Top tips for planning a winter wedding
Winter Wedding Planning
There is something magical about a winter wedding, candle light, warm rich tones, roasting fires on a fresh crisp day, twinkling fairy lights… Not to mention Christmas! My favourite time of year! It can be truly atmospheric. There are some huge perks to getting married in the winter, like reduced costs & more availability, but there is also more to consider which is what motivated me to write this blog.
This is a winter guide lead by key wedding suppliers, real people working on real weddings every week all year round, you’ll find below some hidden gems & super helpful tips, covering all the basis for winter wedding planning & some great ideas on how to really rock your wedding for the season.
My images above & below were styled by Monet Events at Crondon Park
Interview with Stephanie, Monet Events
Have a supply of fabulous umbrellas, we particularly like the dome transparent umbrellas as this mean you can still see everything that’s going on and more importantly your hair and makeup is completely protected from the rain and wind
“Having a winter wedding automatically feels romantic due to warm cosy nights, log burning fires and festivities around Christmas plus the must have flickering candlelight. This is probably why winter weddings are becoming increasingly popular. The use of capes, fairy lights and fireworks really come into play due to the day getting darker quicker, allowing the twinkling of fairy lights create a very magical atmosphere. What can often put couples off with winter weddings is the rain…. Now in some cultures it is seen as good luck, symbolising fertility and cleansing. With rain in mind, you just need to plan and have a contingency in place. One tip is having a supply of fabulous umbrellas, we particularly like the dome transparent umbrellas as this mean you can still see everything that’s going on and more importantly your hair and makeup is completely protected from the rain and wind. If the forecast is clear skies but chilly, you can buy some snuggle blankets to keep both you and the guests warm. There are some lovely Mr & Mrs blankets and some signs!”
“The colour range is beautiful with a lot to choose from or you can even go bold with metallics, berries, deep reds, icy blues and greys. Experimenting with lighting is a dream too, creating a space that looks cosy and magical is such fun. A great way to achieve this is with stunning lanterns and candlelight. You can also inject colour into your wedding with coloured napkins, candlesticks, glassware and tablecloths. Metallic cloths are ideal as these also create a little sparkle as it reflects the lights.
Pop up bars are very popular for wedding receptions but maybe consider having a hot chocolate, baileys (for the adults) and marshmallow bar. This will certainly warm yours guests up whilst you have your photos taken. The options are endless!”
Our Three Top Tips
Visit the venue with a stylist to see what you can achieve
Ensure your wedding venue has a place to store coats, blankets and umbrellas
Look at the ceiling, you can transform the look by inject lighting or if budget allows look at hanging winter florals entwined with fairy lights
Winter Wedding photography
Let’s talk about light…
Plan for a ceremony to start around 12:30pm/1pm during the winter months if you would like your wedding captured in natural light
Light can drastically change & shape the look of an image, it’s technically more challenging to compose shots in low light, and this is where experience really comes to play. Most of the images you see on my website were taken through all the seasons, the one consistent thing is light, if you love the look of light & airy images then timing is key - aim for an early ceremony time which will allow for portraits/family shots to be taken after in natural light, especially if you’ve booked a venue with spectacular grounds like the portraits you see above at Gayne’s Park as you’ll want this captured too, so plan for a ceremony to start around 12:30pm/1pm during the winter months.
If you’re not too fussed about portraits & you just want your memories captured, then book a documentary photographer who can work in low light. If you are booking a late ceremony time, I’d also recommend viewing your venue in the dark so you can have a realistic view of the setting.
You’ll be amazed with what you can achieve in the pitch black on a rainy day with an experienced photographer who can use off camera flash
Embrace the weather
Some of my favourite shots have taken place on a rainy day in the winter, my top tip would be to embrace the weather, be prepared for the cold & potential rain & have something to put over your shoulders, or a big white umbrella incase it rains. You’ll be amazed with what you can achieve in the pitch black on a rainy day with an experienced photographer who can use off camera flash. Some shots can really come to life just after it’s rained, so it’s always worth getting outside even if it’s just for a few minutes to capture the grounds & couple portraits. For couples who want those all important portraits without getting cold, aim for a venue which is full of character & utilise some indoor features like a grand staircase, big windows so you’re covered come wind, rain or shine.
A first look is all the craze at american weddings, couples get to see each other before the ceremony & share a private moment alone away from everyone. It’s the perfect work around for your photographer to capture those all important couple portraits before it gets too dark (specifically aimed at weddings starting late in the winter months). This is a personal choice, the most important thing is to do what feels right for you both.
For winter wedding couples who want to break traditions & inject an extra bit of fun to their day, why not book a trash the dress shoot after the wedding later on, I’m thinking on a beach somewhere, dressed in your wedding attire with a tonne of paint bombs! (not for the faint hearted…).
Flowers - Top tips on flowers for the season
Interview with Carla, Stock Florist
“The most popular colours/themes are frosty whites, dark reds and burgundy’s & foliage. Garlands always look lovely for winter weddings, these set the Christmas theme off and can be used after the wedding too. “
Popular flower choices:
Roses
Anemones
Ranuculus
Berries
Brunia
Gypsophilia.
Things to consider:
Avoid sprayed flowers and foliage as this may stain.
Be careful for the date as the flower markets shut for a period over Christmas therefore you cannot get fresh flower deliveries, normally 26th/27th December 1st/2nd January are the dates that we cannot get the flowers for.
Flower prices start to increase about a week before Christmas until the first week of January, then they go up again the week before valentine’s day
Winter inspired cake designs
Interview with Debbie, from Debbie Gillespie Cake Design
“Winter wedding cakes for me are all about wood textures, greens and reds. But not the bright shiny colours – mine are more muted with dark moss greens and rich burgundies.
I love to use less flowers but more foliage and twigs to mimic the bare branches on the trees and of course pinecones, winter is all about pinecones.
Regarding flavours, my customers will often opt for the richer flavours so chocolate mud, cherry bakewell and in particular sticky toffee are very popular at this time of year. The whole thing should feel like a warm hug on a cold day.”
Hair & Make up - be bold with rose gold!
Interview with Michelle, from Bumble Bee Bridal
“A big tip I’ve learnt over the years is that your photographer might want to photograph you and your bridal party earlier, before you lose the light, so ensure you put your hair stylist and makeup artist in touch with your photographer so they can all ensure you are ready on time for your pictures & not just your ceremony.”
“My advice for a winter wedding is to not be afraid to go bolder with your hair and makeup. Add some winter sparkle to eyes and create warmth on paler winter skin with warm, bold tones. This season I’ve loved the rose gold palette by Huda beauty accentuated with ‘eyes to mesmerise’ in rose gold by Charlotte tilbury. Gorgeous burgundy colours with a pop of luxury from the rose gold. I’ve teamed this with a pinky/ nude on the lips so emphasis is on the eyes but don’t be afraid to go all out with a burgundy lip too.
For hair I find my brides tend to move away from the summer boho influences and go for something traditional but still with a soft Romantic finish. Why not consider a bold glittery hairpiece to really give you that wow factor on a winters evening. If flowers are your thing look at dried flowers for your hair as an option in a season where it can be harder to get flowers out of season but also you can keep them forever too.”
It’s all about the dress
Interview with Sally, from Sally Bean Couture
“Winter brides have such a wonderful opportunity to layer up and create a really dramatic look and feel to their wedding day. With the low light, flickering candles and roaring fires I am seeing a strong trend for brides to have a look that is transitional throughout the day and evening with a gorgeous off the shoulder dress that is lightly beaded to catch the light hidden under a really dramatic floor length cape that can be amazing for dramatic photographs.
The Key factors are it will be cold, so build in a strong look that makes an impact to your look and goes with the look and feel of your wedding. There is always the option to have a beautiful cashmere wrap on hand to drape over your shoulders.
I just strongly advise to make sure it works with the style and theme of your wedding. The biggest new looks for 2020 are 'non veils' keep the hair tied up, loose and romantic with Tilly Thomas hair accessories and let your dress be centre stage, with a gorgeous tulle wrap around the shoulders delicately beaded with a long tulle train. And faux fur will always be a favourite for winter brides, draped over the shoulders, glamorous and effortless combined with a showstopping beaded layered dress.”
Choosing a venue
Interview with Shannen Lentell, Wedding and events Coordinator at Greenwoods Hotel & Spa
“Beautiful, unique features are the key! A stunning doorway, a grand staircase, a fireplace that invites you in”
Beautiful, unique features are the key!
"Choosing a venue for a winter wedding can be difficult. Most venues nowadays boast glorious gardens and outdoor ceremony areas, with inside spaces being a back up option only. Finding that winter wonderland dream isn't always as easy as it sounds, but there are a few things you can be on the lookout for to ensure you find your perfect venue!
Beautiful, unique features are the key! A stunning doorway, a grand staircase, a fireplace that invites you in. All perfect components that will wow your guests and create the ideal backdrop for your photographer.
Aim for evergreen gardens
Another thing to be on the look out for, evergreen gardens, with covered spaces that will capture the beauty of a winter evening. You can't tell how cold it is in a photo!
And perhaps the most important thing, Christmas decorations! Find a venue that embraces the Holiday spirit in a stylish, cosy, grand way and build on that. More decorations means less you have to find!"