Winter weddings are one of the best kept secrets in the industry, and we’re here to tell you why. Most couples desire the bright colors and long days of Summer, or the changing leaves, accompanied with the mild temperatures of Fall. Over 80% of wedding happen between May and October, so why not break the mold and show some love to the forgotten winter months? December, January, and February deserve to have your ‘Save the Dates’ too. Here are some unique, fun, and memorable ways to have a magical winter wedding!
1. Heat Things Up Behind the Bar
Ditch the tropical cocktails and go for something a little more festive for your winter wedding. Think cinnamon spice mulled wine or a winter cranberry sangria. Try a create-your-own hot chocolate bar with all the fixings…like peppermint candy canes, marshmallows, or cinnamon sticks! Brit + Co wrote an article focusing on signature cocktails that are perfect for your winter wedding. It’s a quick read with some amazing ideas, and you should definitely check it out!
2. Cozy Wedding Favors
Let’s be honest, the weatherman on the local news does the best he can, but sometimes you just can’t predict the weather…especially here in Tennessee. So why not choose something warm and cozy for your wedding favors? Think soft fuzzy blankets, ear muffs and mittens, or even have a hot cocoa/coffee bar set up for your guests to sip on during your ceremony! One of the more interesting things we’ve seen is a couple that gave out little goodie bags with all the ingredients to make s’mores. Then, at the reception, they had a cozy little bonfire area where their guests could roast marshmallows, sip cider, and really embrace the colder weather.
3. Embrace the Winter Season
Let’s be honest the weatherman on the local news does the best he can, but sometimes you just can’t predict the weather…especially here in Tennessee. While summer wedding may ensure a warm ceremony, there’s nothing more magical than photos from a crisp wintry wedding. Head over to Brides.com to take a look at a full gallery of stunning snow filled wedding pictures. They are incredibly beautiful!
4. Decorative Escort Cards
We just love the idea of Christmas ornaments as escort cards. Not only is this festive for the season, but your guests can take them home as a keepsake after!
5. Let It Snow
Maybe you chose a winter wedding because you want to get married in a snowy winter wonderland with your spouse-to-be. We may not be able to control the weather, but there are ways to make it “snow” as you walk down the aisle. Many rental companies offer snow machines that will ensure you get to say “I do” and kiss your groom under a magical snowy day.
6. Choose a Fitting Color Palette
One reason people shy away from winter weddings is because they correlate it to dark and cold colors. This doesn’t have to be the case! There are so many combinations that will work with your winter wonderland wedding! The green, red , and white below gives off the Christmas vibe, and is such a pretty and traditional combination. You can find so many more color palettes if you click here!
7. Seasonal Table Settings
Take a unique spin on your table decor. Love the vibe this setting is giving off in the pic below! Check out even more winter table setting ideas here!
8. Use your venue‘s decorations
Most venues will put up some sort of decoration for Christmas time. Don’t be afraid to use it! We love to decorate for Christmas at The Estate at Cherokee Dock, and nothing would make us happier than to see couples using our decor for their wedding.
9. Outside is still an option!
Yes, it’s more than likely going to be cold. That’s okay! Take a quick look at the photo below. The space heaters look as if they are part of the decoration! They don’t have to be an eye sore and can create the warm, inviting ambiance your are looking for.
10. Save some money!
If for no other reason, you will more than likely be able to save some cash during the winter months. Most venues and vendors offer off-seasons pricing, that will help drastically cut your costs! At some venues, you could expect to trim 20% – 30% off your venue bill, which is typically one of the highest budgetary costs.
While winter weddings are definitely a rare occasion, don’t let that deter you. Be bold, break the mold, and embrace the cold! A well organized, tastefully designed winter wedding is surely to be a unique one. Let us know if you are still searching for the perfect place to say “I Do”, we would love to talk to you. Give us a call at (615) 609-0099, or fill out a form here!
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