Do you have your heart set on tying the knot in the winter? We can tell you that it’s not everyday we have a couple that is dead set on getting married in the winter. I, myself, tied the knot with my husband towards the end of December. And from personal experience, it takes a little extra planning, but if planned and executed correctly – is absolutely breathtaking. Winter is a truly magical season, I’m sure you’re tired of hearing me say that. If we forget about driving in the snow, or getting up early to shovel, there is truly so much beauty to the winter season.
It screams romance – warm fires, snow falling on the gorgeous PNW landscape, winter fashion, crisp flowers, and the smell of pine. There is SO much to love about the winter season, but it does require some extra planning just for the winter months. Not only do you have to navigate the cold weather, but you’ll have to navigate the cold terrain and set up some extra support for your guests. So, let’s talk about what to do and what not to do when planning your winter wonderland wedding.
DO send out save the dates with ample time.
Save the dates are a must if you are planning a winter wedding, especially if your winter wedding is a location where snow is a definite yes. Not only can the wintery location impact travel, but the winter season is also the holiday season. Many families and friends may book holiday trips far in advance. So, in order to give your guests ample notice, especially if your wedding date is near a holiday, send out your save the dates in advance. And we mean well in advance. This may be a year out if needed. If you want to send out formal save the dates six months prior, send out a digital option through e-mail or text message to get the date and location squared away. You’ll want to give your guests time to research and book airfare if needed.
DO create a backup plan.
If you’ve read any of our summer blogs, you know we are BIG fans of creating a backup plan. But back up plans are not just for our spring and summer brides. You may not be anticipating rain fall, but a snow storm, or a closed highway pass may impact your wedding date. If it snows your guests out, or delays travel in the airways there may be a need to adjust. This also includes planning your wedding ceremony at an earlier time, due to the shorter days and to avoid your guests driving in the dangerous winter weather late at night. Be prepared for it all and create a backup plan, or hey maybe two.
DO be clear about the dress-code and location.
If you have guests traveling from out of town, or are doing a destination wedding, you will need to research the weather and communicate with your guest list and wedding party. You will want to communicate via mass text, e-mail, or through your wedding website what to expect and how to dress appropriately for the weather. You do not want your guests to come unprepared or shiver the night away. Guests will worry less if they remain warm and comfortable throughout the day and/or evening.
DO keep your guests warm and toasty.
Even if your wedding is inside, trust us – those temps can drop and your venue may not have the capacity to keep it heated to temps that are warm and toasty for everyone. As well as communicating the dress code, be sure to ask and research reviews of your venue during the winter season. Barns, wineries etc., will get chilly and you want to provide additional information for guests to stay warm or get warm at your wedding. We love the idea of creating spaces for warmth, such as outdoor heaters or a warm fireplace. You can add baskets of blankets throughout the wedding ceremony and reception, or hand out scarves and mittens. Trust us – if your guests are cold, chances are they will get uncomfortable quickly and will have a hard time enjoying themselves and will end up calling it a night early.
DO create a seasonal-appropriate menu and bar menu
Stay true to the season and keep your guests’ tummies satisfied and warm with seasonal foods. Offer hot items such as roast, prime rib, and warm sides to play on seasonal flavors. You can also create a bar menu with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages such as hot cocoa, apple cider, or a classic hot toddy.
DO plan on a coat check.
If you’re planning your wedding in a location that requires snow boots, gloves, mittens, and hats, work with your venue to create a coat check. You guests may have to walk through wintery weather and you definitely don’t want them to have to lug around all of their gear. Whether you hire someone to man the coat check, or create a self-check system, plan on having an area dedicated to store all their warm winter attire. And while we are on the top or winter weather gear, do not forget yours – and allow your wedding party to dress for the weather! It is possible to find something timeless and classic but stay warm. Whether you opt on a long sleeve wedding gown or add a cape for an accessory, there is no reason to freeze the night away. Stay warm, too.
DON’T stay outside for hours on end to take photos.
It’s not worth it girl. Yes, we know you want “THE” wedding photo, but freezing and keeping your wedding party in the chilly temps isn’t fun for anyone. Work with your wedding photographer to find spaces inside that can be the perfect setting for your wedding photo. If you want all your photos outside, we suggest proper outerwear and taking breaks to warm up inside. You can suggest that your photographer scout additional places to take photos, or find a stellar venue to get ready in that provides places to take photos inside.
DON’T forget about your guests.
Your guests are here to support you. Many will travel during the winter months through weather and holidays to support you and your partner. You want to ensure that your guests are taken care of, from accommodations, to transportation, and warmth. Keep an open line of communication with all of your guests, and create a mutual understanding that it may not be the best, or most affordable, time for all your guests to make it. The holiday season can be a financial stress for many families, so don’t take it too hard if your loved ones cannot make it.
DON’T challenge Mother Nature.
Winter is unpredictable. If you’re having an event that is a snowy destination, with guests traveling in, you will need to be prepared that there may be a snow storm, blizzard, or transportation may be at a standstill. There needs to be a clear line in which you call it a day, and a true Act of God, in which safety of yourselves, wedding party, and loved ones is more important. The show cannot go on in dangerous weather, and no one will hate you for it.
Just because you’re out of the peak wedding months doesn’t mean that a winter wedding requires less planning. It will still take adequate planning and you will still have to follow the planning checklist and remember all of the details. But, unlike a summer wedding, there are elements of winter weather that can greatly impact your wedding day. Do remember your guests’ time, budgets, and overall comfort. And don’t forget that mother nature plays a large role in the winter time and things may not happen according to plan. But, if you do create a plan B, and maybe even a plan C, your wedding will truly be a winter wonderland, full of love and magic. So, enjoy the season – we know we will.
Lori Losee is the owner of Elegant Affairs, a Tacoma Wedding Planner with over 19 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.
