to complement the colors in your partner’s flannel without looking like you just stepped out of a 90s family photo taken at JcPenney’s…am I the only one who have one of those from their childhood?
Recreate this cozy look:
4. Layer Up (and Stay Comfortable)
Winter photoshoots can get chilly, so embrace the layering opportunities! Not only will layers keep you warm, but they also add dimension to your look. Think scarves, gloves, cardigans, and coats. Be sure to choose pieces you can easily shed if you want a variety of looks in your photos. Blankets can also be a great practical prop for winter photoshoots. Depending on your location, you might be able to make a campfire and or carry lanterns in the photos for added warmth and visual interest. If you’re doing your photos on forest service land, be sure to check the rules and regulations for your area.
Pro tip: Choose footwear that works for winter terrain. Stylish boots are a safe and practical choice—no one wants cold feet in more ways than one! If you’re going to be in the snow, avoid untreated leather and suede which can get ruined when they get wet. Side note, my spouse says I have a knack for always picking the wrong footwear so I’m speaking from experience (allow me to pause for a moment while I mourn my mustard colored suede boots that were totally destroyed one slushy winter day…sigh….).
5. Stay True to Your Style
Above all, your outfits should reflect your personalities and style as a couple. If you’re laid-back and outdoorsy, embrace cozy flannels and hiking boots. If you prefer an elegant vibe, go for tailored coats, dresses, and bold accessories (think statement earrings OR necklace - do not do both). Staying authentic will make your photos feel more “you” and will make you feel more comfortable during the photoshoot itself.
For the thrill seekers:
6. Consider the Setting
Take cues from your location. A snowy forest might call for rich jewel or earth tones, while an urban setting could inspire a sleeker, more modern look. Plan your outfits to complement—not clash with—the surroundings.
Pro tip: Winter is a great time to incorporate props in your photos. Adding a thick cable knit blanket, a metal lantern, and/or some ceramic mugs all make great accents to your snowy photoshoot.
Final Thoughts
Winter engagement photos are a beautiful way to celebrate your love (and or family) amidst the magic of the season. By coordinating your outfits through accent colors, patterns, and textures, you’ll create a cohesive yet natural look that lets your connection shine. Remember this is your life partner, not your twin sibling - don’t go to matchy matchy. Bundle up, enjoy the moment, and trust your photographer to capture the romance of your winter wonderland backdrop.
Smile big and congratulations on your engagement!
Why you might want to consider a winter wedding
Winter weddings can be magical. Learn about the top 5 reasons to consider a wintry wedding for your special day.
Remember how we talked about engagement season? Well, there is also a wedding season. I swear it’s true!
Peak wedding season tends to run from summer into early fall. While the most popular wedding month varies year to year, the wedding season tends to stay within that summer to fall range.
Personally, I got married in July. While it was beautiful sunny weather, it was also over 90 degrees and the event was outside. Our ceremony had zero shade and our poor guests were SWEATING and also getting sunburned as we said our vows. It was serious work to spend the day in that heat in a corseted wedding gown. Also, the bugs. My dress had this swooped tulle that was visually stunning to me and also apparently the bugs. They kept getting trapped in my dress (see below for a photo of my cousin meticulously picking the bugs out of my dress).
My sweet cousin picking the bugs out of my wedding dress #summerweddingproblems
I know…probably not the dreamy summer wedding photo you would expect from most wedding blogs. You’ll learn I’m not a big sugar coater and I also love having all the information. If I had known about the bugs and the dehydration of a July wedding, I might have chosen a different month. Seriously though, bugs in your dress? These are the things no one tells you about summer weddings.
Of course, pick whatever wedding month you and your partner want - I’m just making sure you know all the ups and downs of the options. It seems other couples might be catching on to this whole summer-weddings-aren’t-quite-the-dream-you-think-they-are concept. In 2022, in a survey of 12,000 participants, October was the most popular wedding month. The crisp autumn weather, the bold leaf colors, the bright skies - Okay fall…
While getting married during the wedding season has the benefit of warmer weather and it can also be easier for guests who are traveling to take vacation time to join the festivities, there is a benefit (or five) to getting married in the “off season”.
I didn’t attend my first winter wedding until 2017. The moment I was onsite for the event, I was sold. The wedding took place on a beautiful farmland outside of Memphis, Tennessee in December. It was a chilly day, though not unbearable. The ceremony took place outside. The bridesmaids wore these stunning red shawls to help keep them warm. I may or may not have sat behind a cousin who was sharing their whiskey with those around them (another option to help you warm up quickly). I totally would’ve participated in this, had I not been over 7 months pregnant. The cocktail hour was also outside. There were heat lamps and warm appetizers. Then we all headed over to the rustic barn for the reception. There was a huge fireplace with garland on the mantle, and this stunning twinkle light arch. Like I said, this wedding really sold me on the off season wedding idea.
My family + the magical twinkle arch
Let me tell you 5 reasons why winter weddings can be fabulous:
Budget + Less Competition
Florals + Decor
Food + Drinks
Photography
Music
Budget + Less Competition
If you’re looking for ways to reduce your wedding costs, having it during the off season might just be the way to go. Venue rentals tend to come down in the winter months (also on weekdays, if you’re wanting to save even more!). Consider looking into your venue of choice and comparing their summer versus winter pricing. The difference might be enough to have you consider a winter wedding.
In addition to saving money, saying “I do” in the snow season also comes with less competition for venues, florists, photographers, caterers…basically all vendors. It will be easier to find vendors to use in the off season. In the summer/fall season, you’ll likely only get a few dates to choose from with your venue. Looking into a winter wedding might be a good idea if you want more date options.
Not sold on a wintry wedding yet? Let’s talk about florals and decor…
Florals + Decor
There are a lot of things that go into a wedding, the design part is my ABSOLUTE favorite though. I could care less about the food (even though we’ll talk about that in a minute), as long as the centerpieces are stunning, I’m happy. With a winter wedding, your flower choices might feel limited at first (note: you can get any flower you want, but in the winter, it’ll cost you more to access those beautiful Dahlias you’ve been dreaming about). But don’t let this discourage you. While Dahlias might not be the ideal winter choice, the off season opens up a whole new selection of floral and greenery options. Think garlands, holly, mistletoe (how fitting is that for a wedding?!?) - the options are unique and endless.
Pine Tree Seedling Wedding Favor + Birchwood Place Holder (styled by yours truly!)
Same goes for decor. You can bring in things that you would normally never see in a typical wedding. Want mini Christmas trees as the centerpiece? Go for it! A glass vase filled with gold and silver ornaments and birchwood? Done. A wreath with candle votives in the center? So cozy and elegant. If you're looking to push beyond the traditional designs you see and really get creative, winter weddings are a great place to do that!
Food + Drinks
I know I said I could care less about the food and I really could (ask my older sister and she’ll go on and on about how boring my wedding food was). Even still, I think food and drinks can be a fun way to infuse more personality and creativity into your wedding. Note - an outdoors summer wedding leaves limited food options (especially if you’re outside). In the winter, you’ll likely be indoors with access to things like electricity and burners to keep food warm.
Winter weddings are a great place to bring comfort food into play. Tomato soup with grilled cheese, mini applewood bacon macaroni cups, baked brie spread on fresh bread…whoops, sorry I just drooled a little on my keyboard!
Don’t even get me started on the drinks! Eggnog, candy cane martinis, mulled wine, a hot chocolate bar. Anyone who knows me knows I am a hot chocolate fanatic and during the holidays, I drink candy cane martinis on the regular. Dang! Maybe I should have gotten married in the winter.
Photo Credit: Candy Cane Martini
Photography
Wedding photography can feel a little stale at times (I know I just made every wedding photographer cringe). It’s not their fault. There’s only so many ways you can take a shot of a summer wedding. The winter though? It brings so many options. Backlit photos with the snow falling, chilling on a ski lift, blankets and fur shawls, writing in the snow, cozying up by the fire, making snow angels…the list goes on. I love this photo below from this couple’s elopement, perfectly captured by Lauren Neely Photography.
The winter brings a new element of excitement to wedding photos, especially when it’s actively snowing.
Photo Credit: Lauren Neely Photography
Music
My final plea for you to consider a winter wedding is the music. Yes, the music. When I went to my first winter wedding back in 2017, it was a delightful surprise to hear “The Christmas Song” in between “We are family” and “Shout!”. I had never even thought of the possibility of hearing a Christmas song during a reception, until I was in the middle of enjoying a winter wedding.
Also, I LOOOOOVEEEE the Avett Brothers and they have a song called “January Wedding” (you’re welcome). If I got married in January, I would 100% be playing that song at the wedding.
Me + My Husband at The Avett Brothers Concert (July 2023) - Outlaw Field in Boise, ID
So basically, if you have no idea what time of year you and your partner want to get married, I feel I’ve made a pretty good case for considering the winter season for your special day.
Whether you’re trying to keep to a budget or you’re just wanting to spice things up with something unique and magical, a winter wedding might be perfect for you and your love.
Craving more winter wedding ideas? I have made a whole Pitnerest board just for you, complete with categorized sections (naturally). Check it out here
Keep loving + keep creating,
Amanda Jean