Winter Weddings

Romantic Ideas for a Wonderful Winter Wedding

The idea of tying the knot in the winter is one that plenty of couples find appealing. Whether you’re looking for something different from the traditional springtime affair or you have a specific affinity for the season, winter events offer a chance to imbue some serious magic into the occasion. Scenery includes snowy landscapes to shimmering lights that mimic the frozen stars in the sky, there are plenty of ways to incorporate life into your wedding. Consider these easy methods of infusing an amorous air into your special day and feel inspired.

Consider the Setting

Before you plan anything, consider the type of setting you would like for your wedding. If you live in an area where winters tend to be cold and unforgiving, avoid outdoor receptions. Still, you may wish to have a classic winter backdrop for some photos. Plan for this in advance by scouting your venue for options. Getting married on a mountain or at a higher altitude increases the odds of your event taking place surrounded by the calm, white touch of the winter. 

Plenty of people will not be able to guarantee snow for their weddings, however. Even a region that is typically impacted by blizzards in the thick of winter may see some unseasonable warmth instead. There’s nothing wrong with faking some of the magic. Bring in a backdrop and some artificial snow to easily create an outdoor scene from the warmth of your venue. 

Light the Space 

The right lighting always makes a difference in setting the mood for an event. Thankfully, winter weddings lend themselves to mood lighting. From the colorful strings that adorn holiday trees to the soft glow of candles lit on a chilly eve, this season invokes a ton of specific imagery when it comes to lighting. Use this to your advantage when planning the decor. Hanging twinkling lights around the venue can give the space a whimsical feel without the need to spend a small fortune or commit too much time to the project.

Candles are another classic choice. Of course, you must be mindful of using open flames in group settings. Check with your venue manager in advance to learn if you are allowed to light candles in the first place. If you are permitted to do this, be certain of any regulations in place. The absolute last thing you want is for a fire to break out because a drunken partygoer couldn’t keep from tripping over his own feet and into your display of ambient illumination. 

Serve Something Festive

The menu is another perfect place to bring out the themes of the season. There are plenty of flavors unique to winter. Since this time of year is primarily cold, most of the dishes served are those that provide a warm, comforting feeling to the soul. Roast chicken, mashed potatoes, an array of harvest vegetables, cranberries, strawberries, and fresh breads are all classic inclusions to consider. Depending on where you live, you may also wish to ask your caterers to serve a meal made from ingredients that are in season and locally abundant. 

Keep It Hot

Warmth is definitely important to keep in mind when you’re holding a winter event. If your dream venue is an old barn, you may need to go to extra lengths to keep the space heated for your guests. Serving hot drinks like coffee, cocoa, and mulled wines with seasonal spices can be another easy way to keep everyone toasty. How you decorate and light the space can also play into the general warmth of the atmosphere, so factor this in as you plan for the venue’s layout.

Creating a romantic setting for your wedding is easy when you take advantage of all that winter has to offer. Make the season bright, and include the images, tastes, and feelings that make the time of year so unique.

The Magic of a Winter Wedding

ThinkstockPhotos-493974290December seems to be a time for getting engaged. It’s a magical time of year. There’s snow on the ground. Homes are decorated for all the upcoming festivities. Families are together for the holidays, which makes it easier to make that special announcement. After the engagement, it’s time to pick a date. Although June is a traditional month in which to hold your special day, consider a winter wedding. You’ll have a year to plan, which gives you plenty of time. But even beyond the time factor, there are many other reasons to choose the enchanting months of November through February for your wedding day.

It’s the Off-Season

Summer and fall are the most popular times of year to hold a wedding. Winter comes in dead last. Having a wedding in January means that you aren’t fighting with dozens of other couples for the same venues and vendors. You may even score a discount on your location, DJ, or photographer. It pays to ask if there is an off-season rate for a venue. Guests may get discounts on travel if your date doesn’t fall on a major holiday. Hotels often offer better pricing during winter months. Ask a travel agent about when you can get the best winter rates into your city. 

Special Considerations

When marrying in the winter, you do need to make special plans for problems that may occur. Don’t forget to consider these things when planning.

  • Inclement weather – ask the “what if we have a blizzard?” question as you are booking your vendors and venues. Many places have a weather-related cancellation policy.
  • Lighting – The days are shorter, which means you won’t have outside light for pictures if you want them. Make sure you remember to get the pictures you want before it gets dark.
  • Warmth and comfort – With summer weddings, guests can often walk from their hotel to the church or reception. You may need to make other arrangements for a winter ceremony. It may also be a good idea to have a few blankets on hand for older guests who get chilled more easily.
  • Flowers – While some flowers may be difficult to obtain, you aren’t completely limited during this season. You may even have some options that you don’t have in the summer. Check with your florist in plenty of time to order what you want.

Watch the Holidays

Roses go up in price around Valentines’ Day, and florists are extremely busy. What you saved on your reception hall may be spent on flowers or other accommodations if you aren’t aware of the dates. Taking a honeymoon over certain time frames can dramatically increase the cost too. However, if the entire family is coming home for the Christmas holidays, it could save a lot of money for your guests by holding the ceremony while they’re home. You know your family best. Think about their needs too.

The Beauty of the Season

Winter color schemes can be more dramatic than summer ones. If your reception hall offers fireplaces, you can have a cozy fire going to add to the ambiance. Candles are another way to increase lighting and improve the overall atmosphere. You may even have the option of a sleigh ride to the ceremony, instead of the traditional limo. Brides and guests can get out their furs and boots, which adds a special fashion element to the day.

Winter weddings can feel even more intimate than one held in the summer, but planning is required. Consider the special elements before you cross a January wedding off the list. You may be surprised how much the season has to offer. You’ll have an excuse to take an anniversary trip every winter thereafter. What more could you ask for?