Getting married outside of the most popular wedding dates range has many advantages including lower costs and better availability. However, ensuring things run smoothly can be a challenge in the months where the weather is often against you.
Done right, a winter wedding can feel like a day in wonderland for you and your guests, guaranteed to deliver magical memories to last a lifetime. Follow these top tips for making the most of the season and avoiding the potential pitfalls.
Setting The Date
Gathering a decent crowd for a winter wedding doesn’t just rely on getting your invites out well in advance – you need to choose a date outside of the festive period, too. It might be tempting to run your celebrations into the time you’ll be taking off for the Christmas holiday, but this could shrink your guest list as many travel during these dates to see family.
Opting for a date in early December or early February gives you the best chance of everyone attending while ensuring you have the weather and atmosphere you want. Avoid January if you’re worried about guests being pressed for time and money at the start of the new year.
Choosing The Venue
Having an indoor-outdoor set-up makes for a relaxing wedding as it gives your guests more room to breathe and mingle as they please, so don’t let worries about bad weather put you off!
With marquee cover and plenty of heaters, you can keep everyone cosy and comfortable. A crackling fire is also a classic feature for winter wedding venues, whether you’re in an old manor house or gathered around a pit on the lawn.
Choosing a venue with a garden also allows you to make the most of beautiful winter scenes, such as snowscapes and glittering frosted trees. String lights and hang lanterns in the bare canopies for an enhanced magical effect as night falls.
Wedding Attire
Whatever season you’re getting married, when selecting wedding attire you should focus on the three fs: fit, feel and flair. Does it fit well and allow for movement? Do you feel good in it? And does it have the flair to make you look fantastic? What you were within this is up to you!
Be wary of opting for overly warm outfits or materials. While velvet and silk have a stunning shine, they’re not especially breathable and might make you feel hot when you’re indoors.
Instead, layer up with a fancy jacket or faux-fur stole and add glitz with sparkling accessories. If you want to be really extra, look for a special engagement ring for the occasion that matches the wintry theme, such as a silver-and-sapphire number or a dazzling white diamond.
Managing Logistics
While snowy conditions will only add to the occasion, making your photographs extra-special, they could make it challenging for your guests to get to your venue – on time or at all! Work closely with staff to put in place a plan of action for bad weather so access isn’t affected. This might include digging the driveway and gritting steps, and calling guests to recommend routes.
Other winter wedding details that are small but can make all the difference include a coat check on arrival, providing blankets for outdoor seating spots and serving warm drinks alongside traditional alcoholic beverages.
