How To Plan A Winter Wedding
Winter is possibly one of the most beautiful times to get married and if you live in Canada, or a northern location, a blanket of fresh white snow could be just the perfect touch. Although it’s nice to have Mother Nature deliver you sun and roses, a wedding in the dead of December can be both luxurious and romantic. When planning a winter wedding, follow these simple tips to ensure you plan the best winter wedding and have it run as smooth as the snow on the ground.
Venue
First things first: Location! When planning a winter wedding, it is obvious that heading out into the great outdoors is not an option. If you’re planning on a small wedding, opt for the an intimate ceremony at your parents' house or close family member. An indoor ceremony in the great room of a house could be the perfect romantic touch.
Were you thinking of a destination wedding? No one mentioned that it had to be located in the tropics! Rent out a lodge for the weekend and have your guests participate in a little weekend fun. End the trip by saying "I Do" in front of the crackling fire, serving your guests hot chocolate and rich comfort food. This will turn any cold winter’s day into something spectacular. The lodge can be a great alternative to a sunny destination as many places around Canada offer seasonal winter wedding packages. If you want more of a destination feel, head out to British Columbia to wed with the marvelous views of the Rockies.
Theme
Has the thought of having a New Year's Eve gala type reception crossed your mind? This holiday is one of the most romantic nights of the year, aside from Valentine's Day, for most couples! Why not throw a sophisticated soiree and ring in the New Year with your nuptials. It may seem like the non-traditional route, but having your friends and family all in one place, celebrating the start of a New Year and new life together, makes for a fabulous wedding!
Play up the theme by including rich fabrics as décor and other hues to set the mood as you and your guests are whisked away to a night fit for the king and queen. If New Year's Eve isn’t your thing and you’re into practical jokes why not do the obvious: change up the seasons and have a "luau themed" wedding in the midst of winter. Put a spin on your venue by decorating it with bright fun colours and beach accessories. Take your guests to the beach in December and it’s bound to please!
Décor: The Venue
This is the part that could be most fun and if you’re playing up the winter season can really create a romantic, yet luxurious, atmosphere. As a bride, you have to decide what kind of look you are going for. Do you want an enchanted winter fortress, a romantic evening filled with sparkling silvers or an ode to New Year's Eve where blues and whites make up a fabulous venue?
The colours of winter span from sapphire blues and whites, silvers and blacks and even rich purples. Making sure the colours are jewel tones will ensure that everything is opulent and will maximize its luxury. Playing up different hues in the winter colour scheme will be sure to wow all your guests.
Décor: Centrepieces & Flowers
Once colour(s) and theme are decided, you can start to pick out all the details that will optimize the look of your venue. Adorn your tables with large centerpieces. For a DIY trick, try some winter branches in a glass vase with hanging crystals. The centre of your tables will be the focal point for most guests, so make sure they are a statement. When it comes to flowers, deep tones work best and they will help the room to look as romantic as you newlyweds feel.
Since flowers are seasonal be sure to contact your florist in advance to discuss your options. White anemones are the perfect winter flower because of their bold look and versatility. An anemone is a beautiful white flower with a bold black centre and will coordinate with just about any wedding décor. They look great against a white dress and the black adds that perfect "pop". If you still want a simple elegant look, opt for orchids or calla lilies. These are classic flowers that will still add beauty to any venue.
Food
Probably the most important part of the evening other then the bride, the food plays a major role in pleasing your guests. On a cold winter's night, there is nothing better then comfort food! It's something to keep you warm throughout the evening. If you’re planning a more winter-like celebration, opt for a simple meal of comfort foods that you know everyone loves. Prepare the likes of roast beef and mash potatoes more appealing and wedding worthy by choosing to have food stations. Your guests will be served individual dishes at each station and get to choose from a variety of warm delights.
If you’ve decided on a New Year’s Eve wedding, then amping up the menu is a must in order to suit your gala feel. From an oven roasted leg of lamb, to a sumptuous grilled veal chop, your guests will be served until their heart's content.
At midnight for both themes, why not treat guests to a hot chocolate station where they can design their own cocoa and keep warm throughout your winter's tale.
Written By: Paula Cilia