Winter may not be everyone’s favorite season, but at Elegant Affairs we adore winter. In the wedding industry, winter means we have few weddings and often work at a slower pace. Some people may shy away from the chilly months ahead – but we fully embrace the season. Due to winter’s unique characteristics, there are a few things that only winter can offer that the other seasons cannot. Let’s explore a few of our favorite things that only winter can offer.
Let it Snow!
Our home base is in the Pacific Northwest. And even though we may not always have a ton of snowfall, we are close to the Cascade mountain ranges and can enjoy the mountains with just a short drive. We absolutely love the idea of featuring snow as the decor showstopper. Having your ceremony in an area where snow is visible is not only picturesque for your guests, but a cheap way to easily decorate the space! Now, we know that you may not have the ability to reach the mountains, or the weather may not be on your side, so there are other alternatives to make it snow on your wedding day! There are vendors and companies that can literally make it snow, in your venue space. Now, before you sign on the dotted line, be sure to talk to your venue and check your contract to make sure you’re not breaking any rules. Even synthetic snow can create the most magical effects and we promise you that the pictures will be to die for.
Keeping Cozy
With the winter months, comes chilly weather. It is the perfect excuse to add some flair to your wedding day attire! There’s absolutely no need to worry about “will I be too hot” or sweating through your dress or having your makeup melt off. Cooler temps will keep your makeup and hair in place throughout the day. You are also able to dress up your wedding gown, or suits/tuxedos with some cozy winter accessories. We love when brides add a nice cape, or festive sweater, or even add some fun winter boots underneath. Not only is it functional in keeping you cozy, but it adds some character to your attire and adds some fun to your wedding photoshoots. You can also keep your guests cozy through the ceremony and reception with some added details. Line the front of the aisle with baskets of blankets, order some bulk gloves and be sure to prepare your guests for the elements prior to your wedding day. Blankets and accessories can even serve as your wedding favor, if you chose to do so! So, don’t let the chilly weather cause you to shy away from choosing the winter months for your weddings. Keeping cozy is a piece of cake with just a few accessories.
Hot, Hot, Drinks!
In the summer months, sometimes it is so hot, that we find ourselves chugging water or the beverages served. Guests are just focused on keeping cool and staying hydrated. The winter months allow you to curate some special holiday drinks that will keep your guests warm and that they can savor! There are endless options for holiday drinks at a winter wedding. One of our favorites, is the classic hot cocoa bar. Go crazy with the topping options – peppermints, kisses, mini marshmallows — it’s a fun interactive drink option that all ages will love. For the adults, you can add some liquor that will pair with hot cocoa or even opt for some adult only drinks like spiked eggnog or mulled apple ciders. If you are planning on having your ceremony outside, you can even offer some warm drinks prior to the ceremony! It’s a great way to keep your guests warm and enjoy a little treat while watching you and your partner say “I do.”
Date and Vendor Availability
Winter weddings can mean that vendors such as wedding planners, caterers, photographers, and vendors have more availability. As people folk book the hot summer months, often that leaves more availability for the winter months. There tends to be less competition with the winter months, granted Christmas Eve and NYE tend to book quickly. There can also be lower prices in the winter months, especially with venues. Booking in winter can ease your pocket book and also open up more dates for you and your fiance!
Seasonal Decor
Now, of course snow is the largest and most anticipated seasonal decor. But the winter season offers so many other unique choices that spring or summer cannot compete with. Often, venues decorate for the holidays and winter months. Check in with your vendor and see if they do decorate for the season! If they do – you’re in a great position to save a few bucks. You can use what the venue has planned for free. Even having a fireplace on during the reception can add instant of decorative ambience. In addition, let’s face it – we all love seasonal decor. We can’t help ourselves when the stores start to turn a little merry and bright. Winter means you can add touches of the holidays, a festive color scheme, and fresh, fragrant greenery – who doesn’t love the smell of balsam fir? You can’t get this kind of decor in the hot months and there’s just something about winter that we just can’t help but be cheery!
Even though you may not live in a wintery location, you can still tie in touches of winter into your winter wedding. There are so many festive options to deck the halls in your event space and add some cozy accessories to your wedding party look. Venues are often filled with beautiful winter decor, so it puts some dollars back in your wedding budget. So, don’t shy away from the winter months – instead look to see what it can offer you! We love booking winter weddings, so if you’re in the mood for create your perfect winter wedding – we’d be more than MERRY to help you make your dreams come true.
Lori Losee is the owner of Elegant Affairs, a Tacoma Wedding Planner with over 18 years of experience. We create awe-inspiring experiences—Events filled with meaning and refined elegance. Behind the scenes, our experienced team collaborates on each stage of the process, executing your vision and a wedding, celebration, or corporate event that is unique to you.