Tips for a unique winter wedding
Here are some tips and ideas on how to have a beautiful winter wedding using seasonal colours, decor and of course, some creativity. Happy planning!
Theme
For decor, think outside the box. Try deep colours for winter weddings such as black, red, gold, white, ivory, Tiffany blue and silver.
Examples for decor include Christmas trees for tables and backdrops, snowflakes, wreathes, candles, tea lights, white twinkling lights, red ribbon, crystals, sparkles and diamonds, shimmering fabric over white tablecloths and scatter silver sequins.
For an icy twist, hire an ice sculptor or spray glitter on the petals in the flower girl's basket.
TIP: Get decorations after Christmas on sale
Flowers/centrepieces
Keep costs down by choosing seasonal blooms such as:
Roses in red, white, black beauty and black magic
Lilies - Stargazer, Casablanca, Calla, Alstromeria (mini)
Chrysanthemums
Daisies - gerbera
Amaryllis
Hydrangea
Magnolia
Poinsettias - white and red (potted)
Also try using winter accents such as pinecones, eucalyptus, holly and ivy leaves, berries, evergreen branches, baby's breath, branches, Christmas ornament balls, cranberries, potted poinsettias, pine, cedar, nutcrackers and white candles.
TIP: Flowers last longer in the winter but be sure they do not freeze during photo sessions
Vendors
Winter weddings lend to a greater chance of getting the vendor you want. Special rates and flexible pricing mostly apply in January though April, and many vendors offer one site for the ceremony and reception.
Also because fewer people go on vacation in the winter months, you will likely get better honeymoon rates.
TIP: Because vendors have more days available in the winter months, it helps couples who are planning a wedding with a shorter time frame.
Menu
The menu is a great place to showcase seasonal foods. Try serving rich meats such as duck or salmon. As roasting is more akin to the colder months, serve roasted chicken or beef.
For appetizers, try soup in lieu of salad using hearty ingredients such as squash, carrots, potatoes and root vegetables.
Drinks
Winter weddings lend to having creative drinks to serve. Try hot chocolate with Bailey's, eggnog, specialty coffees, apple cider or red wines.
TIP: Create your own signature drink specific to your taste
Desserts
Instead of the traditional sweets, serve warm pies or a rich mousse cake.
Have candy stations with red candy.
Serve roasted peanuts (but be cautious of guests with allergies).
Make sugar cookies in the shape of stars and snowflakes.
Snow cones are also fun for kids of all ages.
Bomboniere and gifts
Try gifts with a seasonal theme such as snow globes, Christmas tree ornaments, gingerbread cookies or Life Saver mints.
Photos themes and creative suggestions
Forget fields of green of the country club backdrop; try taking your photos outside.
Make snowmen, take photographs of you having fun in the snow, make snow angels or visit a skating rink.
Clothing
Since winter fashion is different than fashion in warmer months, dressing for a winter wedding can be both elegant and whimsical for the bride and guests alike. This can include faux-fur coats or shawls, winter boots (with fur-trim) and long white gloves. Wear beautiful jewelry with lots of sparkle and diamonds and children can wear wings like angels.
Transportation
Try something different like dog sleighs, traditional sleigh rides or an SUV limo.
Makeup and hair
Make sure you use waterproof makeup and try not to use too much hair spray - natural looks are favoured so the hairstyle will last for the duration of the ceremony, photos and reception.
