In recent years, winter weddings have grown in popularity. Canny couples are beginning to twig that nuptials in the nippy months needn’t be a total no-no. There are positive arguments for getting hitched during winter, read on for some of the most persuasive…
Chilly but Cheaper
Yes, there may be a frost on the ground, (isn’t it pretty?), but saying your vows in winter makes your budget stretch further. Wedding venues are quieter once summer is over and striking deals is a lot easier. It is essentially the off-season for weddings, so make sure you push that point when nailing down the quote.
Be a Snow Princess
Have you always wanted to rock the snow princess look? If so, a winter wedding is your best chance. Snow can’t be guaranteed, but the further north the venue the greater the possibility of some flake-action. If a blanket of snow does fall all around, the results can be truly magical.
It’s all different
The dress, food, flowers, décor all require adapting to another season. A winter bridal gown will need to keep you snug and warm. Think about having a wrap or shawl to drape around your shoulders and consider elegant boots to keep toes warm. Watch the film Dr Zhivago for style cues with Julie Christie really nailing icy glamour.
The menu for the wedding breakfast will feature warming soups, hearty stews and hot deserts to keep your guests well fuelled. Instead of champagne and cocktails, try refreshments such as mulled wine or hot cocoa with a little rum to liven things up.
The shorter days in winter make scheduling easier. An afternoon ceremony followed by an early evening reception means darkness falls quickly. This frees up possibilities for magical winter wonderland décor with night-lights and twinkling fairy-lights across the board.
Winter Tents
A marquee wedding offers optimal flexibility because you aren’t tied down to a specific location. Modern marquees are heated, very luxurious and comfortable often with their own kitchens. For wedding marquee hire south east London has operators who will run the whole show from providing the tent to tables, chairs, bar, dance floor and catering. For wedding marquee hire south London providers also deck out the big tents with fairy lights studded in the canopied roof, glowing like stars – just perfect for a winter themed event.
Honeymoon Heat
When you marry outside peak times the honeymoon choices expand. There are many tempting places to go and thaw out after your icy walk down the aisle. The Maldives in summer time are a wash out – but in winter they are awesome. Alternatively, snow sport fans can pick up some great sun and apres ski on the continental European slopes. Also try scoping out Argentina, the Caribbean, Hawaii and the Florida Keys – all warm and welcoming during dark UK winters.
Cold but Fresh
The themes and motifs used for wedding stationary can be so hackneyed and over-used, by holding a winter bash you are freed from the hassle of trying to think of a fresh take on invitation designs. Winter weddings have their own themes and colours that suggest themselves, such as cool silvery and white colour schemes blended with forest greens and berry reds. Snowflake motifs, icicles and glitter will probably feature quite heavily in your plans, but these elements always look stylish and elegant when teamed.
Bold Bouquets
Winter flowers are totally different creatures to wispy, summer affairs. Winter blooms are tough, bold in shape and structure and come in some intense shades. For a bouquet that makes a statement consider throwing in some blue and silvery foliage such as eucalyptus and snow thistle, some winter roses, holly and fir sprigs, rose hip berries, pine cones, snowdrops, astrantia, peonies and anemones – such a refreshing change from the predictable summer florals.
More Dates
Celebrating your big day in the cooler months means different diary dates open up. Of course there’s the festive period around Christmas which works well in many ways because friends and families often get together at this time of year. New Year nuptials are pretty popular, as are Valentine’s Day events and even Pancake Day weddings! Halloween and Bonfire Night are also days that appeal if you are seeking a gothic theme or are just a sucker for fireworks!
Surprise everybody and send out your invitations for a winter wedding. Show them what they’re missing by throwing a super stylish, wintry show stopper with plenty of seasonal cheer and frost-covered fun and frolics…