
You’ve made the ultra-on-trend decision to have a winter wedding, but with the temperatures dropping, that sweetheart neckline is going to be a little chilly. We’ve got 18 ways to winterize your wedding dress, from faux-fur boleros to bright tights and sleek blazers. Whether you splurge on outerwear or repurpose basic wardrobe staples you already own, you’re sure to be cozy on your wedding day.
1. Red Cardigan: A red cardigan is simple, classic and shows up beautifully in a winter wonderland. Add a spring of holly berries, and you’ve got a gorgeous wedding portrait waiting to happen. (via Love is a Big Deal)
2. Knit Poncho: Knit is a great way to incorporate texture into an otherwise white-out photo shoot. A poncho is best paired with a slimmer dress silhouette, like trumpet or mermaid shapes, rather than ball gowns. (via Elizabeth Ann Designs)
3. A Blanket to Share: Give the shot extra meaning by using a family heirloom, like a patterned quilt or hand-woven blanket. (via W & E Photographie)
4. Red Cape: Capes give your wedding look a timeless edge. A red hooded cape is storybook whimsical, especially if you get gloves to match. (via Wedding Obsession)
5. Faux Fur Coat: A mostly-monochromatic shot works well with a statement faux fur piece like this jacket. Keep it luxe by wearing white or off-white, or add drama with a darker-hued coat. (via Hope Kauffman Photo)
6. Winter Coat: Sometimes your favorite pea coat is the perfect addition to your winter wedding shoot. A bold color like royal blue pops against snow and pine trees. (via Isa Images Photography Studio)
7. Shrug: Shrugs of different, unusual textures like wool can create a more interesting and dramatic look for bridal portraits. Plus, wool is about as cozy as it gets. (via Aaron Delesie Photography)
8. Sequined Cardigan: If your winter wedding is taking place in a warmer climate, your outerwear can be more fancy than functional. A bright sequined cardigan or jacket adds personality. (via Marianne Wilson Photography)
9. Faux Fur Bolero: You can stay warm and skill show off an impressive or intricate neckline with a slim, faux-fur bolero. (via Hope Kauffman Photo)
10. Leather Jacket: A leather jacket is dramatic enough for a wedding, but adds a devil-may-care vibe. Tan leather is perfect for a woodsy wedding, while black leather is ideal to pair with deep wedding colors like red or orange. (via Cassidy Brooke Photography)
11. Flannel: A favorite flannel jacket or shirt creates an on-trend look that is casual enough for a woodsy or winter wedding. (via Ashley Forrette Photography)
12. Knit Scarf: Draw the eye upward with a chunky knit scarf. (via Jacque Lynn Photography)
13. Lace Cape: An intricate cape is ideal for a winter wedding that takes place in a warmer climate. If you’re banking on this look, choose a gown with the simplest neckline — it will keep the focus on the cape. (via The Knot)
14. Blazer: Planning a black-tie affair? Streamline your look with an ultra-white blazer. Blazers over dresses are becoming the newest bridal trend. We can definitely see why: It gives a sophisticated glamour like nothing else can. (via David Jenkins Photography)
15. Pop of Red: Whether it’s in your hair or on your shoes, red is the ultimate color for the winter and looks magical against a backdrop of snow. (via Sara Gray Photography)
16. Your Man’s Coat: Grab the groom’s coat for an adorably candid photo shoot in the cold. (via Emily Steffen Photography)
17. Bold Tights: It’s a thin line to walk, wearing tights on your wedding day. We suggest sticking with tried-and-true colors, like royal blue and red. (via Ciara Richardson Photography)
18. Gray Dress: A coat that acts as a dress is a great idea if you’re having an outdoor winter wedding. You stay warm while looking bridal. Make sure your boots are fabulous, since they’ll get plenty of attention. (via Calla Evans Photography)
Are you planning a winter wedding? How are you going to stay cozy on the big day? Tell us in the comments!
Your relationship with your finances is one of the most important relationships you'll ever have, and you can't avoid it. That said, for many of us, the pandemic only added to our financial stress. If you find yourself feeling frazzled, just remember that financial insecurity isn't a net-worth issue — it's a mindset issue. And, we happen to have plenty of advice on how to turn your money mindset around so you can take charge of your funds once and for all.
To start, feeling secure begins with a strong foundation, and there's no better time than now to get started stacking the bricks. It's easy to get swept up in the January "new year, new me" mentality, but really? Any time is the right time to get yourself in order. You don't need to wait for a new year, a new moon, the right moment, or a sign from above. You don't even have to start on the first day of the month — you just need to start.
Introducing NerdWallet: A Safe and Reliable Money App
To help with that, we've put together a list of the just-right-for-you ways that NerdWallet can help you monitor your financial outlook. Haven't heard of them yet? NerdWallet is a personal finance company that helps consumers make smarter financial decisions. Their website and app let you compare different financial products, find articles and tools to make financial decisions with confidence, and keep tabs on your finances (hey there, credit score, I see you!) all in one place. Plus, NerdWallet has over 75,000 glowing reviews in the App Store (and a 4.8 star rating) if you want to read up on any more testimonials.
Tim Chen, NerdWallet's CEO and co-founder, started this financial journey in 2009 after his sister needed help finding a credit card. Even with an economics degree and a Wall Street background, it took awhile for Tim to find the right recommendation (so don't feel too bad when it takes you a while, too). Their mission is to bring clarity to all of life's financial decisions.
So it's safe to say that NerdWallet is a pretty good sherpa for your journey, too.
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Did you know that the money you park in a savings account can lose value? Harsh, but true. If your money isn't earning interest that's on pace with inflation it will actually be worth less to you in the future. And if the bank charges fees? Forget about it. Make sure you're earning the interest you deserve and come out on top. NerdWallet has researched dozens of financial institutions to help consumers find the best options. The hard work has already been done for you, so you can just select the account that works best for you and your nest egg.
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Once everything is set up, tracking and managing your finances is what will keep the money machine running smoothly. You can create an account either through the site or the app and link your bank accounts, then keep tabs on all your finances in one place. Get a clear picture of your saving and spending, get insights into how to master your money, and even build your credit score all in one place.
Get extra credit points
Do you have the best credit card for your lifestyle? Some cards give cash back on every purchase, ones with travel perks, and ones that charge way less interest than you're paying now. NerdWallet takes the guesswork out of choosing the right credit card with simple side-by-side comparisons of different credit cards so that you feel confident choosing the right one. Whatever you want to do, NerdWallet can help you find the best credit card to get it done.
Know your options for settling down
Mortgage rates are pretty low and it looks like they're going to stay that way for awhile, so buying a home might be the move sooner than you think. But there's so much more to a mortgage than just the interest rate! To help you choose a mortgage lender, NerdWallet has in-depth reviews on multiple lenders in a mixture of categories so you get the home loan with the mortgage rate, term, and fees that's right for you.
Settle an old score
NerdWallet helps you monitor your credit score for free and helps you see how little things (like raising the limit on your credit card or paying your bills on time) can increase your score. NerdWallet partners with TransUnion® to provide your VantageScore® 3.0, based on information in your TransUnion® credit report. Your score and credit report information are updated weekly. But that's not even close to all:
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