Top Tips for a Winter Wedding

Throwing a winter wedding is fast catching up with Spring & Fall as the most popular time to say, ‘I do’. The nights might be darker, but the sparkles are brighter, atmosphere spirited and the whole day is bursting with romance. Not to mention that lots of wedding dates will be much more available!

To help you navigate the winter wedding wonderland, here are some tips from Top Shelf Wedding Planners that will get you started on your planning journey.

1. Have the ceremony and reception in one place and consider the timing – For the convenience and safety, coming in from the elements and staying put has a lot of merit. Travel between the two, can take a while in bad weather, cutting into your party time. If that is not possible, choose a ceremony & reception location that are very close in proximity. Also, before deciding on a time, check sunset for the day so you can get your photographs in before dark
   
2. Dress appropriately – For the ladies that means accessorizing! Wearing a faux stole, a cape and some warm shoes. For the guys, consider a velvet blazer and some nice thick socks. Also, think about incorporating something warm to wear in your attendant’s gifts.
3. Keep your guests informed – Use your wedding website to keep your guests up to date on the winter weather in your area. Suggest out-of-town guests come in a day early; have your hotel block include 2 nights before the wedding. Make sure the guests know if you are changing locations or having the ceremony outside so they can plan accordingly.
4. Hire a valet and coat check service – Although hiring a valeting anytime is a great way to receive your guests, in the winter, it is a necessity. You don’t want your guests walking too far, getting cold or even falling on icy pavement. Have the concierge offer to take their coat as they walk into the building. That way they bulky coat will not be on the back of their chair (or in your photographs) causing it to tip over or your guest to be uncomfortable.
5. Winter Wedding Colors – Decorate in rich, warm colors with a lot of natural greenery, some tones of berry red, burgundy and even a splash of gold.  Coordinate with your florist as they are the experts in helping with winter decor.
6. Candles are warm and inviting – Candles create a romantic and warm mood once it gets dark. Use candles of different heights and thickness in your centerpieces.  Set candles all around the room, put some on the cake, DJ, guest book and other tables you have set up in the room. Make sure your flames are inside a glass or other type of enclosure and confirm with your venue candles are allowed.
7. Favors that can be helpful – Especially if your exchanging vows in the cold temperatures, consider really cute hand warmers or warm wool mittens. Your guests can use these on your wedding day and forever more.
8. Serve hot beverages – Start the cocktail hour off with non-spiked and spiked cider, ask the venue to pass to your guests as they arrive.  Add hot chocolate to the menu topped with marshmallow’s and whipped cream and don’t forget the eatable straw.
9. Have a winter wedding cake – Decorate with pine cones, berries and greenery. Serve delicious layers with winter flavors like peppermint, cinnamon or bourbon. Also consider a fondant icing, it is smooth and looks like a blanket of icy snow.
10. Sparkle the night away – Sparklers and winter go together like love and marriage! Light up the night and make a great departure with fireworks and sparklers.