Winter weddings when done right can be a work of art. They’re beautiful, romantic and cozy – providing the perfect backdrop for your special day.
However, there are a few practicalities you need to take into consideration when planning a winter wedding.
Don’t worry we’ve got you covered – let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of winter-themed weddings.
1. Don’t Get Caught out by the Light
Naturally, during the winter season, daylight hours are limited. So, you’ll need to factor this into your wedding plans.
This is especially important when it comes to timing your wedding photos. Be sure to speak to your photographer about any specific shots you want.
Take their advice on the best time of day to get these photos. You may have to consider bringing your ceremony forward a little to make the most of the natural light.
This will give you and your photographer a bit wriggle room to shoot your dream wedding snaps.
2. Investigate All Your Venue Options
One of the best things about opting for a winter wedding is the cost benefits. They’re usually cheaper to host.
Venues tend to lower their prices during winter months which is excellent news for you.
So, don’t assume you can’t afford your dream venue!
Check out castles (one of the most fabulous and decadent venues for a winter wedding!), manor houses, classy hotels, etc.
These could genuinely be a viable option during winter!
3. Review Your Travel Plans
Logistically winter weddings can be a little trickier. Namely, because the weather can be so unpredictable.
If the snow’s a possibility on your big day, you need to factor it into your schedule. Give yourself PLENTY of time to get to your venue. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
You also need to accept that your guests will probably be late.
Perhaps take matters into your own hands where this is concerned? Consider organizing taxis, a party bus, or, a coach to pick your guests up from a set location and then transport them to the ceremony.
You can keep in close contact with the driver to monitor the timings for yourself.
This eliminates the chances of anyone following you up the aisle – not cool.
4. Opt for Rich Colors
Winter weddings crave rich and moody color schemes.
Think navy, burgundy, and dark greens.
Plus, don’t be afraid of a little shimmer dust. Winter is the perfect time to unleash a bit of sparkle!
5. Invest in Wintery Decor
Winter decor is fabulous. Here are a few ideas if you’re looking to turn your venue into a winter wonderland (further blog posts to come on this topic!);
- Pine cones- You can use them as table decorations, or scatter them around the bar.
- Christmas trees- Perfect for filling up a bare corner of the room. Consider decorating your tree with gorgeous fairy lights and ball balls that compliment your color scheme.
- Lanterns and tea lights- These help create both a welcoming and cozy atmosphere. They’re ideal for lighting up footpaths, hanging outside your venue, or, creating mood lighting at your reception.
- Fairy lights- These can decorate both the interior and exterior of your venue. Drape them from ceilings, create a feature wall, or as part of your table centerpieces – the possibilities are endless.
- Wooden decor- This is very in right now. Rustic themed decor compliments any wintery theme.
- Rustic wreaths- Perfect for decorating your venue or as an alterntive to the traditional birdal bouquet.
6. Moisturize. Moisturize. Moisturize.
No one wants chapped lips or hands on their wedding day.
The cold is notorious for drying out skin. So be sure to look after yourself on the run up to your special day. Moisturize your face daily and carry around hand cream and chapstick in your handbag.
Taking these preventative measures will help avoid dry and flaky skin – that’s never a good look!
7. Make Sure You Have a Coat Check at Your Reception
If you’ve opted for a fully staffed venue be sure to liaise with your events manager. You’ll need to tell them in advance an approximate time for your guest’s arrival.
Explain to them you’ll need someone to man the coat check because your guests will have plenty of stuff to off-load!
Alternatively, if you’ve decided to go for room hire only, you should place some hanging rails near the entrance of your reception.
Team this up with beautifully decorated chalkboards or a poster and easel combination. You can use these features to explain to your guests to leave their coats here.
8. Be Prepared for Bad Weather
Always be prepared for the worst-case scenario.
Rain might be likely, however much we hope and pray it stays away.
With that in mind, be sure to store umbrellas for you and the rest of the bridal party in your wedding cars.
You should also have some flat and comfy shoes to hand. This will make walking on any wet or slippy terrain easier. This is even more important if there’s snow. You don’t want to risk slipping over in your finery!
Plus, if you have to stand on wet grass, you’ll sink into the ground and damage your gorgeous wedding shoes – so be prepared to avoid that from happening!
Lastly, stash enough pashminas in your wedding cars for both you and your bridesmaids. These will come in handy between photos if it’s cold outside.
9. Keep Your Guests Warm
Bear in mind your venue might be chilly!
To combat this, you could perhaps drape stylish blankets over your guest’s chairs. They can use them as the evening draws near.
Additionally, you could buy a few floor heaters and dot them around your reception.
Last but certainly not least, offer mulled wine or cider. These are perfect winter warmers!
10. Communicate with Your Venue
When it comes to planning your decor remember to consult with your venue.
A lot of venues, especially churches will have their own Christmas decorations at this time of year.
You’ll have to work with them to see how you can make the style your own.
If you’re thinking of planning a winter wedding, we hope this post’s helped you out.
Let us know in the comments your wintery wedding ideas; we’d love to hear from you!
Happy planning!
The post 10 Things You Need to Know About Planning a Winter Wedding appeared first on Cake and Lace | a wedding blog.
