Dreaming of a Winter Wedding? Make It A Reality!

The Summer and Autumn seasons are undoubtedly the most popular wedding seasons. However, Winter truly doesn’t deserve to be a last-resort option.  With the sparkling snow creating a beautiful backdrop, all a Winter wedding needs is a bit of planning to be an occasion to remember forever.  Here are a few ideas for making your winter wedding one for the ages.

Select A Picturesque (and Appropriate) Venue

When selecting a venue for a winter wedding, it’s important to first settle on a theme.  Do you wish for the wedding to have a more rustic aesthetic? A barn or country/ski lodge may be perfect!  If a more mystical atmosphere is desired, hosting the ceremony in a greenhouse or other botanical garden center is an option.  

Extra planning may be required if you choose to host the wedding in a more open-air or outdoor setting.  From the outfits and heating to ensuring the safety of guests, there are many different arrangements to be made.  We discuss this further below.

Send Out Save-The-Dates and Invitations Early

Sending out save-the-dates and invitations early is common practice regardless of when the wedding is scheduled.  However, unless you live in an area with a cold climate year-round, Winter weddings are most likely being hosted sometime near the Christmas holidays.  This makes it important to have guests aware of the date even more in advance.  Many families take advantage of Winter breaks to go on vacation.  Not to mention, the holidays are a busy time of year in general! 

It is recommended to send out save the dates 6-8 months before the wedding to avoid scheduling conflicts.  For Winter weddings, doing it even earlier wouldn’t be frowned upon.  This will give guests time to plan their itineraries, hotel bookings if needed, and winter-appropriate wardrobes.  

Weather-Appropriate Dress Code

As part of your invitations, make a note discussing the dress code. Explain that guests are required to wear clothing appropriate for colder weather.  It is, therefore, important to remain flexible with the dress code in general.  Whether the wedding is indoors or outdoors, comfort and safety should be at the forefront of priorities.

This is not to say it will be a less “classy” event if this is the desire.  Several pieces of attire for cold climates are still formal and wedding-appropriate. From top hats and scarves to boas and elbow-length gloves, there are many options for the wedding party and guests.

For example, flower girls and bridesmaids can top their dresses with jackets and wear earmuffs, knitted hats, and gloves/muffs.  Groomsmen can incorporate wool, flannels, and velvet pieces into their outfits.  Thicker socks, pocket squares, and ties can all be color-coordinated with rich greens or burgundy to match the winter theme.  Remember, the priority is warmth and comfort but it can also be a win-win situation with the proper fashion staples.

Keep Guests Comfortable

The outfits and vows may be beautiful but if guests are cold and uncomfortable, that is the only thing they will remember.  Everything that can be done to keep the space warm must be done.  

If you have chosen to hold the wedding in a tent or barn, there is a possibility that it will require even more heaters to keep guests comfortable.  Be sure to speak to your planner and the venue to confirm the arrangements for keeping the space heated safely.  This includes having a backup plan in case of drastic weather changes, power loss, or other possible incidents.

Floral Arrangements

Just because it is a Winter wedding, doesn’t mean it’s impossible to incorporate floral arrangements!  The bridal party can have bouquets with seasonal flowers such as calla lilies, roses, anemones, and/or Lily of the Valley.  

Eucalyptus, dahlias, peonies, sweet peas, and chocolate cosmos would also be appropriate.  The options for Winter bouquets are endless.  They can even include pine cones or pieces of pine as accents.  The same applies to the groomsmen; small samplings of flowers and winter berries can be used for boutonnieres.  

Winter Wonderland Captured

As part of the occasion’s entertainment, take a break from the cold by sharing laughter in a photo booth!  With custom digital backgrounds that mimic the winter setting and props that can add magic to photos, photobooths are known for taking any wedding to the next level.  As a bonus, guests can leave with the photos as a keepsake of the special wedding and the Winter season! 

There are many different booths to choose from these days too!  From 360° digital photobooths to mosaic booths, each one offers different benefits depending on the size of the photo booth, the styles of photos available, and backdrop choices.  With so many options available, speaking to a professional will facilitate the process. They will easily be able to recommend the booth best for the wedding’s needs.

Food Options

After a busy Summer wedding season, it wouldn’t be surprising for guests to be tired of a more BBQ-driven dinner. Lean into the cooler months by providing food that is warm and comforting.  

Soups, pasta, roasted chicken, and seasonal greens create the perfect, cozy, main course options.  Don't even get us started on the desserts! Pies, truffles, chocolate fondue and puddings all offer the comforting warmth every guest wants.  

Don’t forget the hot beverages!  Adding a hot chocolate station where guests can add an assortment of toppings makes it an even more fun experience. (Perhaps even candy cane pieces, marshmallows, and chocolate sauce!)

The Reality (And Magic) of a Winter Wedding

A winter wedding may not be the first option that comes to mind when planning a wedding.  There are a few factors to consider due to the season, but the same applies to every season!  Not even considering a Winter wedding would be quite an oversight.  By booking the proper venue, entertainment and services, along with adding unique touches throughout, you’ll have a wedding that won't be forgotten.