Walking in a Winter Wonderland
The cooler months are officially here, which means winter weddings! We know, we know—they seem like more of a hassle than your summer ceremony, but the right planning keeps Old Man Winter at bay and captures the magic of late-year celebrations.
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1. Do Remember the Holidays
As magical as winter weddings are, they’re also smack-dab in the middle of the holidays. This causes all sorts of issues from declined invitations to expensive travel costs. Keep these things in mind when planning your wedding—you can still enjoy a winter wonderland without the headache.
2. Do Warm Up Guests
Guests can bundle up but winter still packs a bitter punch. Everything from heaters to spare blankets goes a long way with loved ones, though you can also invest in spare scarves or hand warmers.
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3. Do Have Emergency Kits
No bride is complete without an emergency kit. Often filled with makeup, blotting pads, and mini first aid kits, those winter packs will need a bit more to beat the chill. Don’t forget items like chapstick, hand warmers, and even tissues for running noses.
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4. Do Have a Backup Plan
God may laugh at our plans, but so does Old Man Winter. Stop him in his tracks with a thorough backup plan. Now’s the time to consider every “what if” scenario, including what happens if vendors can’t make it, what to do if flights are canceled, and how to proceed if you’re snowed out.
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5. Do Wear Winter Accessories
Accessories are still a must—even during a winter wedding! Once you’ve nailed down the jewelry, think about additional stylish items like shawls, removable sleeves, or even faux fur. Of course, don’t forget about the gloves and scarves.
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6. Do Consider Travel Time
Winter isn’t exactly the time for a destination wedding. If you’d like to exchange vows in the snow, keep venues close so everyone makes it safely. Now’s a good time to also finalize your contingency plan if flights get canceled or delayed.
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7. Do Offer Welcome Drinks
There’s nothing like hot chocolate on a winter day—why deny guests the pleasure? In addition to signature cocktails, offer items to beat the cold! Whether it’s traditional hot chocolate or mulled wine, guests will adore the gesture.
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8. Do Have an Appropriate Dress Code
It’s natural for weddings to have dress codes, but a winter scene calls for more prep. Focus on safety and comfort over aesthetics. Ensure everyone comes prepared with the right outdoor gear, especially if your ceremony is outside.
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9. Do Plan for Shorter Days
The average wedding begins in the evening—emphasis on average! Remember those shorter days when you plan a winter wedding start time. By the time 6:00 p.m. rolls around, the daylight’s gone and you’ll be in the dark.
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10. Do Have Coat (and Boot) Check
Coat check can seem rather fancy, but winter weddings mean guests are clad head-to-toe in accessories. Coat and boot check allows attendees to slip into something more comfortable, and leave their belongings in a safe area.
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Now that we’ve covered some of the basics, let’s dive into common winter wedding mistakes that can bury your day in the snow.
1. Don’t Roast Guests
Space heaters are all well and good, but there is such a thing as too hot. It only takes a few minutes to get warm indoors, so don’t crank the heat. The last thing you want is a hot yoga studio for your venue.
2. Don’t Take All Your Photos Outdoors
Bad lighting harms more than your ceremony—it makes photos a nightmare! Rather than abandon guests in the snow, move photos inside. Loved ones can keep warm while you capture the magic with your wedding party.
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3. Don’t Forget Hydration
Water isn’t just for hot days! Proper hydration ensures glowing skin and elevated energy levels. Sip throughout the day to keep things (and your body) running smoothly.
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4. Don’t Have Holiday Themes
It’s tempting to veer into Christmas-themed weddings, but it’s also a fast track to tackiness. While one or two elements aren’t the end of the world, don’t go overboard with holiday themes. It’s your day—make it such!
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5. Don’t Assume It’ll be Cheap
Winter weddings seem more affordable. The summer rush is over, and surely no one wants to bear the cold…right? Wrong. Between typical wedding costs and additional services like snow removal or heating, price tags often skyrocket.
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6. Don’t Keep Guests in the Dark
Winter weddings aren’t the time for surprises. Let guests know where photos are happening and if your ceremony’s outside. It’s not overkill to keep loved ones in the loop.
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7. Don’t Forget Your Boots
We love outdoor shoots as much as the next bride, but pack accordingly! While flats are way more comfortable for a night of dancing and mingling, boots help you trudge through the snow without freezing.
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8. Don’t Send Invitations Late
Any wedding calls for ample notice, especially winter ceremonies. Send out invites well in advance so people have time to work out holiday plans, book plane tickets, and find appropriate attire.
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9. Don’t Forget Insurance
Not every couple opts for wedding insurance—some see it as an added expense and would rather tempt fate than spring for a safety net. However, it’s something to consider with winter weddings. Most plans cover vendor no-shows or inclement weather and it’s worth the cost for peace of mind.
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10. Don’t Worry All Day
Wedding planning is stressful, but enjoy your hard work now that the big day’s finally here! Try not to get too hung up on what could go wrong. Embrace what you can’t change and dance the night away!
