Winter wedding can be a really versatile option

1. You can pick the venue and vendors you want

Winter is slow wedding season so there’s lots of venues and vendors available even in short notice. If you have tried planning a wedding for summer you might have noticed that many churches and popular venues are booked for years to come. With a winter wedding you have much wider range of venues to choose from. As winter is a slower time for wedding vendors also you get better flexibility for dress fittings and your dream graphic designer probably has a free spot. 

2. Seasonal pricing

It’s a well known fact that demand affects prices which means that in winter time you might get a beautiful but costly venue for a much better price. Many vendors also start handing out discounts to fill the quiet time of the year so keep your eyes open for those “Get January for 30% off” deals. Also with now world wide events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday are great times to make wedding investments. 

3. Take advantage of already decorated venues

Many brides say that the decoration is what keeps sucking up the money and also takes more time than you planned for it. Well, you lucky bride, in winter time holiday decorations is done in most of the hotels, churches etc. That means free wedding decor for you which means more savings, yay! If you love a certain venue for it’s overall style chances are that you will also love their seasonal decoration. Nowadays many places also really invest in their holiday decoration so you might get an exclusive venue styling by accident. All you have to do is to make sure that the decoration matches your wedding style and add some carefully planned details.

4. Not all the weekends are booked

Winter is an off season for weddings which means that you don’t have to be afraid that your favorite guests might have another wedding on the same date – probably not even the same month. In summer time it is not exceptional that most of the weekends are filled with different weddings in different cities so people are definitely going to appreciate that you decided to get married off season. After the holidays are over people are going to want something nice to put on their calendars before spring finally approaches. 

5. Recycle your holiday decoration

Lots of possibilities to use lights and holiday decor in your wedding (you might own lots of nice things already or you can reuse them afterwards). Ask around if you can borrow decorations from your family and friends. Lanterns, fake trees, garlands, fairy lights and glittering ornaments are all great when it comes to wedding decorating. 

6. Stay cooler in a big dress

Did you know that wedding gowns can make you really sweaty? Think about all that tulle and fabric creating a big air pocket for your legs. That’s how down jackets work. Good thing is, in winter you can get as a big dress as you want and you still can dance without melting into puddle. 

7. Get decoration for better price

There’s great deals for candles and light fixtures, especially after the holidays. Holiday ornaments are also available in every possible color and price range so you’ll most likely find a style suitable for you. Scout the things you would like to have when they come to the shops and hit the stores just before or after holiday days. Most of them are 20 to 50% off just before holidays and even 70 to 80% off afterwards. Don’t forget to check web stores also!

8. Great time to really dress up

Winter weddings are a perfect time to wear capes and shawls and they make great keepsakes and you can wear them afterwards too. Also what a better time to wear a colored wedding dress? For an ambient winter wedding why not try black, red or gold wedding gown that you can also wear later.

9. You don’t have to worry about your makeup

With cooler weather your makeup will stay on place much better than in the summer heat and that means you won’t be sweating it off first thing before ceremony. In the summer time people usually prefer to wear lighter makeup therefore in a winter wedding you can pull off a really beautiful and dramatic look.  Also when it gets darker you don’t have to worry about smudging eyeliner – no one’s going to see that anyway in the candle light!

10. Your curls will hold up

Summer might be the time for updos because of the heat and sweaty neck. On the contrary winter is the time that you can let your hair down without a worry about getting too hot.  And if you do get hot then just a visit outside will cool you down immediately. Curls will hold up nicely in a dry, brisk air. But if your wedding is in a climate where winters are wet rather than gold then maybe check out those updos just in case.

Tackling the winter wedding blues

Busy holidays!

Winter months might not be crowded byt weddings but there are other events and holidays that are really important to people. In November and December there is the countdown with holiday preparations but when the yearly wheel has turned to a new year people might actually love to have something nice in their calendars.

Send out the save the dates early enough and prepare mentally that some people won’t make it in any case (which is true for any party). Also be considerate about people’s holidays. Different religions have their own sacred times so if you know that some people on your guest list have a different practice than you do it is polite to think when it really is possible for them to attend your wedding. Don’t make people choose between their holidays and your party, that’s just not nice!

The Weather

In the winter months you really can’t be sure what you wake up to. In a way it is the beauty of these slower months but I totally understand if you want to be well prepared when it comes to your wedding day. Well, in winter it can obviously get really gold or then it’s raining. You probably want to opt out from outside photography if it’s rainy and muddy. Also make sure that you have well enough time to move from place A to B because you don’t want to be in a hurry on icy roads!

Weather and temperature also plays to your bridal look. To make the best of the gold days consider a gown with long sleeves (that would look awesome!) or get a cape or a shawl that will match your outfit. Winter weather offers so many options to dress up your look! Also if the reception is in a chilly building then why not to offer your guests blankets and warm drinks?

Unexpected light conditions

If you live in the north, the light can get really low even during the day. Or it can be super bright as the sun rays will be jumping back and forth on the snow. Either way it is best to discuss with your photographer about the best time to take your photos or get them taken in the studio. If you have a reception in – let’s say – a mansion, remember to ask if the photographer is familiar with the light in the location and if they will be able to bring extra flash and lighting supplies for the portraits.

So as the photography might be a concern (don’t worry too much, it’ll be alright!) the atmosphere is definitely on your side! What a better time to create ambient and intimate spaces than winter. Think about old time charm and light the venue with candles and fairy lights. Maybe read about hygge for some inspiration. Dark winter days are perfect time to create an unforgettable set for your wedding.

Expensive flowers

Flowers are seasonal and so are the prices. You might have guessed that during the winter time some flowers are much expensive than in summer when they are in season. But if you don’t have your heart set on a full peony bouquet then you really don’t have to worry! You can get greenery for reasonable price all around the year and why not to take advantage on holiday flowers like amaryllis, hyacinths, roses, tulips and hellebores. It really is all about the design when it comes to decorating with seasonal stuff.

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Love,

      Iida