Planning Your Winter Wedding

Did he propose to you during the holidays? Did he leave a knee print in the snow, or did he surprise you with a gift under the tree? Did your breath shimmer as he placed the ring on your finger, and you thought this is the most exquisite season for your love?

Give yourselves a year to organize the most magical moment of your lives as you plan for the wedding of your dreams next winter.

Winter is such a magical time of the year that is full of celebrations, family, laughter and cheer. Use the elegance of winter in your wedding for a glamorous and exotic feel that can’t be felt under the scorching heat of summer.

Once you have decided what colour and décor scheme you plan on following, visit all the clearance sales that will be happening right after the holidays. You will save a lot of money and remember that everything that you purchase can be used in your home for all of the holidays to follow.

Borrow from friends and family the things that you might use to decor your hall. Artificial trees, decorations, lights. To get the feel of the holidays, try to bring the outdoors in. Try using potted plants as centerpieces and then decorate them to fit your scheme.

There are many things to consider when booking your event. The location? Local accommodations? The ambiance? Many places already use heavy décor for the holidays and may save you time and money in the long run. Choose a place with a fire place to create the feeling of warmth. Old Inns are a perfect choice for warmth and ambiance. Places that offer winter activities like a ski resorts will put all your guests in the mood for the holidays and give them some fun activities before and after your wedding. During cocktails consider having hosts who serve hot chocolate, eggnog and spiced wines for a special treat to help everyone warm up this time of year.

Keep in mind that we are not always guaranteed snow in Canada so be prepared to improvise. Also when looking for your hall and or church, look into heating as some old churches can be quite drafty and some halls are not adequately heated during the winter months.

Should the snow prevail, don’t forget to get yourself a cloak, cape, wrap or some fur that accentuates your beautiful gown. Your bridesmaids are going to need something to cover up as well. You can accessorise with these to dress up any gown.

Themes can be so fun during this season. You can go for the icy look with diamonds, glitter, creamy whites and beautiful silvers, even a touch of blues to give that frosty look. You can do a more traditional look with the deep greens and sharp reds of Christmas. Poinsettias and artificial trees are a wonderful way to dress up the room. Maybe you are more interested in making it a winter wonderland. Use snowflakes and star lights to cozy up your hall, hang and old pair of skates above the fireplace. Incorporate all things of winter that you love into your wedding day.

Whatever the theme that you decide to go with for your winter wedding, know that with a little research and imagination, you can get everything that you need suited to winter. Bouquets made perfectly for your theme, favours that your guest with love and cherish, an instant ambiance that cannot be questioned.

I personally could not think of a more magical time of year to exchange vows, and celebrate love in its purist form.

Happy Holidays!

Laura Forbes