If you are thinking of getting married in winter but you are not sure if it is the right season, our advice is: do it!
If the winter season fascinates you, know that there are a lot of pros (at the expense of a few cons) that perhaps you haven't even considered.
Winter weddings are enriched with a enchanting atmosphere and are a perfect "excuse" to stage lots of lights and sparkles. Not to mention that you will generally have a few more options in terms of availability of locations and service providers, enjoying particularly favorable rates on top of that.
Not to mention the enormous stylistic potential deriving from the choice to celebrate a wedding in winter! But before diving headfirst into a dream of mulled wine, candy canes and warm blankets, there are some things to consider if you want to organize a winter wedding. Let's see all the details together!
1. Make sure your location glows at night
Many couples see the place where the celebrations will take place after the wedding celebration only during the day. This is especially the case if they are carrying out their venue search during the spring or summer. If you are looking for a place with a warm and inviting atmosphere, try visiting your location at night or in the late afternoon in winter, see how it is lit and make sure it is as beautiful and welcoming as you think it is during the day.
Some spectacular places lose their charm at night, while others, on the contrary, become extraordinary! Since most of the reception will take place after dark, make sure yours belongs to this second group.
2. But when exactly does it get dark?
We all know that it gets dark earlier in winter, but since the time changes throughout the season, keep the time of twilight in mind when you're plotting the timeline of your day, planning times to take photographs and any other activities you want to include.
It could also influence things like what time you want your guests to arrive at the reception venue (do you want them to see it in daylight or arrive when it's lit up for the night?), to how many candles you need to order if you want to create a nice effect at the reception.
3. A good plan resists bad weather
Most locations require a weatherproof surface.
Of course, it is true that this factor is a source of concern all year round (even a wedding in July can be the victim of a hailstorm or, more likely, an excessive heat wave) but a winter wedding needs a little more planning to avoid potential meteorological pitfalls. Talk to the owners of the wedding venue about what they will do in case of snow (especially if it is in a remote location) and discuss with your photographer where he will take the photos in case of a rainy day.
Finally, make agreements with other service providers to best manage timing in the event of excessive traffic due to bad weather.
If there are outdoor areas, be sure to notify your guests in advance so they can dress appropriately and enjoy every moment of the party to the fullest. Take into account possible delays during the day in case bad weather comes between you and the excellent organizational success of the event.
4. The importance of a good warm-up
Most wedding venues will have the "heating care" studied to perfection, but for some places in particular, such as: churches, castles or tents, a little more organization may be necessary. Talk to the venue about how they heat the spaces where the event will take place and whether or not you need to do something extra to ensure the maximum comfort of your guests (hot drinks on arrival are always a good idea!). It is also a good idea to let all guests bringing children know if there will be open flames on site.
Oh, and remember to seat older guests away from potential drafts and closer to fires or radiators.
5. Check the decorations situation
Getting married around Christmas can mean big savings on decor if your venue is already festively decorated. But it's a good idea to check what decorations they have, what they will look like, and where they will be, so they don't conflict with what you want the final rendition to look like. Likewise, don't assume that your venue has Christmas decorations, as some owners may keep spaces free of decorations in order to leave couples more freedom of expression. If you're saying your vows in November or January and don't want Christmas decorations in the background, check with your venue when they will be put up (or removed) so you don't have a lot of accessories you don't want in your wedding photos.
In the end it is also a question of taste: decorations yes or no decorations? The choice is yours, just communicate in advance with the local manager.
6. Choose the wedding date carefully
Normally during spring (and especially summer) the date on which to hold the wedding is quite indifferent. For better or worse, there is always a date that suits everyone, especially guests. But for a winter wedding, especially around Christmas, you have to think more about the needs of your guests, their family or work commitments. And take this into account before selecting the date.
You need to consider that some of your guests may have to take days off from work to attend your big day if they are not near you (maybe they have to book a flight strong> to reach you).
With this, it is important to note that if your wedding will take place a couple of weeks before or after the period from Christmas to New Year, it is possible that we will have problems taking a long time away from work to also take part to the Wedding (as well as enjoying the festivities).
On the other hand, if people tend to be more available in January, you may not get the festive atmosphere, if that's what you were looking for.
In short, it is also a matter of considering these fundamental details when we are going to define the date on which everything will take place and, ultimately, discussing with the guests can absolutely be a pleasant thing and have extremely positive feedback.
7. The right photographer
Most experienced wedding photographers can take beautiful photos in any setting, light and season. But if you're looking for a particular aesthetic for your photographs, it's wise to request examples of their work done at night, during winter or in bad weather to get an idea of their style in these particular conditions strong>.
Winter days can give us dreamy lighting, and candlelight is always flattering for portraits. But if it rains heavily and is windy we are faced with one of those days where it never really gets bright.
So choosing a photographer ready to do anything to create a perfect shoot really makes the difference. Make sure you hire a professional capable of dealing with every situation and unexpected event and you will never be disappointed!
8. All about style
We could talk at length about so many details regarding the style of winter weddings, but there are some priority things to consider when you are planning your look and style of your wedding party. To begin with, make sure everyone stays warm (especially the little ones!) but don't overdo it. In short, you certainly shouldn't get to the point where you start sweating before you even get on the track.
As with all well-thought-out winter outfits, layering is essential. So choose nice coats, capes or fur coats that look great in photos and will keep you comfortable. If necessary, spray your suede or leather shoes with special products to protect them from stains in case of rain.
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