There is nothing more magical than having your big day in the winter months. The cold crisp air makes everything feel more cosy, and of course the excitement of Christmas being just around the corner adds to the atmosphere. Here are a few of our top tips on hosting the perfect winter wedding.
Most wedding venues look gorgeous all year round, but with a winter wedding you’ll get to play around with the décor, ensuring that your chosen venue will be dressed perfectly for the season. A converted barn-style wedding venue could look sensational with roaring fires and when it comes to decorating a venue rich in history, the possibilities are endless. Or a grand country house wedding venue could be perfect for hosting a glamorous winter celebration, you could even end the evening with a fireworks display. Be sure to consider an exclusive use wedding venue with bedrooms so that your close friends and family don’t have far to travel in the cold when your big day comes to an end.
Another advantage of getting married around December is that your wedding venue may be decorated for the festive season. It’s the perfect excuse to get an amazing couples photo in front of the Christmas trees, like at Notley Abbey below. Or you may opt for more subtle seasonal pictures, the stone staircase at Botleys Mansion makes the most incredible backdrop for your wedding pictures.
Winter is the perfect time of year to decorate your chosen wedding venue with a sensational array of flowers. Consider a colour scheme of deep reds, purples, pinks and/or greens, mixed with a dash of ivory and a finishing touch of berry or even a sprig of holly. You could decorate the doors with festive wreaths, or have pinecones adding to the decorative styling of your reception tables. Plus, if you are getting married around Christmas, adding a bunch of mistletoe to your décor is a must!
A winter wedding is the ultimate excuse to wear a super stylish long-sleeved wedding dress. You may want to consider a dress with detachable sleeves, it’s the perfect way to execute a slight dress change and ‘wow’ your guests with both styles. Also, consider the weather when shopping for your bridesmaids dresses as well, there are so many options for beautiful long-sleeved gowns that you’ll be spoilt for choice.
If, however, you do opt to wear a strapless or short-sleeved dress, consider a faux fur cover-up or shawl to keep warm moving from one place to the other. Remember, some of the best wedding snaps are taken in the beautiful grounds outside the venue, so be prepared to brave the cold for those!
The food and drink at any wedding plays a big part in the day. If your chosen venue has an in-house catering team then they’ll more than likely be able to recommend a delicious winter wedding menu for you and your guests. If you’re offered a menu tasting session before your big day then be sure to embrace the different flavours of the season when making your final menu decisions. A winter wedding calls for mulled wine and mince pies, a seasonal celebration is the perfect time to think outside the box and add some festive glamour to your day.
A winter-themed wedding cake is a must if you’re getting married during the colder months. Consider a white, iced wedding cake with a cascade of winter blooms falling down one side. Alternatively, a festive wedding cake filled with fruit could be ideal if you’re getting married very close to Christmas.
You can have so much fun with your colour scheme from your bridesmaids dresses, the flowers, table decorations and wedding favours, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to the perfect palette. Consider colour combinations of:
