Does your love story feel more relevant to snowy, winter days? Perhaps it’s time to consider a winter wedding? There’s something truly magical and whimsical about choosing to say, ‘I Do’, during the colder months. Whether you’ve fallen in love with Christmas itself, want to save on location fees or will simply find it easier to get your loved ones together at this time, these weddings have a wonderful place in our hearts. Planning a wedding, at any time during the year, has its challenges. But, when you take into account the fluctuations in weather and access to the right suppliers, winter weddings can be even more daunting. This is why we’ve pulled together our guide to help you right here.
Take Into Account Your Schedule
One thing to consider when planning a winter wedding is the shorter days. You will have less available light throughout the day, meaning you may be more restricted on when certain activities can take place. The best way to work around this is to start at sunset. This information is normally readily available online and is as accurate as possible. Work backwards, deciphering how long you will need for each part of the wedding – the vows, the wedding breakfast, the speeches, etc.
You may need to request an earlier ceremony time to make sure your location is easy (and safe) to access in the available lighting. This means you’ll also have to start getting the bridal party ready earlier and give guests plenty of pre-warning so they can plan their travel to the venue. And, a note to your photographer can help them to plan with the light availability too.
Consider Your Location
Winter turns already beautiful scenery into something truly astounding. Crisp brown leaves that fall in autumn can transform a wooded area into something off a postcard. Rainfall, while initially appearing like a hindrance, can produce truly spectacular wedding photos. When you choose your location, take the views into account.
This is also one of the reasons we believe marquees are perfect for winter weddings. You can set them up in most locations (even in most weather conditions) and we can use windows to help give you the best views over your site. Even if you experience rain, floorboards ensure the marquee is still safe to move around in and you get a unique perspective that will ensure you remember your wedding even more passionately.
Some things you do need to consider when choosing a location for a winter wedding are:
- Lighting – Additional outdoor lighting, such as uplifters, string lights or lanterns can ensure guests can move around safely, even once the sun has set.
- Access – You may need to speak with the location owner or marquee hire specialist to ensure all of your suppliers and guests can easily access the site. This may mean setting down boards to create a walkway or organising rear access points if needed.
Consider Heating
Winter is cold and there’s very little you can do about that. Fixed venues will have inbuilt heating, as standard. However, this shouldn’t put you off a marquee wedding either. Marquee heaters are designed to blow heat into the room, filling it and creating the perfect environment for all of your guests. You can have them strategically placed around the space so that there are no cold spots. And, many couples choose to have extra heaters placed inside an entrance marquee so that guests instantly feel relief as they walk inside.
More information about our marquee heaters can be found on our website.
Plan Your Decorations
Winter provides the perfect opportunity to embrace seasonally-themed decorations. Go for evergreen trees that feel hardy and plucked from winter postcards. Red accents pop against white backdrops and winter flowers give an authentic feel to a space. Even details like the right tables and chairs can bring a charming feel into your winter space – such as our Pine Benches with the Rustic Pine Trestle Table which can easily be turned into a fitting table feast for your guests.
Pinterest is a brilliant place to start with winter wedding-themed decorations. And, if you plan it right, you may even be able to take them back with you and use them as festive additions to your home.
Choose Seasonal, Hardy Flowers
Winter flowers have a unique and hardy beauty to them so we highly recommend using them within your bouquet and wedding decorations. For example, Amaryllis flowers come in shades of red and white while hypericum berries add another dimension to your seasonal displays. Sweetpeas have an undeniable link to romance and carnations come in such a deep red tone, they are perfect for pairing against crisp white backdrops.
Choosing seasonal flowers not only brings your theme to life. It is also much more sustainable and means you’ll be able to use local suppliers, supporting the surrounding economy.
Have A Back-Up Plan For Weddings
You can’t control the weather – no matter what you do. But, you should have a plan in place should the worst happen. Flooding, heavy snowfall or even large-scale disasters can all put your original plans on hold. Speaking to your venue provider or hire company is the best place to set in this reactionary plan.
You may need to have an alternative venue ready to go. Or a new pathway for guests to enter the venue. All of these things should be pre-planned and well-organised to prevent them from causing excessive stress on the day.
A winter wedding should be a memorable and special moment in both of your lives. Here at South West Marquees, we have supported hundreds of couples in making this day the most cherished of their lives. If you would like to speak to one of us today, please do get in contact here and we’ll be happy to help.