Crisp mornings, rich autumnal colours, endless blue skies….Winter is a beautiful time of year and yet is so often overlooked when it comes to planning your wedding day.
There are many positive aspects to having your special day during our coldest months and with a few small changes you can make sure everyone has a truly memorable (and warm!) day.
Most venues find the months between November – March to be the quietest of the year, so this gives you more opportunities to get a great deal and have the pick of the dates. A lot of wedding suppliers will be able to be much more flexible with costs and packages, so don’t be afraid to ask.
A winter wedding can save you a small fortune, so drive a hard bargain
Weather Woes
When planning a wedding during the most popular Summer months, the emphasis on good weather can create a lot of unwanted pressure and should it turn out to wet and windy, it can ruin all of your plans. At least with a winter wedding you know it will be cold whatever happens and you can tailor your wardrobe well in advance, I’m thinking faux fur shawls, long elegant gloves, feathers and heaps of luxury fabrics and materials. Buy some beautiful white umbrellas in case of rain, these look fabulous in photo’s. It may be a good idea to purchase some nice wellies beforehand and put a fun spin on your photo’s should it be wet, the brighter the better of course!
Bright wellies will help to make light of any bad weather
Warming Treats
Swap the usual celebratory drink after the ceremony for some warming mulled wine, it will be a welcome treat for your guests. For children and non-drinkers, try warm apple and blackcurrant squash or a delicious hot chocolate.
Photographs tend to take a while at the best of times and in the winter months your guests will get cold. Why not give out some hand warmers or scarves to your guests whilst they are waiting? You can get some excellent prices for gifts such as this online (and personalised) and it will also serve as a lovely memento for your guests to take home.
Extra Touches
Here at Crowhurst Park we are lucky to have a huge 17th century inglenook fireplace, which not only heats the rooms but also provides a fabulous backdrop for indoor photographs. There is nothing quite like warming your hands by an open fire after a day out in the cold. Ask your venue if they have a fireplace and if they do make sure it is lit and fully stocked with logs for your wedding day. I always recommend this as a ‘Plan B’ should the weather really be dreadful.
With long dark evenings during the winter months, light becomes ever important. Candles and tea lights add a romantic cosy feel to any room, just be sure to check with your venue that they allow them. Or why not treat your guests to a firework display before or after dinner? You should be able to get a good display done professionally for under £500.00 and with it being dark by 5pm it doesn’t have to be late. Or for a more purse friendly option, hand out sparklers, children and adults alike will love them.
Food
Finally, the all-important food. During a winter wedding, I recommend comfort food all the way. Think chunky vegetable soups, cottage pie or even a traditional roast with something such as sticky toffee pudding with caramel sauce for dessert – Yum! If the menu your venue has supplied doesn’t look very winter friendly, it’s probably because they do so few in those months. Don’t be afraid to make suggestions and ask if you can tailor your menu, it’s a reasonable request.
By using the above tips, you can create a truly memorable winter wedding on an impressively thrifty budget, whatever the weather.
Love & Mittens,Julie BBF
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