For many brides, one of the most exciting parts of the wedding planning process is buying the dress. For the winter bride, however, finding the dream dress can be more of a challenge. After all, a sleeveless gown isn’t all that comfortable when the temperatures drop below zero! Enter the cover-up. Not only do cover-ups make a wonderful fashion statement, they will keep you toasty in your dream dress!

We’ve found 12 lovely winter cover-ups from Etsy that are perfect for winter weddings.

This glamourous faux fur shawl from DavieandChiyo can be dressed up or down depending on your look. You can wrap it, or drape it off of your shoulders. How versatile!

If you’re not planning on being out in the cold too long and you’re looking for something more decorative than warm, we suggest this sheer tulle bolero from JULfashion. The material gives the bolero a light airy look.

This faux fur stole from Carrollbridal evokes a very old Hollywood feel. The ultra cozy wrap comes with a rhinestone brooch that amps up the glamour.

Another wrap that is the epitome of old Hollywood glam, is this Ivory, faux mink wrap from FoxgloveBridal.

With a splash of color and a more textured look, faux fur can be perfect for the boho bride! This tan, faux fur cover up from MarisolAparicio is the perfect example.

Are you a larger than life bride looking to make a big statement on your wedding day? If so, then we suggest this gold, sequin bolero from JULfashion. This look is bright and sparkly, but most importantly, super fun and non-traditional.

Sometimes it’s nice to find a cover up that becomes part of the dress itself like this lace bridal jacket from DavieandChiyo.

This crocheted bridal shawl from MODAcrochet brings a homemade feeling into your bridal look. It also offers a little dash of color!

Love the look of crochet? Check out this crochet bridal shawl from MODAcrochet.

For those looking for a lightweight option, we recommend this faux fur bridal cover up from MarisolAparicio.

A lace cape, like this ivory lace edge capelet from MarisolAparicio, adds a vintage look to your dress.

For a modern, simpler version of this look, there is this tulle, wedding dress cape from Lennyfashion.

*This post includes Etsy Affiliate links

There are so many advantages to eloping; cost savings, less stress, less distraction – and the opportunity to wear what you want! Whether you prefer ultra glamorous or super simple, Etsy has oodles of dresses that suit any style. Here are 10 of our faves!

Despite the fact that your ceremony may only involve one or two other people, you can still add a touch of glamour to the day with your dress, like this silver and grey wedding gown from CarouselFashion.

This ballerina, half sleeve dress from CleoandClementine has a laid back look with a touch of whimsy and playfulness.

You may be looking for a way to elope while still keeping the vibe of a wedding. This Satin, tea-length elopement dress from louloudimeli is your answer! This dress has the look that sets it apart from a traditional wedding gown, but it still signals to everyone that you are definitely about to be married.

Another simple dress that would be perfect for somewhere warm is this simple, sleeveless dress from Lennyfashion.

This simple elopement dress with lace illusion neckline from CarouselFashion is sweet and ultra romantic.

If you are looking for a dress that is modest where it counts, but still has a bit of personality, we suggest this ultra sophisticated, backless maxi elopement dress from BLUSHFASHION.

If you’re a crazy, fun bride who has been looking through elopement dresses and not finding anything that captures who you are, have no fear because this gold, sequin, dress with a ballerina skirt from CleoandClementine is your dress!

A bride who wants to incorporate her love of all things vintage would look amazing in this tea-length, taffeta elopement dress from thepeppermintpretty.

A dress that definitely screams princess bride without being too over the top bridal is this blush pink colored, off the shoulder dress from JillianFellers.

We love this very regal and sophisticated sleeveless, shimmer, and lace elopement gown from JillianFellers.

*This post includes Etsy Affiliate links

Kristin and Greg have never been traditional, so when they broke the news to their friends and family that they were having a small wedding, no one was surprised. An intimate wedding, set in the scenic backyard of the Cooper Spur Mountain Resort, was an affair that simply suited this outdoorsy couple.

Shelley from Shelley K Photography not only captured Kristin and Greg’s wedding beautifully, but suggested having an ‘unplugged’ event; a decision the couple highly recommends!

 Kristin (typically goes by “Hoku”) &  Gregory

Location:  Mount Hood, Oregon

Wedding Date:  August 9, 2015

Number of Guests:  21 Adults, 7 Children

Wedding Cost:  <$5,000 (including cost of one night stay for each wedding guest at resort)

Wedding Ceremony Location:  Cooper Spur Mountain Resort Log Home’s backyard

Wedding Reception Location:  Cooper Spur Mountain Resort Restaurant:  Crooked Tree Tavern

Why did you have an intimate wedding?

We officially got married a few years ago in an even smaller ceremony atop Rocky Butte in Portland, Oregon.  We had fellow park goers as witnesses and an officiant from Craigslist!  It was a wonderfully casual event, but we did miss our families and friends and soon agreed to have an actual ceremony and reception at a later date. We whittled our guest list down for a small, cozy shindig. Despite a tight budget, we wanted to be able to spoil the few guests that we had- to show them the best of what we love about the Pacific Northwest.  Most details were personalized and customized to each guest. We chose Cooper Spur Mountain Resort for several reasons; the trail to Cooper Spur is one of our favorites as is the North side of Mt. Hood,  the resort is somewhat isolated allowing for an experience steeped in the richness of quality time and fresh mountain air.

What are some the challenges that you faced planning an intimate wedding?

The most challenging part was not including some of the most important people in our lives.  Both sets of grandparents and most aunts and uncles were not in attendance.  While we missed them immensely, these are the people who understood the most.  They were kind, and gracious and so respectful about this choice.

Was it difficult to pare down the guest list?

Absolutely.

Did you have any ‘issues’ with the small guest list from friends and family? If so, how did you address them?

We received no concerns from friends and family who were not in attendance.  Our story has been one of a series of untraditional paths, and the event of our wedding was no exception.  I don’t think the choice to have a very intimate wedding was surprising to any of our closest people.

What were the highlights of the ceremony?

Even before the ceremony, we met for a group caravan from Portland to Hood River, Oregon, stopping once for a planned visit to The Gorge White House.  There, our kids ran the fields full of flowers and fruit trees, adult guests sampled local beer and wine and departed with a box of fresh orchard fruit and a bottle of pear wine.  We provided brown bag road lunches and goody bags to all of our guests- packed with our favorite local treats, intended to last the through the weekend since we were at a fairly isolated resort location.  (Contents of bag:  Fresh purple carrots, pears, apples, peaches, salsa, chips, artisan salami, bread, nuts.  Kids goody bags also included age appropriate toys, snacks, books and mess-management items). Hoku’s Mother designed and printed programs for the weekend- including driving directions, radio stations, local attractions, maps and special requests.

Our great friend, Annette Compton was the “Ceremony Organizer”.  She shared the officiant duty with both of our moms.  They each spoke and read from an absolute place of joy and wisdom and kindness.  Each of these women know Greg and Hoku- inside and out and we were so honored to stand under the arbor together on that day.  It felt like we were friends, sharing in love together.

Our mothers brought soil from each of our childhood homes (Greg’s mother asked the current owners of Greg’s childhood home for permission!) to add to that of their current home of Portland, Ore in a tree planting ceremony.

Our friends, JoAnne and Chris handmade the beautiful arbor and all of the ceremony and reception decor- including details like the wedding cake and speakers for music.  They pilfered acquaintances’ trees, borrowed friends’ supplies and spent countless evenings, poring over the details of our event.  They interpreted our lifestyle, story and dreams and wove that into a vision for our wedding day that was largely a surprise to us until the actual event!

Hoku’s Mother designed and arranged the bouquet, flower girl basket, and boutonniere.

Our guests lined the aisle, side by side.  Hoku saw each and every one of our guests as she walked down the aisle, arm in arm with her father.  She was literally surrounded by their most cherished friends and loved ones.

We proclaimed vows to each other, but also addressed our guests- promising to live in their example.

Our rings were made by an artist in Bend, OR.  He melted the gold from the rings our Mothers gave to us (their engagement rings) to create a custom, one-of-a-kind design that we collaborated on.  He designed our rings with inspiration from topographical maps and the bark of a tree- elements of the outdoors that are very personal to our bond.  Our rings speak of the adventure of finding our own paths, but always respecting the work and love of those around us.

What were the highlights of the reception?

Speeches by each of our siblings- including one by Greg’s Sister Kate, who was the matchmaker- nearly 8 years ago!  Kate and Hoku were college roommates.  Kate was instrumental in the initiation and continues to be a significant factor in the continued development of our story.  

Several of the children in attendance arrived from Eastern Time Zones.  For the sake of these, we kept the reception short.  However, our close friends hosted an after party in their cabin.  There was keg, wine, games, music and fantastic company!  

What was the best thing about having an intimate wedding?

We got to really spend time with our guests.  With a small guest list, we had the time, energy and budget to customize the experience.  Many of our guests had significant responsibilities in contribution to the weekend event, and those many hands made light and easy work for us!  

Hoku’s family hosted homemade meals for the remainder of our stay (2 nights) at the log home for all guests.  We went on hikes and lake visits with our families, enjoyed the hot tubs in a downpour and basically ran amok for a weekend!

What advice do you have for couples who are considering an intimate wedding?

Before you begin planning, identify your priorities.  What will you remember most about your wedding day?  Make your decisions with integrity to those priorities and all will be well.  

Vendors:

Photographer: Shelley K Photography (who smartly recommended an “Unplugged” event!  ZERO regrets there)

Venue: Cooper Spur Mountain Resort- Crooked Tree Tavern

The most important thing to Danny and Debbie was making a commitment to each other. That is what remained at the heart of their intentions as they planned their Los Angeles elopement at Griffith Park. At first, family and friends were disappointed that they wouldn’t be able to witness Danny and Debbie’s ceremony, but it became clear that an intimate woodland wedding was perfect for these two.

As the happy couple explained, photography was such an important part of their elopement because it preserved all their beautiful memories. A big thanks to Gina + Ryan Photography for sharing the gorgeous photos from this lovely lil wedding with us today!

Names: Danielle, 26 & Deborah, 30

Location: Los Angeles, CA

Wedding Date: May 6, 2015

Number of Guests: 5

Wedding Cost:  $2,000

Wedding Ceremony Location: Griffith Park, Los Angeles, CA

Wedding Reception Location: Upper West, Santa Monica, CA

Why did you have an intimate wedding? 

We wanted something that was about us, not about a party. We didn’t want to make a big deal of it, we just wanted to commit to each other. It was perfect! In ten years, we’ll have a banging party for our vow renewal, a party that will celebrate our journey together. 

What are some of the challenges that you faced planning an intimate wedding? 

People getting upset about not being invited, but they all understood and really got to be part of it through the amazing photos that Gina + Ryan took!

Was it difficult to pare down the guest list? 

NO! It was supposed to be no one. Just us and the dogs, but our mothers weren’t having that. 

Did you have any ‘issues’ with the small guest list from friends and family? If so, how did you address them? 

Well, we couldn’t say no to our moms, not after they were finished with us. The rest of our friends and family were supportive for the most part. Some were a little hurt, but they all understood why we did it, especially when they saw how beautiful it was. It was very ‘us’, so the people that were close to us knew that and were great.

What were the highlights of the ceremony? 

The cupcakes, OH, and the kiss!

What are the highlight of the reception? 

The small dinner we had with local friends and family was very special because some of them didn’t even know that we had gotten married. They came under the guise of an engagement dinner (so Hollywood of us!). 

What was the best thing about having an intimate wedding? 

Everything! The fact that it really was all about me and my bride. It felt better to be celebrating with our closest people – our mothers and best friends (one was Deborah’s best man and Danielle’s best friend flew in from the Netherlands on her own honeymoon to marry us). And we got to bed at a decent hour. 

What advice do you have for couples who are considering an intimate wedding?

DO IT! OMG, DO IT! Just make sure you’ve got wonderful photographers because that’s how you really re-live and share your memories! Money don’t mean a thang, go to the woods, put on a pretty dress and kiss your favourite person in the world—that’s what its all about!!!

Vendors:

Photographers: Gina + Ryan

Hair and Make-Up: Amber Baer

You’ve already thought about decorating your reception tables, but what about your chairs? From chair covers to wedding signs, chair decor can make a big impact! We’ve scoured Etsy and found 10 gorgeous ways to add pizzazz to your wedding chairs.

We adore these gorgeous fabric Peony Flower Wedding Chiavari Chair Cover by tangedesign.

This pink, floral chair cover from LuckyYouLuckyMe is all about whimsy and romance.

Want to add glitz to your Chiavari chairs? Why not try these sequin Chiavari chair covers from mrsfreund?

We think this gold leaf chair signs from hostandtoaststudio is irresistible!

For a bigger, bolder statement, these Bride and Groom chair signs from NarWall let everyone know loud and clear where the Bride and Groom are sitting.

Romance can be conveyed in the simplest things like these ruffle chiffon chair sashes and caps from mrsfreund. Subtle, but oh so romantic.

These vintage-inspired frilly, chair signs from TheDaintyLion are so fabulous!

Love simplicity? We suggest these romantic, chiffon, drape chair sashes from mrsfreund.

These burlap chair sashes from MadeInBurlap are rustic accent pieces that would complement any rustic wedding decor perfectly.

Looking for a fun and colorful idea that will make your chairs stand out? Try these colorful ribbon and garland chair covers by LuckyYouLuckyMe.

*This post includes Etsy Affiliate links