Winter Weddings
Everyone wants a summer wedding…well, that’s the theory!
But increasingly more and more people are planning their nuptials for the winter. While the dark months might not be the most coveted season for brides and grooms-to-be, there are many advantages to having a winter wedding…
Image by Studio Rouge
The Weather (and your expectations!)
The weather in spring and summer, and even autumn, can be unpredictable. One day it’s sunny and the next it is overcast with a chance of rain. At least with the winter, you will be prepared for everything; the cold, snow, rain and the perfect winter frost – and so will your guests!
No longer will you need to anxiously check the forecast in the hope of sunshine, the winter weather will enhance the theme of the day! In addition, if you’re lucky enough to get a dusting of snow or heavy frost it will make a beautiful backdrop for your photographs.
Image by Neale James
The cost!
With fewer people getting married between November and February, the venue fee, and sometimes the supplier’s prices, will be lower. This means you can make your money go further and invest in something else like your dream dress, the photographer or the flowers. It also means there will be lots more availability, so you’ll be able to pick the date you really want (and it will be a lot sooner!)
The Theme
A winter setting gives great opportunities for themes you couldn’t have in the summer. Make the Garden Room cosy and have soft furnishing and candles, offering blankets to guests.
Offer mulled wine at your drinks reception and have hot canapés like mini fish and chips or mini Yorkshire puddings with roast beef to warm up your guests.
Or what about hot chocolate? Offer a selection of mini marshmallows, candy canes and whipped cream for your guests to personalise their winter warmer.
For more of a winter wonderland, decorate with icy blue lighting, fairy lights and candles, chandeliers and lots of crystals to reflect the light!
Image by Neale James
Romantic Evenings
In the winter months, as the nights draw in, why not have an earlier ceremony, giving you longer to celebrate! With the darker evenings, light up the venue and create a romantic, magical atmosphere. Use fairy lights or lanterns to highlight the paths and place candles around the rooms. You could also have (battery lit!) candles on the beams or add tea lights to the arrow slits, a cost effective yet charming decoration.
Images by Studio Rouge
Bring the outside… in!
Incorporate the outdoors, nature and simplicity by creating a beautiful winter ‘outdoor’ wedding. Use pine cones for place name holders, wooden centre pieces and even add a few trees!
Image by Neale James
Christmas
With winter, comes Christmas! Wasing Christmas trees are placed around the venue in December and decorated with white lights ready for you to add a personal touch in keeping with your wedding theme. A Christmas themed winter wedding is ideal to add a little more magic! Why not have baubles as favours, ask your guests to write their messages and hang them on the Christmas trees. You could even invite a special guest along…
Dress Code
Worried about what to wear to keep warm? Give your guests pashminas and gloves as gifts to keep them from getting chilly in the evening.
Offer the girls matching fur shawls and keep yourself warm by adding a glamourous fur coat…
Looking like it might be a damp day? Check out these fabulous wedding wellies (weddington boots!) Ideal to keep your wedding shoes clean, and perfect to brave the cold for those beautiful photos in the gardens!
Image by Neale James
Stationery
With many different ideas for your place cards, table plans and invites, it can be quite difficult to know where to start.
Great colours for winter weddings are red, green, gold, blue, white and silver.
Photo Opportunities
Winter can be a beautiful time of year. With the frost and fallen leaves, there are many opportunities for stunning photos showing the season…
What better way to complete your day then sit in front of the fire with your family and friends staying at the Stables Lodge, a perfect winter wedding.