While spring and summer are traditionally wedding seasons, having a winter wedding has many appeals and it is becoming increasingly popular.
Getting married can be an expensive affair but having a winter wedding during the off-peak period can make it way more affordable. You could possibly even get discounts! Aside from the financial incentives, there will also be more availability so you can book your favourite venue or photographer. There is something about the light in the winter that makes your photos look amazing too. The bare tree and overcast skies make for dramatic photography. If you need any more convincing, you won’t have to worry about your makeup melting off in the heat!
Having a winter wedding does require some extra preparation to make sure both you and your guests are comfortable. Your priorities are to stay warm during photoshoots and keeping your guests warm too. Investing in winter accessories like a faux fur stole or even wearing a long sleeve dress would be winter appropriate.
If you’re having an outdoor ceremony, incorporating a fireplace if the venue permits would be so romantic and a wedding your guests will not forget. Blankets rolled into baskets for guests to keep warm will be a nice touch too. Why not serve mulled wine or hot chocolate while you’re at it!
A tip from the wedding experts for the bride to stay warm is to wear a pair of thick tights under your wedding dress. You can even pair that with boots under the dress and no one will know! Boots are a practical choice for a winter wedding as you never know when it might rain.
Don’t forget to keep your bridesmaids warm too! After all, they will be out in the cold for extended periods for photoshoots. Matching faux fur stoles, shawls and leather jackets are excellent coverup options.
Keeping the ceremony and reception at the venue will not only save travel time but it will be very handy in case of bad weather. If that is not possible, just allocate extra travel time!
Let’s take a look at some of our real weddings for your winter wedding inspiration!
Sigita and Romualdas
The pair originates from Lithuania and it took them some time to decide whether to host a traditional wedding, travel abroad and elope, or exchange vows alone in their new hometown, London.
Despite it being Sigita’s childhood dream to marry in the summer, she says she will never regret their decision to wed on in December. Guests attended the winter celebration beginning with a ceremony at Greenwich Town Hall and ending with a reception at The Clarendon Hotel in London.
“December is a perfect time of the year. Even though our day was rainy and gloomy, the atmosphere that evening was very relaxed, warm and intimate. There were candles, flowers and Christmas crackers.
Hillary and Devindra
Australian bride Hillary and UK groom Devindra fell in love in the UK winter, so it was only fitting they returned for an English Christmas wedding.
“As you can imagine Christmas is very different in the UK to an Australian Christmas, so we wanted to show that side to our guests travelling abroad,” explains Hillary. “It is, of course, cold, but there is also a very different feel in the air with Christmas carols, mulled wine and Christmas markets all setting the scene.”