We know it’s hard to think about cold weather when the heat index is hitting 105 and the air is more liquid than gas…in other words, Houston in August. But all you winter brides (you know who you are) have less planning time left than you might think. Which means you better start thinking about how you’re going to stylishly cover up those bare bridal shoulders and arms when our temps FINALLY take a dip, as they tend to do, November through February.

Here’s a suggestion: Crank up the A/C, pour yourself a frosty beverage—heck, plunk yourself down into an ice-water bath (not just refreshing, but GREAT for the pores). Whatever you do, just cool off before you check out these lovely winter wedding outerwear ideas. Brrr…. in a good way!

We love the Old-Hollywood glamour of this marabou wedding stole, which gets an added bit of pretty from a chiffon-scarf front tie.

This snug, sophisticated faux-fur shoulder wrap has a handy hook-and-eye closure for easy on and off. And it’s a steal at under 60 bucks!

A longer faux-mink style from another one of our Etsy faves, Vldana. Be sure to check out her other items—she makes lovely wedding capelets and wedding shawls, too!

There’s a dreamy, lavish, Dr. Zhivago-esque romance to this faux-fur-trimmed wedding cloak, don’t you think? Matching muff included!

For lighter coverage, we’re wild about this gorgeous ruffle-edged double silk taffeta stole. Wrap it up, we’ll take it!

This being Houston and all, into at least a few brides’ weddings some rain must fall. If you’re planning an outdoor ceremony, cocktail hour or reception, you’re going to want to check out Bella Umbrella, which carries awesome vintage and vintage-inspired rental umbrellas. We’ve used these ourselves for Weddings in Houston photo shoots, and we gotta say, they are utterly adorable.

For ultra-feminine, romantic types, there are ruffled-canopy designs in a variety of colors and patterns. We’re partial to the peach canopy with black polka dots and black ruffled edge but you may prefer the dusty rose canopy with multi ruffle tiers and bamboo handle, or one of the many other ruffled styles.

And imagine an outdoor fête festooned with a sea of green-and-silver striped pagodas or chic pink-and-black striped canopies? What a photo op!

Makes you feel a whole lot better about that iffy forecast, don’t it?

You don’t have to pray for rain to take advantage of Bella Umbrella. To keep guests shaded from the sun, or as an accessory to bridal party attire, we heart Bella Umbrella’s non-rainproof bridal parasols. There’s the classic ruffled ivory, the evocative lace canopy with wood post handle and a glamorous ostrich-feather trimmed style, plus tons of twirlable others.