Have your heart set on a winter wedding for your big day? It’s an unorthodox choice—nearly three-quarters of nuptials take place between May and October—yet if done correctly, a beautiful one. The season, after all, arrives with so many emblems of romance: roaring fires, snow-blanketed landscapes, cozy yet chic fashion, crimson blooms… this writer could go on. (There is, after all, a reason the phrase “winter wonderland” exists.)
But the question is: how do you execute an ethereal affair during the less traditional—and likely cold—time of year? Vogue reached out to multiple companies that specialize in January, February, and March weddings: 42 North, based in Northern Massachusetts, Bluebird Productions, located in Aspen, Augusta Cole in New York City, and event destination specialist Stefanie Cove. They had many dos (like heaters), and some don’ts (like skimping on heaters). But they all agreed on one thing, summed up best by Bluebird’s founder Virginia Frischkorn: “Winter weddings are magical.”
Below, their expert thoughts on wedding planning, from “I do” to the wedding reception.
Do:
The winter months can get busy with holiday festivities, so give your guests the best opportunity of attending by planning ahead. “If you’re set on a date surrounding a major holiday, make sure you send your save-the-dates well in advance,” say Britt Cole and Francie Dorman, founders of 42 North. If you’re looking to cut costs on your budget (and save the trees), send wedding invitations digitally.
“The sun sets the earliest in the winter,” says Cole. “You may want to consider an earlier wedding ceremony time if you want daylight photos or plan for a first look.”
“Have plans A-F ready to go,” says Frischkorn. “Winter weddings have the tendency to be higher-risk events when one considers travel delays for guests and possible weather issues. We suggest all our clients be prepared for wind, rain, snow, and flight delays and think about the ‘what if’s’.”
In colder climates, be flexible with the dress code for your winter wedding guests and bridesmaids. “One of my favorite weddings took place in the mountains and everyone wore white and denim,” shares Cove. “It was very cool and definitely a memorable experience for everyone.”
Never underestimate the winter weather. “You’ll want and need more heaters should any portion of your event be outside,” says Frischkorn. “Tents and venues like barns may not have great heat either—be sure to consult with your planner and venue to make sure it will be warm enough to keep your guests comfortable.”
Frischkorn adds, “We are big fans of offering hand warmers on a tray and warm blankets on the back of ceremony chairs should the ceremony be outside.” Cole and Dorman also recommend complimentary shawls and fire pits, which keep your guests warm and add to your winter wonderland wedding aesthetic.
“Serve hot drinks upon arrival and departure,” says Frischkorn. “We love greeting all of the guests at our winter weddings with a hot cider, hot toddy, or hot chocolate.”
“Use your wintery date as an opportunity to embrace seasonal vegetables, wines, and maybe even a hot soup for your first course,” says Cole and Dorman. “You don’t need to go overboard with holiday thematics but having a small nod to the season through decor, floral or food will acknowledge the spirit of the season in a tasteful way.” Jewel-tone floral arrangements, resembling miniature emerald green Christmas trees, are a stylish option for your bouquet and table décor centerpieces.
“If your event is in a snowy location or requires guests to walk to the venue through snow, why not offer a boot check upon arrival,” says Frischkorn. “Your guests can have their heels and shoes for the party and toes kept warm at entry and departure.”
Don’t risk ruining your brand-new wedding shoes in snow or slushy conditions. “Bring a pair of boots for your outdoor portraits, if you elect for outdoors,” says Frischkorn. “No one will be able to see those Sorels under your dress, and you’ll be more comfortable and thus look better.”
“Your outerwear fashion is very important,” adds Cole. “There will inevitably be a lot of emphasis on your wedding dress, but be sure to layer the look for those key outdoor photos like exiting the ceremony and departing the reception.” Consider opting for an elegant long-sleeve wedding dress.
Cole suggests designing your wedding with ample candlelight. “This doesn’t mean the wedding must feel like it’s straight out of Frozen,” says Frischkorn. “What we mean is that you will want to consider really embracing the season and making sure your wedding feels authentic to the season, venue, and your design aesthetic.”
“Avoid colorful lights and anything loud that will distract from the bride and groom,” adds Cove. “White accents against rich, warm tones are lovely.”
“Add some winter weather emergency numbers to the contact list," says Cole. "Know how to reach the closest snow plow in a pinch and how to de-ice guest paths. You will want the show to go on despite the unruly weather.”
Don’t:
“While they will be pretty in theory, you’ll also have pink cheeks and noses throughout,” says Cole and Dorman. “Working with a top-notch planner and photographer will ensure plenty of indoor locations for first looks and portraits have also been scouted.”
Don’t prioritize your winter wedding vision at the expense of your guests’ comfort. “While ice everywhere can be great, your guests may not want to sit outside in the cold forever,” says Frischkorn. “Uncomfortable guests lead to a party that is less than fun.”
Make sure your guests and wedding party have secured safe transportation arrangements to and from the winter wedding venue. Be ready for various weather conditions, and keep your guest informed of any changes.
Your wedding might fall during the “off-season” in your region, but it could also align with a high tourist season (think New York City) and make it difficult to secure vendors or room blocks, say Cole and Dorman.
“Winter is considered the high season in the mountains, so make sure your guests are financially ready to spend more on flights, hotels, food, skiing, and so on,” says Cove. “This is the most expensive time of the year for many of these destinations, which also often results in multi-night minimum stays.”