Historically, summer is the busy season for weddings: from May until August, brides and grooms make the most of the longer days and warmer weather to celebrate their nuptials. However, in recent years, winter weddings have risen in popularity. The proximity to Christmas; the possibility of a magical snow day; and the competitive prices mean that winter weddings have much to offer.
However, many of the conventions around weddings have been designed for summertime: everything from the way photos are taken to traditional formal attire. Therefore, if you’re planning a winter wedding, are there specific seasonal things to think about? In this guide, we’ll run down some of the key considerations so you can ensure your big day is as smooth and stress-free as possible!
Feel the Warmth
If you’re planning a winter wedding, you’ll already know that short sleeves and flip-flops will not be a possibility! But low temperatures don’t have to be a disadvantage: in fact, keeping your guests cosy and warm can add a hint of magic to proceedings. Our recommendation? Lean into the possibility of chilly weather and make it a cornerstone of your day. Choose a wedding venue that has gorgeous interiors for your drinks reception and/or dining/dancing portion of the day; even if you hope to hold parts of the celebration outside, it’s good to know there’s a place you can move to should the weather turn. If you are hoping to be outside at any point, are there outdoor heaters or firepits you can make use of? Can you have baskets of blankets and hats for your guests in case they aren’t properly attired? Don’t forget to consider a cloakroom service, too, in case guests need to shed their layers once they get inside. These little touches can make your loved ones feel really looked after and ready to embrace the season.
And, importantly, there’s the food to consider! Rustic, hearty dishes are a great choice for your wedding breakfast – sharing dishes or soups using seasonal vegetables often go down well. Opt for warming drinks, too: mulled wine, perhaps, or a hot toddy. Children (or guests who prefer to avoid alcohol) will feel special if you offer something like a non-alcoholic punch or a deluxe hot chocolate!
Let There Be Light
The days are much shorter in the winter months of the year; and this is an important consideration for several reasons. Where and when will your wedding pictures be taken, for example? It’s likely you’ll want to make use of natural light when you can, which means you’ll need to ensure you’ve factored in time for photos before sunset (which could begin as early as 3 pm). Are there attractive locations indoors, too, so you can slip away for some romantic shots with your spouse?
After the sun sets you can create a magical ambience for your wedding with candles, roaring fires, fairy lights, lanterns, and more. Sparklers and fireworks are also an option for a wintery outdoor activity that will make your guests gasp with delight. Make the most of the darkness and it’ll be a wedding to remember!
Stay Dry
Crisp air, frost and snow might be expected – and even invited – elements of a winter wedding; but rain is unlikely to be a welcome visitor. However, the likelihood of precipitation cannot be ignored, so it’s important to have contingencies in place. If possible, it’s a good idea to have your ceremony and reception in the same venue so guests don’t have to travel any distance in wet or dangerous conditions. If you’re hoping to venture outside, make sure there is some shelter – gazebos, even if temporary, are a good idea. You might want to have some wellies on standby, too, in case guests have to walk any distance over potentially muddy areas (or, indeed, the bride and groom!).
One last idea: umbrellas, umbrellas, umbrellas! We’d highly recommend investing in plenty of these. If the worst happens and there’s a downpour, handing umbrellas out to guests is the ideal way to keep them happy and dry (whilst offering a cute souvenir from the day!). Why not purchase some fancier umbrellas for the wedding party at the same time? Umbrellas don’t only have to serve a functional purpose, but also can contribute to the overall aesthetic – when pitched correctly, these accessories look great in wedding photos.
Don’t Forget Insurance
Finally, but perhaps most importantly: do remember to take out adequate insurance! With weddings typically costing around £20,000, it’s important to safeguard your celebration and protect your investment (both emotional and financial), should circumstances arise that are beyond your control.
Wedding Insurance generally covers both your ceremony and reception, removing stress or anxiety from what should be one of the happiest days of your life. Cover varies, depending on your policy, but will typically provide protection against a variety of scenarios (illness, accident, and even extreme weather – for example, if your venue experienced flooding to such a degree that you were forced to postpone or cancel the wedding).
Do take out your policy sooner rather than later, if at all possible: with so much to think about, insurance is not one of the jobs we’d advise putting at the bottom of the ‘to-do’ list! You’re able to take a policy out up to two years before the wedding itself, and we’d certainly recommend that you arrange cover before you pay for any wedding-related deposits (though a good policy will cover you for anything you’ve already paid, which is a relief).
When it comes to your special day, whatever your plans may be – and whenever you’re thinking of holding it – do make time to speak with an expert to ensure you have appropriate cover in place. Cherry Godfrey’s experienced team are on hand to help to ensure your celebration is as magical and hassle-free as possible. Get in touch today for a friendly chat about all the options – we’re looking forward to hearing from you.
