15 Do’s And Don’ts Of Planning A Winter Wedding
15 DOS AND DON’TS OF PLANNING A WINTER WEDDING
According to Priceonomics, spring and summer are by far the most popular seasons for weddings. 80% of all weddings happen in the six months between May and October. That leaves very few couples planning a winter wedding.
However, if the romance of having a cozy, candlelit wedding ceremony on a chilly winter evening appeals to you – there are a lot of advantages to going against the grain and getting married this time of year.
In fact, winter can be the best time of the year for a wedding. Many venues offer lower prices and better availability. Also, you’ll be more likely to get your friends and family together, as many people have time off from work and school.
Here are fifteen of our favorite do’s and don’ts to consider when planning your perfect winter wedding.
1. DO EMBRACE THE SEASON
If you are choosing to have a winter wedding, you’ll want to embrace this time of year and make your wedding reflect the reason. Winter weddings are all about creating a magical, cozy vibe that is perfectly appropriate for the season.
One of the biggest mistakes you can make with a winter wedding is to try to make it the same as a summer wedding. If you’re stuck on wearing light and breezy clothing, serving up refreshing cocktails, decorating with tropical flowers and having an outdoor ceremony – it would be better to have a summer wedding.
2. DON’T LET THE BRIDESMAIDS BE COLD
If the weather will be chilly, your bridesmaids need another layer to wear over their dresses so they can be comfortable yet still look stylish. It can be anything from a faux fur coat to a cashmere wrap to a big, luxurious jacket – it all depends on the look you want.
Also, don’t forget about what they wear under their dresses as well. You might want to encourage the group to wear leggings or tights to keep warm!
3. DO FACTOR IN EXTRA TRAVEL TIME
Winter weather means that getting to your wedding venue and to the reception venue later (if they are in separate locations) can be tricky. The roads might be treacherous and might require very careful driving.
It’s always a good idea to factor in plenty of extra travel time during the winter. Plus, you may want to also have an alternative route planned in case the roads are closed or dangerous.
4. DON’T BE LIMITED TO CHRISTMAS COLORS
Just because you are having a winter wedding doesn’t mean that you have to stick to decorating with reds, greens, golds and silvers. Your wedding can have a huge range of color palettes – so use your imagination!
For example, imagine winter wedding decor themed in soft grays, pastel blues, pinks, purples and bright whites. It would mirror the pure, freshly fallen snow and the tones of the sky. Or, stick to jewel tones like emerald, ruby and sapphire. It’s up to you!
5. DO EMBRACE YOUR PALENESS
If it’s the middle of January and you live in the Northern Hemisphere, chances are you haven’t been out in the sun in a while. But don’t beat yourself up, or feel self-conscious that you don’t have a tan!
Heading out to the tanning salon in the middle of winter will look a bit out of place. Instead, embrace your natural winter look and choose something to wear that will complement your winter complexion.
6. DON’T OVERDO THE HEATING
You don’t need to blast the heat to compensate for the cold outside. Your guests may appreciate the cooler temperatures while dancing and mingling in a room full of people!
Too much heat can cause lightheadedness, dry skin, frizzy hair and general discomfort. Make sure that the interior temperature at the venue is set at a normal level – you might even need to turn it down a few degrees because having plenty of people in a room will make it even warmer.
Some large reception spaces will even have individual thermostats for different areas of the room – so you (or your wedding planner) can set the one for the dance floor area a little bit lower.
7. DON’T CHOOSE FLOWERS THAT ARE OUT OF SEASON
Don’t make the mistake of choosing florals that are out of season for your big day. Orchids, hydrangeas and other tropical blooms are not a good fit for a winter wedding. They will be expensive to get ahold of, will not handle the cold well and may look strange and out of place.
Instead, go for classic winter flowers such as amaryllis, French Tulips, gerberas, roses and poinsettias. You can also opt for other, more holiday-themed arrangements, such as mistletoe, white-tipped pine cones, conifer branches, holly and red berries.
8. DO SERVE A SEASONAL TREAT
Treat your guests to something warm, comforting and delicious at your wedding. For example, you could offer hot chocolate or mulled wine, as well as tasty desserts such as ginger snaps and shortbread cookies. Or, you could set out special macarons that match your wedding color scheme. These types of traditional winter treats will put them in a happy, festive mood.
If you are having a Valentine’s Day wedding, something sensual and romantic like champagne and a chocolate fountain with fresh strawberries would be perfect.
9. DON’T GET COLD FEET
Metaphorical cold feet are a danger at any wedding, but in a winter wedding your toes might literally get chilled! Instead of wearing dainty high heels, you can wear a pair of stylish boots that will keep you so much more comfortable. (Plus, you’ll have better grip when walking across icy sidewalks.)
Make sure you encourage your guests and wedding party to wear warm shoes as well, especially if they are going to be outside for any length of time. If you think your boots will be too warm to wear inside on the dance floor, you can always bring another pair of ballet slippers or flats to change into when it’s time to boogie.
15 DOS AND DON’TS OF PLANNING A WINTER WEDDING
According to Priceonomics, spring and summer are by far the most popular seasons for weddings. 80% of all weddings happen in the six months between May and October. That leaves very few couples planning a winter wedding.
However, if the romance of having a cozy, candlelit wedding ceremony on a chilly winter evening appeals to you – there are a lot of advantages to going against the grain and getting married this time of year.
1. DO EMBRACE THE SEASON
If you are choosing to have a winter wedding, you’ll want to embrace this time of year and make your wedding reflect the reason. Winter weddings are all about creating a magical, cozy vibe that is perfectly appropriate for the season.
One of the biggest mistakes you can make with a winter wedding is to try to make it the same as a summer wedding. If you’re stuck on wearing light and breezy clothing, serving up refreshing cocktails, decorating with tropical flowers and having an outdoor ceremony – it would be better to have a summer wedding.
2. DON’T LET THE BRIDESMAIDS BE COLD
If the weather will be chilly, your bridesmaids need another layer to wear over their dresses so they can be comfortable yet still look stylish. It can be anything from a faux fur coat to a cashmere wrap to a big, luxurious jacket – it all depends on the look you want.
Also, don’t forget about what they wear under their dresses as well. You might want to encourage the group to wear leggings or tights to keep warm!
3. DO FACTOR IN EXTRA TRAVEL TIME
Winter weather means that getting to your wedding venue and to the reception venue later (if they are in separate locations) can be tricky. The roads might be treacherous and might require very careful driving.
It’s always a good idea to factor in plenty of extra travel time during the winter. Plus, you may want to also have an alternative route planned in case the roads are closed or dangerous.
4. DON’T BE LIMITED TO CHRISTMAS COLORS
Just because you are having a winter wedding doesn’t mean that you have to stick to decorating with reds, greens, golds and silvers. Your wedding can have a huge range of color palettes – so use your imagination!
For example, imagine winter wedding decor themed in soft grays, pastel blues, pinks, purples and bright whites. It would mirror the pure, freshly fallen snow and the tones of the sky. Or, stick to jewel tones like emerald, ruby and sapphire. It’s up to you!
5. DO EMBRACE YOUR PALENESS
If it’s the middle of January and you live in the Northern Hemisphere, chances are you haven’t been out in the sun in a while. But don’t beat yourself up, or feel self-conscious that you don’t have a tan!
Heading out to the tanning salon in the middle of winter will look a bit out of place. Instead, embrace your natural winter look and choose something to wear that will complement your winter complexion.
6. DON’T OVERDO THE HEATING
You don’t need to blast the heat to compensate for the cold outside. Your guests may appreciate the cooler temperatures while dancing and mingling in a room full of people!
Too much heat can cause lightheadedness, dry skin, frizzy hair and general discomfort. Make sure that the interior temperature at the venue is set at a normal level – you might even need to turn it down a few degrees because having plenty of people in a room will make it even warmer.
Some large reception spaces will even have individual thermostats for different areas of the room – so you (or your wedding planner) can set the one for the dance floor area a little bit lower.
7. DON’T CHOOSE FLOWERS THAT ARE OUT OF SEASON
Don’t make the mistake of choosing florals that are out of season for your big day. Orchids, hydrangeas and other tropical blooms are not a good fit for a winter wedding. They will be expensive to get ahold of, will not handle the cold well and may look strange and out of place.
Instead, go for classic winter flowers such as amaryllis, French Tulips, gerberas, roses and poinsettias. You can also opt for other, more holiday-themed arrangements, such as mistletoe, white-tipped pine cones, conifer branches, holly and red berries.
8. DO SERVE A SEASONAL TREAT
Treat your guests to something warm, comforting and delicious at your wedding. For example, you could offer hot chocolate or mulled wine, as well as tasty desserts such as ginger snaps and shortbread cookies. Or, you could set out special macarons that match your wedding color scheme. These types of traditional winter treats will put them in a happy, festive mood.
If you are having a Valentine’s Day wedding, something sensual and romantic like champagne and a chocolate fountain with fresh strawberries would be perfect.
9. DON’T GET COLD FEET
Metaphorical cold feet are a danger at any wedding, but in a winter wedding your toes might literally get chilled! Instead of wearing dainty high heels, you can wear a pair of stylish boots that will keep you so much more comfortable. (Plus, you’ll have better grip when walking across icy sidewalks.)
Make sure you encourage your guests and wedding party to wear warm shoes as well, especially if they are going to be outside for any length of time. If you think your boots will be too warm to wear inside on the dance floor, you can always bring another pair of ballet slippers or flats to change into when it’s time to boogie.Contact Us
