Winter wedding: 10 tips for a magical day

Why a winter wedding is so special

Winter weddings have become extremely popular in recent years, and for good reason. The winter atmosphere — candlelight, warm fabrics, frost on the trees, maybe even a layer of snow — gives your wedding a romantic and magical look that you don't easily achieve in the summer.

In addition, winter months are often cheaper: locations, photographers and caterers have more availability and sometimes offer lower rates. You get more value for your money and more choice of suppliers.

Tip 1: Choose a location with character

A winter wedding is all about atmosphere, and the location is decisive. Think of an old country house with fireplaces, an industrial loft with warm lighting, or an intimate chapel surrounded by snow-covered trees.

It is important that the location is completely covered or has good indoor spaces. Although photos in the snow are beautiful, you don't want your guests to be shivering all evening. A location with both a beautiful outdoor space for photos and a warm, attractive indoor space for the ceremony and party is ideal.

Tip 2: Play with winter colors

A winter wedding offers a beautiful color palette. Consider:

• Dark green and burgundy red: classic and elegant
• Navy blue and gold: chic and timeless
• White and silver: icy and fairytale
• Champagne and pink: soft and romantic

Incorporate your color palette in everything: from the flowers and decorations to the invitations and the clothing of the bridal couple and bridesmaids.

Tip 3: Send invitations that set the mood

Your invitation is the first thing guests see at your wedding, so make sure it exudes the winter atmosphere. With Invitedd you can design a digital invitation that matches your theme and colors. Guests can immediately RSVP, specify dietary requirements and save the event in their calendar.

Send out the invitations three to four months in advance. Getting married around the holidays means guests will want to make their plans early, so give them time.

Tip 4: Think of winter flowers and decorations

Forget the classic summer flowers — winter has its own beautiful flora. Consider:

• White roses and ranunculus
• Eucalyptus and pine green
• Cotton plants and thistle
• Amaryllis and helleborus (Christmas rose)
• Dried flowers and pampas grass

Combine flowers with candles, lanterns and lights for an enchanting result. Pine cones, cinnamon and orange slices add a wonderful scent to the decoration.

Tip 5: Provide warmth — literally

As a host of a winter wedding, you want your guests to be comfortable. A few smart interventions help enormously:

• Put blankets or scarves ready on the chairs at the ceremony
• Serve warm welcome drinks: mulled wine, hot chocolate or Irish coffee
• Provide fire pits or patio heaters if guests want to stand outside
• Consider hand warmers as a small gift with the chairs

A thoughtful touch: place a basket of warm scarves at the door for guests who want to go outside for a photo or to get some fresh air.

Tip 6: Choose a wintery menu

Winter is perfect for rich, warming dishes. Think of stews, game dishes, pumpkin soup as an appetizer and a delicious cheese platter to end. A large dessert buffet with warm apple pie, stewed pear pie and chocolate lava cakes is the icing on the cake.

Don't forget the drinks: a champagne tower for the toast, a special winter cocktail as a signature drink, and various hot drinks throughout the evening.

Tip 7: Plan your photo opportunities smartly

Winter light is beautiful for photos: soft, diffuse and romantic. But the days are short, so plan outdoor photos around golden hour (often as early as 3:00 PM in December). Consult with your photographer about the ideal timeframe.

Snow, frost and bare tree branches form a fairytale backdrop. And if the weather is disappointing: a beautiful indoor location with candlelight produces just as enchanting photos.

Tip 8: Manage your guest list smartly

Winter weddings are often more intimate than summer weddings, which makes it extra important to manage your guest list well. Via the Invitedd dashboard you can keep track of exactly who is coming, who cannot attend and whether there are any special wishes. This way you avoid surprises and you can coordinate everything in detail.

Tip 9: Think about transport

Winter weather can be unpredictable. Ensure that your guests can travel safely and comfortably:

• State parking options and any slippery conditions at the location
• Consider a shuttle bus from a central point
• Report nearby hotels to guests coming from far away
• Have a plan B ready in case the weather turns extremely bad

Tip 10: Give winter favors

Surprise your guests with a seasonal thank you gift as a reminder of your day:

• A jar of homemade jam or honey
• A bag of hot chocolate mix with marshmallows
• A candle with a winter scent
• A small bottle of mulled wine or liqueur

Whatever you choose: a personal card completes it. Thank your guests for their presence and wish them a wonderful New Year — a warm ending to a magical day.