Weddings are not just a spring or summer event. It is becoming more popular for couples to do a winter wedding, or an “off-season wedding”. Between the white dress and the beautiful snowy landscape, a winter wedding can be just as beautiful as a summer wedding. According to The Knot 2018 Real Weddings study, 75% of all weddings take place from May to October. September being the most popular month. But, the number of winter weddings are slowly rising. If you are planning a winter wedding, just know that you are not confined to a certain theme or “look”. There are many ways to conform this winter wedding to represent you and your partner. As you start to get more into detail, there are a few things you should know for this planning process.
DO EXPERIMENT WITH COLORS
There are many colors that surround the holiday season such as reds and greens. So, you are not bound to the color scheme of winter whites. The best way to pick a color is to pick your favorite and create a palette around it that is unique to you and your partner. If you prefer pastels, consider colors with a frosty undertone to correspond to the season of the big day. If you prefer more bold colors, this will create a different dimension to your decor. You could also play around with textures such as velvet, wool, or plaid. Adding depth to your color scheme by using some of these details will make your colors pop.
DON'T FEEL BOUND TO DO A WINTER WONDERLAND THEME
Just because you are having your big day in the winter does not mean you have to conform to a holiday theme, especially if that is not your taste. There are many ways to blend winter influences into your look that will not be stereotypical or expected. Comfort food menu options, different fabric textures, or something like a hot chocolate bar can be interactive for your guests and keep them warm!
DO ACKNOWLEDGE SEASONALITY
When planning a winter wedding, consider the colors, foods, and flowers associated with what is in season. The time of year can affect things like your centerpieces and your menu. Some winter flowers include white roses, poinsettias, or calla lilies. The menu could include filling vegetables, like sweet potatoes or squash. The entrees could be chicken or pasta. These foods reflect a delectable winter wedding menu.
DO DRESS IN STYLE FOR THE WEATHER
It is perfectly okay and encouraged to wear whatever wedding dress you want. There is no one way to dress for your big day, even depending on the time of year. The same also goes for your bridesmaids. You can bring your ideas to life all different kinds of styles. One good suggestion is including warm and cozy shawls and fuzzy gloves for your outdoor moments. Your bridesmaids will appreciate something to keep them warm during picture time. You can also include long thick tights under your dresses! Nobody will know. Layering is a great idea because you will probably have the heat on at your indoor venue so it will be appreciated to have things you can take off, especially when the dancing starts!
DON'T FORGET A DETAILED PHOTO SCHEDULE
Just because you are having a winter wedding does not mean you are limited to only doing indoor photos. With the right planning, it is still possible to get beautiful outdoor photos. Keep in mind, in certain places, it gets darker earlier in the day. So, schedule your photos when there will be more light. Taking portraits before the ceremony is often a good idea. Work with your photographer to create a timeline that gives off applicable lighting. Also, pack accordingly. You might want to pack a coat or some old shoes to slip into in between shots. Especially if you are walking around in mud or slush. Take some time before the wedding to scout some of the best locations. You will want to bypass any dirty snow or ice.