Winter is a wonderful time to get married, especially for people who love cold weather and all the coziness that comes with it. Some couples choose winter because the season isn't popular for weddings in many places, and some venues and service providers offer discounts during that time of year.
Planning a winter wedding has its own benefits and challenges, so it's important to understand all the details when you begin.
Lavan Photography is one of the most experienced Melbourne wedding photographers and they have shot a lot of weddings during winter. Without any doubt a few of them have been quite wild and dramatic but at the end of the day the photos still turned out amazing. And here are 14 tips for a perfectly wonderful winter wedding they would like to share with you to help you planning your perfect day.
Consider the holidays.
Holidays are among the best things winter has to offer, and you will definitely want to think about them when planning your wedding. Holidays may mean that people are off from work and can easily travel, but they may also mean that guests already have plans. If you are going to plan your wedding close to a holiday, be sure to check with important guests about their schedules or send save-the-date cards well in advance.
One big advantage of getting married during the holiday season is that churches and other venues may already be decorated. This can be excellent news for a tight budget, but it does mean that you will have to use the decorations they have chosen. Be sure to ask about decorations when you book your wedding.
Go to the snow.
Snowfall is part of the magic of winter and a big part of what many people are looking for in a winter wedding. The problem is that most locations that get snow don't' have it on the ground the entire winter. If you want snow for your wedding, choose a location where you are almost guaranteed to have it. Ski resorts and mountain retreats are perfect for spots for finding snow. Many ski resorts will even make their own snow if they aren't getting enough naturally. This means that you will get the pictures and ambiance you want for your winter wedding.
Time your wedding with the sun.
Remember that the sun goes down early in winter. The sun may set as early as 4 pm In some places. This means that you need to time everything right. If you want outdoor pictures, you will need to take them before the ceremony or you will need to plan an early wedding. If your wedding is during the dinner hour, it will be dark through most or all of your event.
Dress to sparkle.
A winter wonderland includes lots of sparkling snowflakes and ice, so you want to reflect that in your clothing. Brides will look best in dresses with sequins and rhinestone beading or in a shimmery fabric. This is especially true if any part of your wedding will be outdoors. You will want your dress to catch the reflection of light on white snow and allow it to make you shine. Grooms and men in your wedding party can also wear shimmery or metallic fabrics.
Bring your boots.
You may have delicate silk pumps for your ceremony, but those aren't going to work if you are trudging your way through a snowdrift for the perfect picture. Be sure you and your wedding party have boots to slip on for these occasions. If your dress is long enough, you could even wear white boots for your ceremony.
Keep your wedding party warm.
Your wedding party will appreciate it if you keep their comfort in mind. Choose clothing with long sleeves, or provide matching shawls or jackets for outdoor activity. Be prepared with hand warmers that can be slipped into shoes and gloves. Provide space heaters for long periods of time spent outdoors in the cold. Remember that you want everyone to be comfortable at your wedding, and your pictures aren't going to turn out well if everyone is shivering and turning blue.
Choose heavy, opulent fabrics.
Getting married in winter means that you have the freedom to pick gorgeous, heavy fabrics when it comes to clothing and décor. Couples getting married in warmer temperatures cannot use these luxurious fabrics because everyone would be sweating. Take advantage of this by choosing elegant fabrics like deep velvet or brocade. Find faux fur shoulder wraps, hats, and mufflers for everyone in the wedding party. Hang tapestries as backdrops. The result will be a wedding party that is both beautiful and warm.
Wear metallic makeup.
Winter wedding makeup can be much heavier and more shimmery than makeup worn in the summer. Go ahead and give in to the urge to look glamorous. Find a makeup professional who knows how to make the most of a snow queen look, or watch some tutorials with a friend to help you work it out yourself.
Use in-season décor.
It's always more economical and environmentally friendly to use local flowers and other natural décor that is in season during your wedding. For a winter wedding, this usually means an array of beautifully unique options. In addition to traditional flowers, think about berries and pine cones. Garlands of greenery can create a romantic atmosphere.
Create with candles.
Low lighting is your best friend at a winter wedding. Make the most of the early sunset by filling your venue with candles, either real or electric. The understated lighting is perfect for a soft, elegant, quiet setting. With candles near the floor and on tables, finish the look by stringing white lights across the ceiling. You can also add additional lighting after the ceremony when it's time for the party.
Consider candle lighting outside your venue. Line a walkway with paper lanterns or electric candles in hurricane lamps. Shine a spotlight on the front of the venue to create drama as guests enter.
Be choosy about your photographer.
Photography in winter is very different from photography in other seasons. Make sure you are choosing a photographer with experience in winter lighting. The photographer should be able to offer you sample pictures from other winter weddings. Ask questions about how the photographer approaches lighting in winter or in a candle-lit venue. You may not even understand the answers, but a confident reply will let you know the person understands the situation.
Serve comfort food.
Fill your reception menu with in-season choices that are warm and comforting. Talk to your caterer about amazing soups as a first course and lots of beautiful root vegetables as sides. Serve favorites like gourmet macaroni and cheese or a green bean casserole. Filling meats like steak and whole birds make good entrees. While weddings in other seasons may call for lighter fare, you can really indulge your guests at a winter wedding.
Remember details like coats.
Keep guests' needs in mind as you plan your reception. This should include a coat check or another place to store outerwear. If you have guests hanging coats over the backs of their chairs, it will destroy your carefully planned décor. A full-service coat check is an elegant option, but you can settle for designating one room for coat storage if necessary. The idea is to free guests from keeping up with coats and keeping them out of your event space.
Have alternative plans.
Winter can be very unpredictable, so you will want to have a plan B and even a plan C for certain situations. This means knowing what you are going to do if your best man's flight gets canceled at the last minute or if a snowstorm causes a power outage at your venue. Know what you're going to do if the highway closes and your florist can't get to the ceremony in time. Keep in mind that you may need to be flexible if the weather doesn't cooperate with your plans. Encourage guests, especially the wedding party, to travel at least a couple of days before the wedding.
Your winter wedding can be a magical dream as long as you keep important seasonal challenges in mind and remember to take advantage of the benefits that winter offers. Start with these 14 tips for a wonderful winter wedding, and you can create a perfect day that becomes a beautiful memory.