What to consider when planning a winter wedding

Natalie Lovett of Love to Plan Ltd talks to Vows and Venues about her top tips for planning a Winter wedding.

When imagining a winter wedding, I immediately think of crackling fires, warm and furry wraps and lots of twinkly lights and candles – lovely!  ...but remember, whilst winter is a beautiful time of the year it brings with it potential challenges and considerations.

Here are my top tips ‘things to remember’ when planning a winter wedding:

Low season discounts, anyone?

For many suppliers, especially venues, winter (except Christmas & New Year) is classed as ‘low season’ and therefore you have an opportunity to save money on your booking.  It’s quite normal for a 20-25% discount to be passed on.

Consider worst case scenarios

Winter is a beautiful time of year, but it brings with it potential challenges.  When deciding on your venue, think of what it would be like if you had snow, torrential rain or high winds.  Is it warm, cosy and draught free?  If the answers are ‘no’, can you easily bring in suppliers to make it so?

It’s also worth considering having your wedding ceremony and reception in the same venue – only one journey for you and your guests, and no chilly venue transfer!

Don’t get married too late in the day

Remember, the light fades early at this time of year, and if you get married too late you will have no opportunity for photographs outside after your ceremony.  Early afternoon is perfect, and still allows you plenty of time in the morning to get ready.

Keep you and your bridal party warm

There’s nothing worse than being chilly for a long period of time, and quite frankly, it makes you miserable...and blue finger tips and a red nose don’t make for good photographs!  I recommend investing in warm wraps for your bridesmaids, and consider a dress with sleeves, or a veil or cape for you...and woolly tights if necessary!

Choose your food and drink carefully

If it’s chilly outside, how lovely to welcome your guest with a spiced hot drink – perhaps a mulled wine or spiced ale, just perfect to ‘warm the cockles’!

Embrace hot food too, and not just for the main course – consider hot canapes, starters and desserts for a truly warming and homely food experience for you and guests.

Embrace foliage and wintry blooms!

Seasonal greenery is just gorgeous in the winter months - consider beautiful wreaths and rustic foliage bouquets with a touch of colour in the form of winter blossoms such as cyclamen, irises, winter jasmine, carnations, freesias, lilies, roses and stephanotis – super stylish and very elegant...and sprigs of mistletoe dotted around your venue will add a smile to your guests.

Consider your colour scheme

Pastel shades are beautiful, but struggle to look effective against a wintry backdrop.  Instead consider rich, warm shades - dark navy blue, rich reds and aubergines and plum shades work beautifully.

Photograph courtesy of Capture This Moment