10 Tips for Hosting a Memorable Winter Wedding
Shying away from "wedding season" could make your event even more special.
From the venue, to the invitations, to all of the little details along the way, let the season inspire your fairy-tale nuptials.
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Winter is a romantic time of year – after all, it is engagement season and a special time to spend with those you love. For couples who can't get enough of the wintertime, hosting a winter wedding with a wintry theme can be absolutely magical. When executed correctly, the cold weather and snow can add character and personality to your event, instead of hindering your celebration.
Play with cozy attire, rich-hued florals, and festive décor to create a unique wintertide event that will rival all of the spring and summer weddings you've attended over the years. From the venue, to the invitations, to all of the little details along the way, let the season inspire your fairy-tale nuptials.
Take a look at 10 tips for hosting a memorable winter wedding:
1. Find the Perfect Winter Wedding Venue
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When looking for a winter wedding venue, remember to select a site that will be easy for guests to get to. Winter travel can be difficult in snowy conditions, so be sure guests of all ages have easy access to the location. Photo by Lauren Fair Photography; Venue: Oheka Castle; From Real Wedding: Elegant Wedding with Muted Regal Décor at Oheka Castle in New York
2. Set the Tone with Festive Invitations
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Though invitations for a winter wedding will be sent while the weather may still be warm, get guests excited by mailing festive invitation suites featuring holiday motifs, plaid ribbons, and even additions such as fake snow. Photo by Robyn Rachel Photography; From Real Wedding: Christmas-Theme Wedding with Festive Red and Green Décor in Illinois
3. Select Your Dream Wedding Dress
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Winter weddings are the perfect opportunity to wear glamorous bridal gowns in luxurious, heavy fabrics as well as accessorize with chic faux fur wraps and shawls. Photo by Aaron Delesie Photographer; From Real Wedding: A Snowy Spring Celebration in Aspen, Colorado
4. Coordinate Bridesmaids with the Theme
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Bridesmaid attire should reflect the festive occasion! Dress your 'maids in sparkling gowns, choose gowns in holiday-inspired hues such as red or green, or add a wintry faux fur wrap. Photo by Studio This Is; From Real Wedding: A Whimsical Wedding in Chicago with Inspiration from National Parks
5. Choose Wintry Flowers for Bouquets
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White wedding bouquets are beautiful in any season. Add evergreen foliage, miniature pinecones, or red floral accents for a true wintry bouquet look. Photo by Robyn Rachel Photography; From Real Wedding: Christmas-Theme Wedding with Festive Red and Green Décor in Illinois
6. Embrace the Chill for Your Ceremony
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If you and your beloved are brave enough to have an outdoor winter wedding, your photos will be absolutely breathtaking. Just be sure to equip guests with warm blankets, and note the conditions on your wedding invitation. Photo by Handeland Tesoro Photography; From Real Wedding: Snowy Outdoor Winter Ceremony + Cozy Lodge Reception
7. Serve Warm Beverages at Cocktail Hour
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Keep loved ones warm during the ceremony, at cocktail hour, and throughout the reception by offering hot chocolate or warm apple cider. Photo by Jay Lawrence Goldman Photography; Planning & Design by Alyson Fox, Levine Fox Events, Inc.
8. Have Fun with Your Décor
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If the holidays are your favorite time of year, embrace the festive palette in your reception décor. Design centerpieces in red and green hues, decorate the space with Christmas trees, and fill the room with candlelight. Other ways to add a festive flair are to incorporate velvet wedding ideas into your décor. Photo by Harwell Photography; From Real Wedding: A Magical Winter Wedding with Luxurious Red & White Holiday Décor
9. Keep Guests Warm During the Reception
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Especially if your wedding is outdoors, be sure to offer some element of warmth for guests. Heaters are always a nice touch, but for winter weddings in warm-weather locations, providing blankets and pashminas is acceptable. Photo by Elizabeth Messina; From Real Wedding: Saved By the Bell Star Mark-Paul Gosselaar's California Wedding
10. Send Loved Ones Home with Tasty Treats
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Nothing says the holidays quite like your favorite sweet treats. Send loved ones home with extra desserts as wedding favors. You can even decorate sugar cookies with festive designs or your wedding monogram. Photo by Robyn Rachel Photography; From Real Wedding: Christmas-Theme Wedding with Festive Red and Green Décor in Illinois
For more winter wedding ideas, view some of our favorite real weddings that embraced the cold weather, and these winter weddings. If you've recently said "I do," we want to see your wedding events. Show us your engagement party, bridal shower, or wedding using our online wedding submission form.
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