Remember when everyone wanted to get married in June? Those days are long gone, as today’s smart and savvy couples know there’s much to love about flipping the calendar pages a few months. To get the latest details on colder November through March nuptials, we consulted with Kelsey Gilland of A Little Soiree in Phoenixville.
“A winter wedding offers unique advantages such as stunning dresses, fur stoles, candlelight ceremonies and monetary savings,” Gilland says. That last point cannot be stressed enough for couples who want to make the most of what they have to spend.
“Often times the winter months are slower for both wedding professionals and venues so it’s not uncommon to see special incentives and offers which is perfect for those who are trying to stay within a certain budget,” Gilland says.
And with the savings, you can perhaps afford a warm destination for your honeymoon to help offset your colder ceremony locale.
Warm, Yet Glamorous
Gilland says winter brides can really use this opportunity to amp up the glamour of the event. “You don’t have to limit your choices to cool fabrics. You can choose a long-sleeved dress (think Kate Middleton) or a fur accent to add stunning detail to your winter wedding attire. Wraps, shrugs and capes can be incorporated in the look for you and your attendants.”
You can also use your winter date to consider a black-tie optional dress code for guests to give your wedding a more formal feel. “Think tuxes with tails for your groom and velvet fabrics for flower girl dresses,” Gilland says.
Weather Watch
Probably the first concern couples in the Northeast may have about choosing a winter wedding date is the risk of inclement weather.
“Wedding insurance is always a good idea to protect your wedding investment,” Gilland says. This would be for an extreme situation, though, that would keep the festivities from proceeding.
“With winter months you have to anticipate tricky weather so have a plan in place for transportation for guests, alternate routes and allowing plenty of travel time,” she adds, should Mother Nature plan on a white carpet to go with your white dress.
Timing is Everything
“Many brides want the romantic feel of a candlelit ceremony, but when it doesn’t get dark until 8:30 in the summer months that can be a challenge,” Gilland says. The winter months provide the perfect conditions for having that beautifully warm, candlelit feel.”
A wall of texture created by mittens a-plenty creates atmosphere and is available for friends with frosty hands.
To get things off to a good start, she suggests greeting your guests with hot chocolate or a hot toddy like spiked cider as they arrive. She also suggests letting them know ahead of time to dress extra warm.
For an extra touch of class, Gilland says to have pashminas available for any female guest who may need a little extra something.
Photo by Josh Finsel and Amber Breiner Photography
Location, Location, Location
Gilland says the perfect winter wedding location can range anywhere from a ski resort such as Bear Creek Mountain Resort in Macungie that is already geared for weddings, to a rustic barn available for rent that incorporates the natural beauty of stone and lends itself to being a quaint and cozy setting. Keep in mind that rustic barns will be drafty; plan to rent a few outdoor heaters so the interior becomes a welcoming romantic refuge.
“The winter months also allow flexibility in securing your dream location because sites typically have more availability in those months,” Gilland says. “Winter months may save you money on décor, as well, because many sites are already decorated in a festive, seasonal manner.”
Treats, Themes & Details
When it comes to having fun with a winter wedding theme, you can find ways to incorporate that into your event menu and details.
Gilland suggests adding some fun food twists like a macaroni and cheese bar or mashed potato bar with all of the toppings. Butlered hot soup shooters and petite grilled cheese toasts make the perfect passed hors d’oeuvres and are hearty enough for all your male attendees.
A few improvised snow globes created in rustic jars and sprinkled throughout the room lend ambiance.
You may also wish to consider a hot cocoa or cider bar, and make an attractive candy buffet in glass globes and containers playing up a winter white theme using white chocolate-covered peanuts, coconut jellybeans, yogurt-coated raisins and, of course, Snow Caps!
And there definitely isn’t a better time for a white-on-white wedding cake with either crystalline or rustic embellishments.
Incorporate a fire pit into your reception site and have s’mores kits at the ready for guests to enjoy as an optional dessert. The perfect way to wind down the winter wedding of your dreams!
Winter Wedding Perks
- Should the sun choose not to peek out for your wedding day, photographers actually prefer overcast days to shooting in full sun.
- Most fresh flowers prefer a slightly chillier atmosphere as opposed to summer’s wilting rays.
- Fur always adds a sophisticated touch to bridal attire.
- Uggs make the perfect accessory for bridesmaids and the guys’ jackets can be embellished with dashing silk scarves.
- There’s no need to worry about perspiring in your dress or the makeup meltdowns associated with heat and humidity.
