Winter Wedding: Elegant Romance
When one thinks of winter they often think snow, dreary weather, and being cold. It is not thought of as a popular time for weddings. Today I am here to change your minds! In the winter we often wrap ourselves in blankets, sit by the fireplace, sip on a hot drink and embrace the warmth and snuggly feelings that they provide. It is also a time of passion (many babies are conceived in winter months!), fun (think snowball fights!), and romantic touches (fireside warmth, the glow of candles or holiday lights). It is also the time of year that we most consume comfort foods and baked goods. With all of the feelings of warmth, romance, and comfort that come with the winter months, this is the perfect season to have a wedding that radiates the same elements.
Before we get into all of the pros and tips for a winter wedding, I will first caution you to consider the unpredictable. Winter weather cannot be predicted very far in advance. It is for this reason that you need to be sure your venue and vendors are cold weather ready. Even if you live in the south where winter is mostly rain, keep in mind that many guests may be flying in from colder states and could face travel restrictions due to weather. If you can be sure to prepare yourself that some guests may have to cancel last minute you will be much better off IF the situation arises. It is also a good idea for those who reside in states where snow and blizzards are a given, to purchase some form of insurance to cover your guests and save you the headache of out of pocket costs if there are guest and weather stipulations with your venue.
Now that the cons are out of the way lets focus on the positives of a winter wedding!
More Venue Options
- Even though outdoor weddings are all the rage these days, you are more likely to find more indoor options. This is a huge plus during the winter because (obviously) you are not planning an outdoor wedding (unless you are living somewhere tropical). The bonus to a winter wedding is that you are more likely to get exactly what you want compared to compromises you may face in the other seasons. Since winter is not a popular month for weddings, venues tend to have a pretty open calendar therefore allowing you the exact date you desire. It is also more likely that you will get a discount as the venues and vendors are happy for the business.
Different Color Options
- Not a pink and girly kind of bride? This is your season! Do you desire more elegance and romance over the soft and sweet atmosphere? This is your season! Do you desire a unique color palette? This is your season! Winter time offers a wide range of options when it comes to design, decor, and color. Winter offers the ability for all of the colors you love in a more muted tone. Spring / Summer pinks now become blush, mauve, and berry; Blues become more icy or navy; Greens become saige and jade. It is also a time where black becomes acceptable. Winter is a time where all of the jewel colors such as ruby, jade, emerald, sapphire, etc can be played into the palette as well. Each week this month I will be featuring a different color palette so check back!
Unique Floral, Decor, and Accent Options
- This is the season where non flower lovers can thrive. For those who do love flowers, make sure to find in season flowers such as: Ranunculus, Dahlias, Delphinium, Roses, and Snap Dragons to name a few. In season flowers will save you money and time. For those who do not prefer flowers, winter is the best time to incorporate succulents, pinecones, and eucalyptus. Winter weddings allow more ability to incorporate nature and earth elements. It is also the season to add furs, scarves, boots and other cold season accents that can become elegant.
Beautiful Photos
There is a common misconception that it needs to be sunny for beautiful photos. The truth is, often sunshine is the enemy of a photographer. Gloomy winter weather and light snow is ideal for beautiful pictures. Just think of the romance that can be added to a soft snow background, trees with frosted tips, and the colors of your wedding popping against a white background. Clouds and winter weather aspects can add a softness that cannot be captured in any other season. Winter aspects will make your photos one of a kind that many brides dream of but cannot capture in summer and spring. It also allows for unique accessories such as fur wraps, elegant shawls or scarves, boots, fun gloves. If you are a couple who likes to be playful, you can take fun pictures of the bridal party having a snowball fight or throwing snow in the air. There are endless unique possibilities in the winter for pictures.
Unique Food Options
Another bonus to a winter wedding is the option to serve seasonal foods. You can opt to offer warmth to your guests by providing grilled cheese and soup, a chili bar, different types of hot dips and any form of comfort food you and your future spouse enjoy. It also offers the ability for different drinks such as: hot cider, a hot cocoa bar, coffee and Baileys, and any warm alcoholic drinks. For cold drinks they can be brimmed in sugar, add a stick of cinnamon, or freeze berries to add to a spritzer to make it festive. Winter also brings the ability to skip the traditional cake and offer guests a slice of pie, cookies, or warm pastries.
So there you have it! Winter weddings offer a variety of options that you cannot have in any other season. If you opt for a winter wedding you will offer a unique environment for your guests that they will not experience at other weddings. Make sure that you talk with the venue operator to make sure there will be plenty of time pre-wedding to heat the place and ensure comfort for you and your guests. Winter offers so many possibilities as well as a variety of dress and hair options. Check back the rest of the month for color and decor ideas as well as dress options and fun things to provide for your guests. Thanks for reading!
Check back soon,
xoxo
