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Winter Weddings

How to plan the ultimate snowy wedding

Our top tips and suggestions on how to plan a breathtaking ceremony and reception for the ultimate winter wedding

by Giorgia Torsello

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Spring and summer weddings are undoubtedly wonderful but there is nothing more scenic and magical than a snow-dusted winter wedding. Christmas music and festive decorations add plenty of warmth and charm to even the coldest days of the year.

There are a number of reasons couples should look into getting married between December and March, with ‘exclusivity’ coming at the top of the list. The warmer months of the year can be exceptionally busy, with packed schedules and calendars, while a winter wedding will likely be the only big event that your guests will be invited to during that time, meaning all your guests will likely be able to make it. Apart from surreal landscapes, the light is undeniably better for photographs, you won’t have to worry about the weather, and if you’re planning a honeymoon in the Caribbean, you’ll be able to enjoy some winter sun.

We have rounded up the best ideas for breathtaking winter weddings and receptions to inspire your big day. They’re sure to impress, and they’ll keep your guests warm and happy too.

Cover photo by www.confettimagazine.ca

The Bride and Groom

This is the best season for the groom to wear a morning suit, black tie or a heavy suit. If you’re planning a formal wedding, then you’ll hear much less complaining from guests in formal attire when it’s cold outside. Brides will have to choose a winter wedding outfit such as a heavy, classic long train dress with faux fur and plenty of glam accessories, including a pillbox hat, gloves, earmuffs and snoods. Cotton blossom bouquets are exquisite and much sought-after.

Venue

Photo by www.sanluis-hotel.com

Intimate and rustic, reachable by chairlift or cable car, mountain huts are a great choice for a winter wedding. There are a number of extremely luxurious alternatives for more demanding brides, from hiring a small luxury Silversea cruise ship on the hunt for the Northern Lights to setting up a marquee along the shores of a frozen lake. The arrival and departure of the bride and groom can add further drama to the location. An old-fashioned horse-drawn carriage is one option; sportier types can opt for skis; while more adventurous couples could see themselves paragliding in or out.

Ambience

The first step to creating a distinctive wedding atmosphere for your wedding day is having a clear idea of what you want. A warm and welcoming setting with crackling fireplace, blankets, tartan shawls, pine cone place card holders, fairy lights and outdoor fire pits are just some sophisticated winter wonderland ideas. For a ‘cold’ effect, you could use blue lights, mirror floors and ice sculptures while to create a ‘hot’ effect, go for pink or orange sunset hues with towering trees painted in white and dusted in gold, and candles everywhere. Your guests will have plenty to remember for years to come.

Food & Drink

Your menu should feature hearty dishes that are suitable for cold temperatures. Indulge your guests with sweets and comforting treats, with cinnamon biscuits, gingerbreads, Mont Blanc desserts, eggnog, caramel apples on a stick, colored candy canes, and roast marshmallows. A hot chocolate station is a great way to keep your guests warm outside. Other drinks you could serve are mulled wine, Irish coffee, hot buttered bourbon, rum and hot toddies – they’ll suit a variety of tastes.

Entertainment

Photo by www.capodannolagodicomo.it

If you love entertainment, you could wow your guests with some spectacular entertainment, with fireworks set against the backdrop of snowy mountains, an ice figure skating performance, or perhaps snow cannons at the end of your ceremony, or just before your first dance. No matter what you choose, it’s bound to be a success.