It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! And we're all the way here for it's filled with Christmas tunes and the festive decor. It is such a magical time of the year to tie the knot. If you're planning a Christmas wedding or considering one for next year chances are, you're as much of a fanatic about Christmas as we are.
From the rich jewel tones, to the merrier atmosphere, it just creates a day that is filled with romance and joy. Winter weddings aren’t necessarily as straightforward as summer ones. If you decide that a winter wedding is for you, then I’ve got a few tips and tricks for your winter wedding.
A winter wedding is full of advantages that you might not have even thought about yet. From cheaper prices to bags of atmosphere (hello, yards of evergreen and candle light!), continue reading to find out how to make a winter wedding amazing.
Winter Wedding Venue Tips
Your venue plays one of the biggest parts when it comes to shaping your wedding, so you need to make sure you book one that’s truly fit for a winter celebration. Most venue visits are scheduled during the daytime, but at a winter wedding, the majority of your reception will take place once the sun’s gone down. Arrange a visit to your venue in the evening when you can see what kind of lighting they have, and whether the vibe is cosy and inviting. After you’ve booked, ask if your photographer can see it too in the evening so they can plan their shots.
☆P2 Pro Tip
Even with the proper accessories (shawls, scarves, gloves, leggings, etc.), taking pictures in freezing temperatures is not walk in the park. Brides often don't take into consideration how cold it can actually be on their day. They should look for unique places indoors to use for their photo sessions, as this also helps with the lighting issue
Let's Make a Deal
Winter wedding dates in January and February are usually off-peak so they’ll be cheaper than a summer date. You’ll likely have more choice of caterers and suppliers too as it isn’t the busy season. If your venue/supplier wants to secure your booking, you might be able to negotiate with them further – whether that’s money off or something extra thrown in for free.
☆P2 Pro Tip
Consider your date carefully. The dates closest to Christmas and New Year tend to be expensive, but they also might cause problems with guests getting time off work. At that time of year, people get booked up quickly with parties and family events so get your invites out early and consider whether a weekend or weekday wedding would work best for guests.
Plan B... C.. D.. Plan an Alternative for Bad Weather
Ask your venue what they’ll do if there’s bad snow, for example. What if one of your suppliers is unable to get there? Is there somewhere suitable for guests to park? Will there be somewhere the photographer can still take photos? For guests that smoke, is there somewhere alternative they can go?
What Time Is It: Allow Extra Travel Time
If it’s raining heavily, there’ll be more people out in their cars, which means more traffic on the roads. Worse is if you get delayed due to road closures because of snow ! Give yourself peace of mind with extra time to travel to the venue, and mention on your invites that guests may need to leave contingency time.
Counting on Your Guests to Come Prepared for an Outdoor Ceremony
Even if you warn them in advance include the information on your wedding website. Guest may still arrive unprepared for the weather. That's why having a greeting table station of blankets or scarves, plus a warm cocktail or drink for your guests to sip on during the ceremony is always a good idea. This ensures that everyone is comfortable and able to focus on you and your soon-to-be spouse, as opposed to how cold they are.
Two For One :Consider the Same Venue for Your Ceremony and Reception
You’ll solve half your travel problems if you hold your ceremony and reception in the same venue. Then guests won’t have to travel between the two, which could add to travel time especially in bad weather.
Get Cozy : Assess the Venue’s Heating Capability
Your wedding venue will be experienced at getting the heating just right, but if it’s a barn venue, it can be a little trickier. Ask them what their plan is for heating the venue and if they have any outdoor heaters for those who want fresh air. Advise guests in your invite if they need to wrap up warm and seat older guests away from doorways with drafts. A warm drink, like mulled wine, on arrival helps too!
Check What Decorations Are Already Up
If it’s before or just after Christmas, your venue may have decorations up. They should be able to show you some pictures of last year’s to give you an idea of what to expect. If you don’t like them, ask whether you’re allowed to take them down. You don’t want something that clashes with your vision.
Get Wedding Insurance
We’d recommend it whatever time of year, but wedding insurance is particularly important in winter. For example, if there's a blizzard and the governor calls a state of emergency and all roads are shut down the day of your wedding, not only can your guests not get there, your vendors won't be able to either. You'll want to make sure you're covered by insurance for all costs associated with having to cancel or change your wedding date.
911.. Emergency : Winter Must-Haves in Your Emergency Kit
You know you need a wedding day emergency kit, but the winter months call for a few extras you may not have thought of. For example, tissues for any runny noses in the cold weather, hand warmers that you can actually put in your shoes or even your dress for any outside photos.
Forgetting to Pack an Extra Pair of Shoes for Pictures
Flats are essential for sore feet, but for winter brides it is vital they will consider packing an extra pair of boots to take on the elements. Satin in particular is one of the hardest materials to work with when it gets wet, and your beautiful satin heels will be ruined from walking around before the ceremony or taking pictures outside. "Remember to bring a temporary pair of shoes for pre- and post-wedding activities so you don't destroy the ones you wear to tie the knot in."
We hope this post has got you feeling just as festive as we are for the holiday season! Need help with all those wedding plans ?
What stage of wedding planning are you at?
A) Excitment, dreaming and anticipation
B) Searching, Collecting Quotes, Meeting With Vendors And Tying Your Vision Together
C) Completely Over-It And Overwhelmed; Some Things Haven't Gone To Plan, Your Family Or Friend's Expectations Are Too High, Unrealistic Or Just Not Your Style (Should You Have Eloped?)
OR
D) Ready For Someone To Help You Tie All Those Details Together To Create One Of The Most Magical Days OfF Your Life... WELCOME TO P2 PARTY PERFECT CO fill out an contact form on or main page and let us help you #planperfect
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