by Linda DiProperzio
While it might not be the most popular season to wed, winter can be a truly magical time of year to get married. With twinkling lights, festive colors and gorgeous greenery, so many venues are already decorated beautifully for the holidays. And of course, it’s the perfect time to get all of your nearest and dearest together from near and far.
Although the holiday season comes to an end once the new year hits, there are still major benefits to getting married in January, February and March. According to a recent survey, 73 percent of weddings take place between May to October, with September, June and October being the most popular. Only 9 percent of weddings take place during winter—and that could be good news for you! Not only will there be more availability when booking your venue and vendors, but you will likely be quoted lower prices because you're holding your event during the off-season.
Like any season, though, there are certain factors couples need to take into consideration when planning a winter wedding, especially since the weather can be unpredictable in many areas of the country. But don’t worry! With the right planning, you can be ready for any surprises—even snow!
Winter wedding dos and don'ts
Do look closely at timing
Since the sun goes down earlier in the winter, you’ll want to set your wedding timeline wisely, especially because it can have a real impact on your photography. You might be better off holding your ceremony in the late morning so you have plenty of time for pictures before sunset.
Don’t overdo the holiday theme
Many couples decide to use the holiday season as inspiration for their wedding theme. While there’s nothing wrong with letting the time of year serve as a jumping off point, you don’t want to overdo it with the red and green, snowflake or Christmas-themed décor. Remember, you want it to look like your wedding--not a holiday party.
Do showcase seasonal blooms
With the cold weather, you want to choose hearty flowers that can hold up for the entire wedding. Think Amaryllis, Anemone, Camellias, Casablanca Lilies, Forget-me-nots, French Tulips, Gardenias, Holly, Jasmine, Orchids, Mini Gerberas, Paperwhites (Narcissus), Poinsettias, and Roses.
Don’t forget to keep guests in the loop
If your family and friends will be spending any time outside—even if it’s a short walk from the ceremony space to the reception locale—you should let them know. Guests will want to dress accordingly.
Do keep them warm
Everyone’s comfort should be foremost on your mind. With many couples opting for an outdoor event—even in the winter—there are plenty of ways to keep everyone warm and dry on the big day, including:
Renting patio heaters. If the venue doesn’t already have them on-hand, be sure to rent patio heaters and space them out accordingly.
Choosing the right tent. Winter can bring rain, snow and wind, so it’s not enough just to keep a roof over guests’ heads. You also want a tent that can be fully enclosed if needed.
Creating warming stations. A great idea is to set up fire pits around your wedding venue where guests can sit comfortably and enjoy a warm drink.
Don’t book a remote location
People don’t want to travel too far, especially if there a chance the roads can be slippery. Be sure to select a wedding venue that is easily accessible for your guests, whether they’re coming from their homes or a nearby hotel.
Do make sure the venue is safe
Your wedding location should clear the parking lot—as well as any walkways—of snow or ice well before your guests arrive. The last thing anyone wants is for a guest to fall on icy pavement.
Don’t create a scheduling conflict
Many couples want to get married on an actual holiday. After all, it's a great way to have all of your loved ones together--and no one will ever forget your anniversary! But keep in mind that it can also be a tough day for guests who would rather spend the day with their own family members, so before you book, check in with those people you absolutely must have at your wedding. Dates to keep in mind include:
Hanukkah
Kwanzaa
Christmas Eve
Christmas Day
New Year's Eve
New Year's Day
Do hand out cozy favors
You can also keep guests warm by handing out favors they can use during the event, such as personalized blankets placed on each seat.
Unique ideas for your winter wedding
Looking for some ideas on how to set your winter wedding apart from the rest? Here's some inspo to get you started.
Create a winter wonderland
Celebrate the season while still having a classic and timeless event. The key is not to go overboard with the fake snowflakes and blue/white décor. Instead, include subtle nods to the time of year with custom ice elements, such as ice cubes personalized with your monogram, an ice seating chart, or an ice luge for your signature cocktail. You can even make it snow indoors with a snow machine!
Set up a s'mores station
Who doesn’t love s’mores? Set up small firepits around your venue where guests can toast their own throughout the event. It will keep guests warm and also offer them a sweet treat!
Create a hot chocolate bar
Ask your venue to set up a hot chocolate bar with different toppings so that guests can create their own tasty beverage. Offer up to-go cups so they can take it with them when they leave.
Get matching coats for the wedding party
Matching coats or wraps for your winter wedding party is the perfect gift--one they can use beyond the big day.
Serve cozy cocktails
Your bartender can come up with a few specialty cocktails that celebrate the tastes of the season using flavors such as mulled wine, eggnog, champagne, cinnamon, peppermint and more.
Dine on seasonal treats
Have the caterer create a menu of winter favorites. Think warm soups served in shot glasses, mini grilled cheese sandwiches, roasted vegetables, fig stuffing, risotto with winter veggies, beef and potatoes, just to name a few.
Get creative with your look
A winter wedding doesn’t mean your fashion sense has to suffer. In fact, there are some out-of-the-box things the happy couple—as well as their wedding party—can do with their attire. If the bride and her bridesmaids want to opt for a sleeveless or strapless look, they can easily wear faux-fur-lined hoods, gloves and anything that can keep them warm while still looking fashionable.
Of course, there are plenty of gorgeous gowns with long sleeves—just look at dresses worn by famous brides including Kate Middleton, Grace Kelly, Paris Hilton, Kim Kardashian and more. For those who prefer pants, whether a jumpsuit or suit, think about layering. And a sleeveless jumpsuit is chic and perfect for cooler temps since your legs are covered.
When it comes to the men, you can really experiment with texture. Many grooms are choosing rich velvet fabrics for their suit, and then capping their look off with a wool scarf, gloves and even a hat.
As for your hair, Megan Garmers of MG Hair & Makeup revealed one of the looks she loves for winter weddings is a half-up hairstyle with twists on each side meeting in the back and the ends with loose curls. “We used Indola's line of products like their texture spray and texture glue for fine hair and to smooth hair, we used their smoothing serum and setting spray,” she explained. “Of course, a good once over with their hairspray at the end also helped, but making sure you prep your hair for your hair type is important so you can get your hair to do what you want and for it to stay throughout the night.”
And when it comes to makeup, Garmers loved a particular look she did for Harrogate Bridal Fashion Week. “The eye makeup was a warm copper/brown and the blush was a peachy flush to give a warmth to the skin,” she revealed. “Sometimes if the blush is too pink for a winter wedding, it can make you look like you were standing outside for too long.”
Winter-proofing your hair & makeup
Winterproofing your hair and makeup is absolutely something brides should think about, says Garmers. She suggests taking a few things into consideration.
Will there be any photos outside in the cold/snow? If so, how does your face get if it is cold (red, pale, blotchy)? If your skin does any of these things and you still want outdoor photos, be sure to opt for full coverage foundation.
How will you be traveling to/from where you are getting ready to the venue to any other location (photos, reception, etc.)? If it is snowing, you want to make sure you can be protected as snow (as it lands on your hair and face) melts and will make your face and hair a wet mess. Whether you have a beautiful hooded cape and umbrella, a covered overhang for the vehicle to drop you under, or even a face shield, being prepared for snow and however the wind blows it is important.
Hot winter color combos
Step out of the box with some creative color combinations that showcase the season without screaming "it's the holidays!"
Maroon & Navy Blue
These bold colors can make for beautiful photos, especially against the stark white snow.
Berry & Blush
Red is a popular color during the holiday season, and the contrast between a bold red and light pink makes for a whimsical match.
Dusty Blue, Violet & Salmon
A deep, dusty blue is a beautiful base color for a winter wedding, and mixing it with touches of deep violet and salmon creates a one-of-a-kind palette.
Emerald Green, Silver & Ivory
Emerald green is a classic but bold jewel tone, with a tough of silver and ivory bringing the sophistication to another level.
Ready to start planning your own winter wedding? Browse through our collection of wedding videos for tons of ideas and inspiration!