While spring and summer are traditionally wedding seasons, having a winter wedding has many appeals and it is becoming increasingly popular.
Getting married can be an expensive affair but having a winter wedding during the off-peak period can make it way more affordable. You could possibly even get discounts! Aside from the financial incentives, there will also be more availability so you can book your favourite venue or photographer. There is something about the light in the winter that makes your photos look amazing too. The bare tree and overcast skies make for dramatic photography. If you need any more convincing, you won’t have to worry about your makeup melting off in the heat!
Having a winter wedding does require some extra preparation to make sure both you and your guests are comfortable. Your priorities are to stay warm during photoshoots and keeping your guests warm too. Investing in winter accessories like a faux fur stole or even wearing a long sleeve dress would be winter appropriate.
If you’re having an outdoor ceremony, incorporating a fireplace if the venue permits would be so romantic and a wedding your guests will not forget. Blankets rolled into baskets for guests to keep warm will be a nice touch too. Why not serve mulled wine or hot chocolate while you’re at it!
A tip from the wedding experts for the bride to stay warm is to wear a pair of thick tights under your wedding dress. You can even pair that with boots under the dress and no one will know! Boots are a practical choice for a winter wedding as you never know when it might rain.
Don’t forget to keep your bridesmaids warm too! After all, they will be out in the cold for extended periods for photoshoots. Matching faux fur stoles, shawls and leather jackets are excellent coverup options.
Keeping the ceremony and reception at the venue will not only save travel time but it will be very handy in case of bad weather. If that is not possible, just allocate extra travel time!
Let’s take a look at some of our real weddings for your winter wedding inspiration!
Christina and Blaise
After a proposal in New Zealand, Christina and Blaise returned to celebrate their love in a winter wedding. The ceremony was in front of a beautiful lake with majestic snow-capped mountains in the background. The intimacy of the ceremony is even more exaggerated by the vastness of the trees and mountains.
The groom wore a traditional ceremonial cloak called a ‘Korowai’ to honour his Maori heritage. I’m sure it kept him warm too!
The twilight sky during winter is magical and romantic. It photographs beautifully too!
Melanie and Aaron
The Melbourne couple married at Gum Gully Farm surrounded by autumn leaves, with the gorgeous backdrop of the Dandenong Ranges in a vintage winter wedding. Melanie wore a long sleeve vintage dress that she found at a vintage shop with a faux fur jacket. Aaron opted for an unconventional blazer for the day.
Yellow and orange autumn leaves create the perfect atmosphere for the winter wedding.
The ceremony was styled with an autumn flair and sets the mood for the vintage wedding perfectly.
The friendly deer at Gum Gully Farm are perfect for photo shoots too!