Once you’ve got engaged and you’ve finished basking in the romance, it’s time to start thinking about your wedding to-do-list and the first thing you need to consider is when you actually want to get married. Summer is traditionally the most popular time of year to get wed and understandably so, the flowers are out in full force, the skies are blue and the weather is a lot warmer. However, more and more couples are straying away from the sunshine-filled season and are instead opting for something a little more magical. If you’re feeling a little clueless, we’re offering our pros and cons to a winter wedding to help you decide, along with some helpful hints and tips thrown in along the way.
The Pros
If you’re blessed with fresh skies and crisp winter sun, you really will be spoilt with some enchanting backdrops for your photographs. Your photographer will have a field day, especially as Somerset and Bristol boast such beautiful countryside views!
The colder weather also means you can get your creative cap on when it comes to adding those all-important special touches to your wedding day. Fill wooden crates with cosy knits, throws and shawls so that your guests can help themselves if they’re feeling a little chilly. Treat your friends and family to lovely favours, such as a pair of warm gloves or a scented candle.
Winter is all about food, especially over the festive period, so make the most of it with a winter wedding. We’re talking hearty grazing tables, an assortment of pies, a hot chocolate station and even smores. Comfort food is a guaranteed crowd pleaser at this time of year!
The season is undeniably romantic and you can really embrace it with roaring fireplaces, fairy lights and candles galore – lighting is absolutely key when it comes to winter weddings so make the most of the space at your venue and light up the day.
As it’s one of the quieter times of year to say ‘I Do’, you may be lucky enough to save some £££s. Venues often have special offers and late availability dates, and you’re more likely to be able to book your dream vendors at a lower price.
The Cons
While winter may be slightly quieter during wedding season, it’s generally a busy time of year for friends and family and you may find that people choose to go away over the festive break or they’re unable to get any additional time off work.
Tip - Avoid competing with Christmas and make sure you send out your save the dates earlier than usual if you’re planning a winter wedding. This way, your guests can get the date in their diaries and you’re less likely to be disappointed.
The dream is to be graced with winter sun on your wedding day but the season can cause absolute havoc and it’s incredibly unpredictable. Winter weather comes with the risk of causing major disruptions, from suppliers not being able to access the venue, guests running late and more.
Tip - Whether that’s heavy snow or rainstorms, it’s important to have a Plan B ready! Many venues and their in-house coordinators have dealt with all eventualities and can handle the risk that goes hand in hand with winter weddings.
The days are a lot shorter during winter, so this is certainly something to be mindful of to ensure you make the most of the lighter hours. You may want to start the wedding day earlier than usual and to discuss timings with your wedding photographer if you want to secure the outdoor portraits.
Tip – It may be darker for longer during the winter, but this is where clever lighting comes in useful. Brighten up a dark and gloomy day with Edison bulbs, fairy lights and of course plenty of candles!
As mentioned earlier, you may be able to bag the suppliers you’ve always wanted but florists will warn you that certain flowers are often limited during the season. While they will be able to advise on blooms that are available at this time of year, if your heart is set on having a peony-based bridal bouquet a winter wedding may not be for you!
Tip – Silk flowers are another option if you love the thought of getting wed in the winter! This could even be a job for the crafty bride and groom if you fancy going down the DIY route.
As you can see there are various pros and cons when it comes to winter weddings, but that is the same as any season and we really do think it’s a magical season to start your happily ever after…
Lottie Dainton