How to Plan a Winter Wedding: Embrace the Magic of Christmas on your special day

Winter weddings possess a unique charm, a blend of beauty and intimacy that sets them apart. While summer celebrations bask in sunshine, winter weddings offer a magical feeling with the potential for warm décor and a truly memorable experience. Planning a winter wedding requires careful consideration of the season. We've put this article together to help you think through what to consider when planning a winter wedding.

1. Choosing a Winter Wedding Date:

Winter offers several distinct periods, each with its own appeal and potential considerations:

Early Winter (November): Often less busy than December, you might find better venue availability and lower prices. The autumnal colours might still linger, offering a beautiful backdrop to your special day. A Bridebook study showed November as one of the cheapest months to hold your wedding.

Festive Season (December): The run-up to Christmas brings a naturally festive atmosphere. Venues are often beautifully decorated, but availability can be limited, and prices are likely to be higher. Consider weekday weddings for better rates.

Post-Holiday Season (January - February): These months offer the most budget-friendly options and a quieter atmosphere.

Late Winter/Early Spring (Early March): As the first signs of spring emerge, you may capture the tail end of winter's beauty.

When choosing your date, consider:

Venue Availability: Winter weekends, especially in December are booked-up quickly. Be flexible with your dates.

Guest Availability: You will need to factor in holidays and potential travel disruptions due to weather.

Daylight Hours: Remember that daylight hours are shorter in winter. Plan your ceremony and photography to make the most of the natural light.

2. Selecting Your Winter Wedding Attire:

Winter offers a chance to embrace elegant and warm attire:

Bridal Wear: Consider dresses with longer sleeves, heavier fabrics like velvet or satin, or the option of adding a stylish cape, bolero, or faux fur stole for warmth and style. Embrace richer colours or subtle sparkle. Some great advice can be found here.

Groom's Wear: Opt for heavier suit fabrics like tweed or wool in deeper colours. Consider adding a waistcoat or a stylish overcoat.

Bridesmaid and Groomsmen: Choose fabrics and colours that match the season and ensure your wedding party will be comfortable in cooler temperatures.

3. Creating a Cozy and Enchanting Winter Wedding Décor:

Winter décor is all about creating warmth, romance, and a touch of magic:

Colour Palette: Embrace jewel tones (emerald, sapphire, ruby), metallics (gold, silver, copper), deep reds and greens for a festive feel, or softer hues like ivory, blush, and grey for a more magical winter wonderland.

Lighting: Use warm lighting sources like candles, fairy lights, and lanterns to create an intimate ambiance.

Natural Elements: Incorporate seasonal elements like pinecones, berries, winter foliage.

Textiles: Introduce cozy textures with velvet, faux fur, and soft throws in lounge areas.

This Hitched article gives some great ideas.

4. Choosing the Right (Weatherproof!) Venue:

Winter weather is unpredictable, making your venue choice critical. Consider the following when planning a winter wedding:

Indoor Spaces: Ensure the venue has spacious indoor areas for your ceremony, reception, and photography. A venue like The Sessions House, with its distinct and characterful indoor rooms like the Court-room, Emerald Room, and Magistrates Room, offers a variety of stunning backdrops regardless of the weather outside.

Heating and Comfort: Confirm the venue has adequate heating to keep your guests toasty throughout the day.

Accessibility: Consider how easily your guests can access the venue in icy or snowy conditions. Check for parking and nearby accommodation.

Backup Plans: Ask about the venue's contingency plans in case of severe weather affecting travel or outdoor spaces (if any are planned).

5. Considering Winter Wedding Catering:

Your menu can enhance your winter wedding:

Welcome Drinks: Offer warming options like mulled wine, hot cider, or festive cocktails upon arrival.

Hearty Meals: Consider dishes like roasted meats, stews, or seasonal soups for your main course.

Dessert: Indulge in desserts like rich chocolate cake, spiced apple crumble, or a hot chocolate bar.

Drinks: Ensure a selection of warm beverages like tea, coffee, and hot chocolate are available throughout the evening.

A venue that offers flexible catering options, like The Sessions House, allows you to tailor your menu to your preferences.

Embrace the Magic:

Planning a winter wedding requires attention to detail, but the result can be truly magical and unforgettable. By carefully considering the key factors: date, attire, décor, venue (prioritizing weatherproof options like those with diverse indoor spaces), and catering, you can create a special and romantic atmosphere that you and your guests will remember for years to come.

At the Sessions House we love the winter months and the festive period - we have held a number of festive-themed weddings and would be happy to discuss ideas with you - contact our team at info@thesessionshouse.com to arrange a call to discuss.