Thinking of saying "I do" in a magical winter wonderland? You're not alone! Winter is a beautiful time of the year to tie the knot, with its glistening snow, holiday lights, and breath-taking views.
And guess what? There are even more fantastic benefits to getting married in the off-season. Picture this: lower costs, more flexibility with timing, and the tastiest winter comfort food you can imagine.
Feeling convinced about the idea of a lovely winter wedding? Keep reading to discover everything you need to make your elegant winter wedding dreams come true!
1. Your Venue:
When it comes to winter weddings, it's crucial to do your research into any of the available areas at your chosen venue. Take into consideration the possibility of bad weather and ensure there's adequate shelter. For outdoor areas, think about the potential chill factor and ask about the availability of outdoor heaters. A visit in the evening can provide insight into how cosy and well-lit your venue will be, especially considering the limited daylight during winter.
Be sure to ask the following questions before you book:
Does the venue allow portable space heaters in case our guests get cold? Can you provide these or do I need to rent them?
What is the parking like?
Will my guests have far to travel between spaces on the day?
Where can we take wedding photos in the case of unpredictable weather?
2. Keep Everyone Warm
Winter weddings provide a unique opportunity to infuse warmth into every aspect of your celebration. To start, collaborate with your venue to extend that magical ambiance.
Consider offering a delightful array of festive drinks to immerse your guests in the winter party mood. Hot toddies and classic mulled wine are not only delicious but also evoke a sense of comfort and celebration.
When it comes to food, think about heartwarming options that complement the season. A winter wedding is the perfect occasion to serve comfort foods that your guests will love.
Consider a menu featuring hearty soups, roasted meats, and seasonal vegetables. Indulge your guests with warm desserts like apple pie, cinnamon-spiced treats, or a hot chocolate station with delightful toppings. These choices not only tantalize the taste buds but also contribute to the overall atmosphere.
For couples planning outdoor elements, such as a ceremony, photographs, or a drinks reception, ensuring your guests stay warm is essential. Scatter baskets of blankets and knit scarves around the grounds for guests to grab and snuggle up in. Consider incorporating personal touches and keeping your wedding theme consistent even outside by choosing blankets in your wedding colour.. If there's outdoor seating or benches, keep a few extra blankets on hand to provide additional warmth. It's these thoughtful details that will make your guests feel cared for and comfortable.
3. Festive Decor and Candles
As the day turns into evening, create a magical and intimate atmosphere with strategic lighting. Use fairy lights, lanterns, or candles to add a warm glow to your venue. Twinkling lights in the trees or along pathways can enhance the enchantment of a winter wonderland. For an extra touch of romance, consider fire pits or outdoor heaters to keep specific areas warm and inviting.
With your indoor spaces, embrace the mood of the season and that welcoming atmosphere by having your venue stylist use plush fabrics and warm colours throughout your decor.
A fireplace adorned with seasonal greenery can become a focal point, Bring the outdoors in by using pinecones and evergreen branches in your decor. Use them as table centrepieces, including them into your bouquet, or even place them along the aisle for a rustic and gorgeous winter feel.
4. Embrace the Season with Colour
Whether you prefer cosy warming colours for your wedding palette, have something different or want to fully embrace a true wintery theme, there are some creative options for every kind of couple.
You could Incorporate deep burgundies, emerald greens, and sapphire blues into your colour palette. These rich jewel tones create a sense of warmth and opulence. Consider using these colours for table linens, bridesmaid dresses, and floral arrangements.
Gold, copper, and bronze accents can add a touch of glamour and warmth to your winter decor. Use metallic candle holders, table runners, or even incorporate gold or copper-coloured foliage into your floral arrangements.
If neutrals are more your thing opt for warm and earthy tones like chocolate brown, warm grey, and deep taupe. These colours create an inviting atmosphere, especially when paired with soft textures like faux fur or wool.
For a cool-toned palette that complements a winter wedding without feeling too chilly, consider blending the deep reds with serene cooler tones like dusty blues and soft silvery greys. This fusion creates an elegant and wintery aesthetic while maintaining a touch of warmth.
5. Start the Party Early
Starting the party early at a winter wedding is a brilliant idea to maximise the festivities. With daylight hours limited, initiating the celebration sooner ensures you make the most of the available natural light for photographs. It also creates a lively atmosphere, helping guests stay warm and engaged throughout the evening. With adequate heating dancing under early evening stars or surrounded by the winter landscape adds a magical touch, contributing to unforgettable memories of your winter wonderland celebration.
If you are looking for an added extra that your guests will love. Set up a hot cocoa bar for your guests. Include various toppings like marshmallows, whipped cream, and flavoured syrups. This not only adds a festive touch but also keeps everyone warm and cosy.
6. Check for Savings
While winter is traditionally the less chosen season for weddings, the trend is shifting, and more couples are embracing the magic of getting married in this stunning season,
Many venues and suppliers may offer discounted rates or special deals for the winter months. Be sure to ask about any potential savings, and consider allocating those funds to add extra special touches for your guests or enhance another aspect of your wedding.
You can also use some of the other ideas mentioned in this blog to save money on elements such as decor by using nature in your decor, foraging for evergreen branches, berries, pinecones or even fallen branches and using them as part of your decor. Collecting items from nature can be a budget-friendly and eco-conscious way to infuse your wedding with the enchantment of winter.
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