We love a winter wedding! After all, what’s not to like? Off-peak pricing, fewer conflicting commitments and fabulous honeymoon options, from winter sunshine to snowy peaks, all help to make winter weddings a desirable option. Practicalities aside though, it’s the sense of magic and romance evoked by frosty landscapes, candles and twinkling lights that will really transform your special day into a breathtaking experience.
But while winter weddings are a fantastic choice for many reasons, they can present some challenges you wouldn’t encounter with a summer wedding. However, these are not insurmountable, they simply require careful planning. Which is where we come in!
We’ve prepared some useful hints and suggestions to help you avoid common winter wedding pitfalls. Plus, we have some great ideas for everything from entertainment to flowers to help make your big day perfect.
So, let’s get started.
The Winter Wedding Venue
Consider holding your reception and wedding ceremony in the same place. This can save both you and your guests from a wet and windy, or even snowy journey between the church / registry office and your reception venue – a distinct advantage when it comes to photographs!
Another consideration is the style and size of your venue. While they are certainly not the only choice, old country houses lend themselves particularly well to winter weddings; think oak panelling, huge fireplaces with roaring fires and cosy candlelit corners. When it comes to size, bear in mind that there won’t be the same opportunities for guests to spill out into the grounds, so do make sure you choose somewhere large enough for guests not to feel cramped.
Venue décor
Colour palette
A colour palette of icy blues, silver and white will create a timeless look that reflects the serene and elegant tones of the season. Alternatively, winter greenery combined with shades of red and gold will evoke a sense of festive warmth and richness.
Pre-decorated venues
Getting married in November or December? Your venue will almost certainly have at least one Christmas tree set up, as well as other Christmas decorations which you’ll need to consider when deciding on a colour scheme.
Lighting
Lighting plays a crucial role in creating a cosy ambience. Fairy lights are fantastic for adding magic and sparkle to your venue; hang them around the room, twine them amongst greenery on your tables, or string them across the ceiling to create a starry winter night effect. Using candles in your table settings will add to the romantic atmosphere too. Think carefully about the colour of your lights; white works well for a sophisticated, icy winter look while yellow creates a warm, cosy and intimate feeling.
Seasonal floristry
Winter wedding floristry choices can set the tone for the entire event. Opting for seasonal items such as hellebores (Christmas and Lenten roses) and winter berries will add a pop of colour amid swathes of muted winter greenery. If you’re set on a more modern icy theme, combining white flowers with silver or snow-sprayed branches and white or clear glass baubles will add a touch of frosty sparkle.
Wedding Photography in Winter
Think carefully about the timing of your wedding ceremony as this will have an impact on your photographs. With the sun setting as early as 4pm, you’ll want to ensure you leave sufficient time for pictures afterwards, although you could always have some taken beforehand to make the most of the light. On that note, low light photography (i.e. fading daylight, or dimly lit interior spaces) is an art form. Therefore, we strongly recommend booking an experienced professional photographer who will be able to work with you to ensure your photographs capture the intimate and cosy feel of your winter wedding.
Weather Planning
Winter weddings always require a plan B in case of inclement weather! If it rains when you’d planned on having photos taken, forward planning – i.e. having an alternative indoor space with a suitable backdrop in mind will ensure your big day proceeds smoothly. Other things you may want to consider include:
- Providing blankets or shawls to keep guest warm – older guests will really appreciate this gesture.
- Having a snow removal plan in place for outdoor areas such as the car park and entrance to the venue.
- Take alternative shoes for the bride / bridesmaids if taking outdoor photos in damp conditions.
- Insurance – cover for abandoning your wedding in the event of adverse weather conditions.
Drinks for your Winter Wedding
Warm drinks
Winter weddings are the perfect opportunity to get creative with the drinks menu. Warm beverages not only complement the season, they also help to keep guests warm, especially on arrival at the reception or while photographs are being taken.
Drink ideas:
- Set up a hot chocolate bar with toppings like marshmallows, aerosol cream and peppermint canes.
- Signature cocktails featuring winter spices.
- Indulge guests with liqueur coffee.
- Mulled wine or hot cider are festive choices for December weddings.
Winter Wedding Attire
Winter weddings afford the perfect opportunity to play with luxurious fabrics and bold accessories. When it comes to bridal attire, it’s worth considering heavier fabrics such as satin or velvet which provide warmth and elegance. Long sleeves are stylish and practical for a winter wedding, and both your dress, and your bridesmaids’ dresses, could be accessorised with faux fur stoles or capes, with or without hoods, for added warmth.
Bridal Flowers
Flowers will be more expensive at this time of year. However, a small number of white or red flowers mixed with seasonal greenery and berries can be very effective. If you have your heart set on flowers that are out of season, you could always opt for artificial silk flowers or a bespoke paper bouquet. Paper flowers are becoming increasingly popular as they offer a wealth of choice ranging from realistic blooms to gem studded origami creations, or even flowers made from the pages of your favourite book or music sheets.
Menus
A winter wedding menu can be hearty and elegant. Focus your choices on warm, comforting dishes that celebrate the flavours of the season:
Menu ideas:
- Start with a creamy, hot soup and warm, crusty bread.
- Serve a roast or beef wellington for the main course, accompanied by seasonal vegetables.
- Warm, oozing, molten chocolate cake or spiced apple strudel / pie served with lashings of warm custard or cream.
You could also consider hiring someone to help with food, leaving you with one less thing to think about on the day!
Entertainment Ideas
As shorter days and cold weather offer few opportunities for outdoor activities, we recommend booking a professional entertainer to keep your guests entertained indoors throughout your winter wedding.
Entertainment options:
- Hire a live band or an acoustic musician to create an intimate atmosphere.
- Consider a magician or mentalist for interactive entertainment that will wow your guests.
- Hire a photo booth with winter-themed props for fun guest photos.
- Book a caricaturist to create tangible memories for you and your guests.
Whether you’ve already set a winter date for your nuptials or have been inspired by our blog to go off season, there’s no doubt that winter weddings offer a unique opportunity to create a cosy, intimate celebration that’s different for all the right reasons.
PartyWizz helps you book the best wedding entertainers and services in UK and Ireland. From magicians and wedding singers to DJs and photographers, you’ll find those in your area in just a few clicks. Whether you’re planning a big or small reception, at home or in a venue, go to PartyWizz to find the perfect service providers for your special day!
