'Have you set a date? 'After 'congratulations,' that's pretty much all you’ll hear for the first few weeks after announcing your engagement. But with so many things to think about, how do you select the perfect wedding date?
Whilst brides and grooms typically favour spring and late summer, throwing a winter wedding is fast catching up as a hugely popular time to say, ‘I do’. From crimson blooms and glamorous colour schemes to roaring log fires and fairy lights, the season is naturally filled with magic and romance making the most wonderful time of year the perfect season to tie the knot.
But with so much to embrace, where do you begin? Planning any wedding can be challenging, but winter has its unique hurdles, so we’ve put together a list of 10 ideas to help you make your winter wedding extra special.
Twilight wedding
Say 'I do' under twinkling stars with this swoon-worthy trend! Perfect timing for winter weddings, twilight ceremonies start any time after 5.00 pm and skip the traditional wedding breakfast, leading straight onto a more informal evening meal.
Perfect for those after a relaxed and romantic atmosphere, a twilight ceremony is a great option for couples who want to remove the pressure of all-day entertainment and save a little money to spend elsewhere such as on décor or drinks.
And as the ceremony will take place under the night sky, the trend offers endless possibilities for adding magical touches with fairy lights, sparklers, and fireworks!
Long-sleeved wedding dresses
There’s something so classic about a wedding dress with long sleeves. Perfect for brides getting married in winter, long-sleeved wedding dresses will keep you both warm and stylish.
From trumpet sleeves to high-collared necklines, there's a dress silhouette for every bridal style. Don't forget to top your look off with sparkles, feathers, or a luxurious faux fur coat to embrace the season.
Hot chocolate
Hot chocolate is a perfect idea for every winter wedding. Not only will the fun and tasty menu addition keep your guests toasty and warm, but adults and kids will also love this idea.
The seasonal favourite won't blow your food and beverage budget either and is great for serving before the ceremony to warm everyone up, at cocktail hour if spiked, or even as a late-night sweet treat!
Emerald green wedding theme
The list of colours we associate with winter weddings is ever-expanding. From the classical festive favourite of Christmas red to wonderland hues of greys and blues, brides and grooms are truly spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing a colour palette for their big day.
But one trend that has taken winter weddings by storm is emerald green. The versatile colour can add a glamorous, sophisticated vibe to any theme and can be paired with almost any wedding palette! From pastel hues to neutral tones, it’s perfect both as an accent or primary colour.
Comfort food
Whilst dainty wedding canapes of sweet tartlets and tomato bruschetta are traditional, all-round favourites, winter nuptials call for comfort food. From tender meats and seasonal veggies to warming spices and homely desserts, comfort foods are a great way to make your guests feel nostalgic, warm, and ready to have a good time.
A few of our seasonal favourites include roasted tomato soup, rump of lamb and warm dark chocolate brownie!
Gospel choir
Winter weddings are the perfect opportunity to take full advantage of the season and belt out some good old fashion Christmas songs, and who better to sing them than a gospel choir?
From ‘Santa Baby’ to ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You’, a choir can be a fantastic way to entertain your guests during your reception drinks or as background music at the wedding breakfast and will inject some all-important Christmas spirit into your special day.
Experiment with seasonal flowers
Whilst it’s now possible to buy almost any variety of flower at any time of year, most good florists will work with the seasons ensuring your winter wedding is just as lush and floral-filled as any spring or summer soirée.
By experimenting with winter flowers, you’ll not only benefit from better value for money, but it's a more sustainable choice than importing and you’ll add a special seasonal touch that will enhance the magic of winter.
Festive drinks
Firm festive favourites, a winter wedding wouldn’t be complete without a deliciously spiced mulled wine or sweet and boozy eggnog, and what better way to kickstart the celebrations than by incorporating these classic seasonal favourites into your welcome drinks?
If you want to go all out, try experimenting with winter flavours during your cocktail hour too! Add a little bit of bubbly to your big day with a Champagne and cranberry cocktail or get cosy with the sweet notes of salted caramel, Irish cream, and amaretto.
Seasonal table décor
From berry tones to moody florals, pinecone accents to cosy candles, winter nuptials come at a beautiful time of year leaving our imaginations to run wild when it comes to decorating our wedding tables.
One of the easiest ways to impress your guests is to tap into this and take advantage of the season’s ever-expanding colour pallet and textures. Whether you go for winter blues with metallic accents or rustic neutrals with a sprig of greenery, subtly incorporating seasonal décor into your tablescape will instantly add depth, style and visual interest without having to do much work!
Sparkler send-offs
With shorter days and longer nights, winter weddings call for a touch of magic, and what better way to do so than with sparklers? The perfect way to light up the night sky and create a glimmering exit for newlyweds, sparklers act as both a form of entertainment for guests and the perfect photo opportunity to add to your wedding album.
Another great alternative to a sparkler send-off is to have them as props for your guests during the first dance – just make sure your venue allows them of course!
Winter weddings at One Warwick Park Hotel
Do you have your heart set on a winter wedding? Throughout January and February 2023, couples can enjoy a 50% discount on all ceremony and reception room hire at One Warwick Park Hotel and our sister venue Salomons Estate!
Say ‘I do’ in the charismatic Pantiles District of Royal Tunbridge Wells in our stunning Grade II listed wedding venue. A visionary of architecture and interior design, One Warwick Park Hotel provides couples with a distinctive setting for ceremonies and receptions.
Boasting original 19th-century timber vaults and 15-foot arched windows, our wedding function room offers an exquisitely versatile blank canvas to ensure your special day is as unique and personal as your very own love story.
To start your magical journey to tying the knot, get in touch by emailing us here.
