It’s common knowledge that as soon as spring rolls around, the wedding invitations come flooding in. Summer is peak wedding season and a popular time for tying the knot, so most people aim to get married around that time. However, the joy of a winter wedding is hugely undervalued.
A cosy room with twinkling fairy lights and a blazing log fire will create a romantic feel that just can’t be replicated on a sunny day. Plus, if you’re lucky enough to have snow fall on your big day, the photos will look magical, whether you stay indoors or brave the cold for a winter wonderland shot, every summer bride will be jealous!
Let’s explore how to plan the ultimate winter wedding.
Finding your dream dress
Whether you’re dreaming of a snowy white dress or a subtle rose-coloured gown, there are plenty of styles fit for a winter wedding. Keep it traditional and opt for a floor length gown or add a modern touch with an asymmetrical skirt or a thigh-skimming split.
Make sure you take warmth into consideration. There are so many amazing winter wedding coat options, such as a glamorous faux fur jacket, a heavy velvet cloak, or a bespoke bridal leather jacket.
One benefit of getting married in the colder months is you may be more comfortable in sleeves or a long skirt than you would on a baking hot day. Lace sleeves are a beautiful choice to add a touch of elegance and vintage glamour. Think Kate Middleton circa 2011.
Choosing bridesmaid dresses
Choose bridesmaid dresses which complement your winter décor. Look at the colour scheme you’ve chosen for the room and incorporate those shades in the bridal party’s outfits. For example, ice-blue, silver, navy or burgundy will enhance the winter wedding vibe. Choose one colour for all the dresses or mix and match for a more relaxed look.
Make sure your bridesmaids are comfortable in what they’re wearing. This means taking their warmth into consideration and keeping plenty of shawls on hand. Don’t ask them to wear skyscraper heels if they’ll be on their feet all day and ensure the colour and style of the dresses is something they are all comfortable with.
Choosing the perfect venue
When you go to view venues, keep in mind how the space will look during the colder season, especially if you’re viewing over summer or spring. A venue that may be perfect for getting hitched in the summer may not be as appealing for your winter wedding.
Ask the event team at the venue about practicalities like outdoor heating, lighting and shelter and make sure you have a backup plan in case the weather turns sour. A winter wonderland is one thing, but no one wants to get soaked with rain while they’re saying their vows!
Dressing the space
These days many people hire a venue stylist to create their dream wedding décor. From chair covers and bows to centrepieces and candles, there’s so much to think about when dressing a wedding space. While a venue stylist will be able to provide the items you need, the cost of hiring everything just for a day can be more than some people are willing to pay.
If you’re looking for budget friendly décor, why not create a mood board with your desired look and source the decorations yourself? You can often find small jars to place tealights in or mirrors and candlesticks for centrepieces in charity shops. Add a pop of wintery colour with some metallic balloons and sprinkle table confetti around the place settings. You’ll be surprised how much you can save by getting creative.
