Planning a Christmas Wedding?

“A popular colour scheme around Christmas can be red and gold, so why not try to incorporate that into your bouquet?”

Winter weddings are getting more and more popular as time goes on; between 2013 and 2014 there was a 69% increase in weddings being held in the winter months and we can see why! With winter being out of season for weddings, venues and suppliers are cheaper and willing to haggle over prices, not to mention cosy aesthetic of a winter evening by a fireplace!

With a winter wedding, it’s a lot easier to predict the weather. It’s very rare that you’ll get a sunny warm day, so it’s easier to plan your outfits around the expectation of rain and a chilly breeze. The safer choice is to pick a venue that isn’t based outdoors with gardens and finding the venue you love that clicks with you and your partner.

You could also add some Christmas-sy vibes to your outfit if you’re planning on being a winter bride; a little faux fur on the hem, a comfy shrug to keep you warm, maybe even something knitted! A popular colour scheme around Christmas can be red and gold, so why not try to incorporate that into your bouquet? Add some poinsettias and lilies for that seasonal feel, or even some holly leaves and berries (be careful of those pointy leaves though!) mixed with mistletoe. Grooms can join in on the seasonal styles as well by adding some holly to their boutonnière, colour matching their outfit with their partner — may be a rich red tie, or experimenting with different colours and styles of suit jacket?

Now one of the great things about having your wedding at Christmas time is that your family is already gathered and there’s less chance of people not turning up! Having your wedding around Christmas lets the usual host have a break from cooking and finally join in with the festivities. You may have to convince your friends, but we think a good idea would be to have it as close as possible to Christmas instead; perhaps on a day leading up to Christmas, or Christmas Eve? You’ll still get the same amazing festive vibes from your day, and just think of all the wonderful love you’ll feel around you from your closest friends!

How’s this for an idea: have a pot of mulled wine available for when your guests arrive at your ceremony? It’s entirely possible that it could be chilly at the morning ceremony, so a nice mulled punch would be a great way to warm up your friends and family, giving them a great taster for the rest of your wedding reception!

It doesn’t have to be alcoholic either, a simple mulled punch containing cinnamon, apple, clementine and cloves bubbling over a low heat to keep it warm. Look up some unique recipes to give your guests that winter warmth in their bellies. While you’re at it, why not add some Christmas treats as hors d’oeuvres? Give your guests a little mini-mince pie munch, some gingerbread biscuits, or even some petite Christmas puddings! If you have a caterer lined up for your wedding, why not brainstorm with them for ideas to really liven up your wedding and bring something unique to your celebrations? A great caterer should be able to give you professional advice on what canapes will work for your guests and what they can provide to really make your day feel extra special.

Here’s another idea (if your budget allows it!); hire a catering van or two for an outdoor Christmas market feel to your wedding. It’s a great idea for that in-between moment after your ceremony and just before your reception/dinner to keep your guests entertained while everything is re-arranged behind the scenes! Have a nice little hot chocolate stand, a traditional german bratwurst caterer, some pastries…maybe even a crepe van! Make sure you add a little heated seating area for your guests if you’re hosting it outdoors to keep them warm while they enjoy their treats. Obviously, we realise this is way over most budgets but it’s fun to see what you can come up with for your Christmas wedding!

Let us know your big dreams for your Christmas/Winter Wedding! Follow us on Twitter or Facebook, and let us know about your big plans ;)

See you next week.

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Photo Credit: beemohr, @soroushkarimi, @gdyson, @rosssneddon.