Nine Tips for Organising a Winter Wedding
Advice 16.12.2020
Although summer weddings remain popular, more and more couples are opting for a winter wedding. And why not? Nothing is prettier than a cloudless blue sky, a smattering of frost on the ground, and a nip in the air. And if you choose to get married in the run up to Christmas, it adds an extra layer of excitement and glamour to the festivities.
Here are our tips for organising a winter wedding.
Ensure the venue’s heated
No one wants to sit shivering in a cold and draughty venue. But you don’t want to feel like you’re in a sauna either. Ask the venue how they plan to keep the space warm and cosy and at a temperature that keeps you and your guests comfortable throughout the ceremony.
Opt for layers for the bride and bridesmaids
Chances are all the guests will be in coats while the bride and bridesmaids will be in something altogether more strappy. So for the photos, remember to layer up with a faux fur stole, a cute shrug, a leather, denim or wax jacket, a feather bolero, a brightly coloured wrap, a velvet cape or even a pretty cardigan. Choose something you can slip off easily in the evening when the dancing gets going.
Choose winter colours
When it comes to a colour theme you can’t go wrong with traditional Christmassy winter colours. Rich, warm tones like berry red, deep crimson and rich scarlet, as well as emerald green, black and gold all look perfect for winter weddings. As do touches of tartan.
Have candles and fairy lights everywhere
Nothing is more romantic and glamorous than the warm glow of candles or the pretty twinkling of fairy lights. And that’s especially true when it’s dark outside. Opt for lanterns, pillar candles and tall candles in candelabras, as well as hundreds of tea lights on the tables. And create a truly magical look with fairy lights entwined around your table displays or strung across the ceiling.
Serve hot drinks
We love a glass of fizz as much as the next person. But if you're having a winter wedding, why not serve your guests a hot drink on arrival or straight after the ceremony? A classic hot toddy of whiskey, hot water, honey, and lemon always goes down well. As does mulled wine. Or how about a glass of steaming hot chocolate topped with marshmallows? The kids love it and you can always add a slug of brandy for the grown-ups.
Choose winter flowers for your bouquets
Red roses, white roses, peonies, anemones, camellias, different types of berries, sprigs of eucalyptus and green foliage are the perfect choice when it comes to winter wedding bouquets. And they all smell amazing too. But don't be afraid to experiment. Pinecones, holly, and even thistles all look good in a winter bouquet. And big tubs of glorious red poinsettias everywhere make any venue feel celebratory.
Choose one venue for the ceremony and celebration
If you’re opting for a winter wedding, don't make your guests traipse across town in the cold from one venue to another. Instead, have your ceremony and celebration in the same space or at the least just a few metres apart. So all you have to do is get married in one part of the venue and then walk straight into another part of the venue for your reception. And it’s even better if some of the guests can stay over too.
Think about your timings
When it comes to planning a winter wedding, timings are key. During the winter months the sun goes down as early as 3.30pm on some days. So you may want to opt for a wedding ceremony at around midday, so there’s plenty of time for photographs while it’s still light.
Have fireworks and sparklers
Of course, the upside to it getting dark so early is that there’s more time for partying. Have everyone wrap up warmly and head outside for fireworks and sparklers. Serve up little cups of hot chocolate and toast marshmallows round the fire pit. It’s the perfect way to round off a winter wedding.