Tips for Having The Coziest Winter Wedding

There's something truly magical about the winter months, especially here in New England, that not even sub zero temperatures can put a damper on. When we get that first blanket of pure white snow, my heart melts a little bit. There's so much to love about the winter here. You get to walk amidst a wonderland of bright white twinkle lights almost everywhere you go, the smell of Christmas tree pine fills the home and Michael Bublé's Holiday album serenades you from restaurant to restaurant. Not to mention cozying up in your comfiest, fuzziest sweater by a crackling fire with a cup of cocoa (or in my case, Merlot) in your hand. Yes, there's just something enchanting about the holiday season that makes everyone's (not just the Grinch's, people!) heart grow three sizes. Even better, since the winter is known for being "engagement season," having a winter wedding gives your exactly a year to plan! So what better time is there for a wedding than when Andy William's dubbed "the most wonderful time of the year?"

If you're a bride who likes to step outside the box and have a unique, unconventional wedding, we have a few tips for making YOUR winter wedding an event your friends will not only love but will talk of for years to come.

photog credit :: Pinterest

COZY HOLIDAY VENUES

The great thing, besides the overall atmosphere, of having a winter wedding is that since it is considered "off-season" for venues, you will most likely get a pretty sweet discount, so make sure to ask each venue you look at if that is something they offer! The other nice touch to having a wedding during the winter months is that many venues will already be decked out for the holidays...so the venue will already look gorg which means less money you have to spend on decorations!

publication :: Junebug Weddings // photog credit :: Beall + Thomas Photography

WINTER WEDDING FASHION

One thing I truly love about winter weddings is the style! Summer, fall and spring weddings are so inundated with pastels or vibrant summer hues that having jewel tones come out for the winter is a unique and exciting change. The cooler weather also allows for some fun fabrics like velvet, which is currently very trendy (and warm...and soft). I also love when brides incorporate the weather into their outfits with comfy faux fur throws and stoles or faux fur lined boots. Sequin and sparkles are also always a fabulous way to bring a little pizzazz  into a winter wedding wardrobe.

publication :: Wedding Forward // photog credit :: Photography By Charise

Publication :: Brides Magazine // Photog Credit :: Crystal Liepa Photography

DESIGN + DECOR

I read a lot about how brides shouldn't feel dictated by the season when it comes to decorating for their big day. While this is true, and each bride is unique in how they want to decorate and that's totally fine, I however am of the opinion that brides should embrace the seasonal decor! After all, winter weddings are much more rare and having one is unique in and of itself. So go ahead and throw white Christmas lights on everything! Light a fire in the fireplace if your venue has one (and allows the fireplace to be lit). Decorate a giant Christmas tree to set up behind the sweetheart table. Brighten up each room with a barrage of candles. Accent your tablescapes with frosted branches and snowflakes. You will have the coziest and jolliest wedding there ever was, and not one person will leave your wedding without a smile on their face.

predit :: Evermine Occasions

photog credit :: Melissa Kelsey Photography

WINTER WONDERLAND WEATHER

Oh the weather outside is frightful...okay, okay  I won't start singing. Making sure to prepare for the elements is always a necessity for winter weddings. If you happen to get snow the day of, you will need to plan on giving guests a little bit of extra time to make it safely to the ceremony. Having planned transportation for your guests from the hotel to the ceremony and/or the reception is always a good idea as well. Everyone can enjoy themselves and not have to worry about driving in the cold weather. And speaking of cold...if you plan on doing a receiving line, make sure to coordinate it with enough room inside so that if the line builds up, your guests aren't left shivering outside.

Now that I've given you a few winter wedding tips, I hope many of you will rethink neglecting New England's cooler months to celebrate your special day. So snuggle up together like two birds of a feather would be and jingle all the way to the best winter wedding ever :)