June is the month for weddings right? Everyone wants to be a June bride, and if June is all booked up, then settling for another summer date will have to do. But what about the winter for a wedding? It is already a festive time of year with friends and family in one place. Many areas are surrounded by a beautiful white blanket of snow that makes a gorgeous backdrop for an elegant wedding. If there isn’t snow, then there are cozy fires and hot chocolate drinks and fluffy slippers. If any of these things sound like you, then a winter wedding should definitely be considered.
You may be a little fearful of a blizzard on your big day, preventing guests from arriving, or a vendor canceling due to the weather, and although you can’t predict the weather you can choose an alternative “just in case” date. To help with this check into wedding insurance. These policies will usually protect you from losing your deposits and any costs related to weather cancellations. This would allow you to choose a new vendor without it costing extra.
1 – Cost
There is one big advantage to a winter wedding. It isn’t the peak time to get married so most vendors offer big discounts. That includes the photographer, DJ, transportation and even the caterer. The one thing that may not be less expensive is the flowers. There are only a few that are in season during the winter so you might have to pay a premium price, or go with your second choice.
2 – Heating
You will want your guests to be protected from the outdoor elements as well as kept warm during the entire event. The marquee hire Warwickshire experts know this and have powerful heaters that distribute the heat evenly throughout the marquee to keep guests warm and comfortable. Many marquees are made with flame retardant PVC which provides safety from whatever element is used to heat the area.
3 – General Protection from the Elements
A sturdy marquee will be in order for a winter wedding. You will want something framed that can withstand higher wind gusts as well as the weight of falling snow. Framed marquees can be installed on any surface because it is secured with weights rather than ropes. In addition, flooring will be important. A marquee without a floor in the winter would be just about impossible to navigate through. When choosing your location for the marquee placement keep in mind that it will need to be accessible to guests, caterers, entertainers, and of course the bride.
4 – Winter Wedding Themes
Winter offers a blank slate as far as themes are concerned. The only word of caution would be to avoid bright spring colours such as pinks, yellows, and lime greens. Traditional Christmas themes such as red and green blended with the winter white make great decor, however don’t go too far into Christmas decorations. Frosted branches and icy blue lighting create a beautiful wintry scene. To add some glamour to the scene, add a touch of gold to the tables and use a crystal tree to catch and reflect light to darker areas. Soft light from the roof of the marquee will add to the elegance.
5 – Accessories and Tabletops
One of the advantages of using a marquee are the many options available to decorate and accessorise the room. Seating areas can include large cushioned sofas, comfortable chairs and end tables holding seasonal scented candles. Add Christmas shades of velvet cushions and string lighting for a romantic appeal. The tabletops would be beautiful adorned in white or red poinsettias and gold ribbon wrapped around the table itself. Door frames and archways strung with silver and gold tinsel can add to the elegance.
6 – The Whole Experience
Many guests may be skeptical of a winter wedding, however after attending the experience of a marquee winter wedding it will be the only one they fully remember. Offer your guests hot chocolate or coffee or maybe some mulled wine and cider as they arrive to the ceremony or reception. Decorate your reception area with a tree adorned with an ornament favour for each guest to take home. Embrace the experience of your day, even the little mishaps that may present themselves. Every wedding deserves a little character.
There is one thing that is more important than anything else on this list. No matter what else happens that day, good or bad, you will be beginning a new life with the person you love most in the world. An added bonus is that a perfect wedding will enthrall your guests from the time they enter the marquee to celebrate with you, until the time they leave. They will be lavished in an experience of a gorgeous wedding done in a wintry elegance.
