Winter Wonderland

As the dark nights draw in and the colder days are upon us we can safely say that the sizzling summer along with its long hazy days and breezy nights are well and truly over. Many brides would have had amazing wedding summer spectacles, for all to enjoy but what about those December brides who are planning a winter wedding? Perhaps you have thought of having your wedding in the cold, icy months ahead, but are not quite sure how to get it right?

Here at one wedding we will share our tips for the perfect winter wonderland wedding that will warm your heart and cockles without looking like a cold bitter ice maiden!
When deciding on your winter wedding think location. Your wedding and reception are inside so it needs to be held somewhere warm and inviting with a cosy attracting feel. Think old buildings, an old hotel or manor house, a castle somewhere with plenty of history you could even have your reception in a beautiful converted barn! Somewhere you can have a roaring log fire and feel safe and secure wrapped up inside.

Colours are very important as it is cold outside you’ll need warm tones to make the inside feel inviting, but try not to overdo things you don’t want your wedding day resembling Santa’s grotto! Colours such as red and green are a definite winner but silvers and whites with satin ribbon, crystals and plenty of sparkle will still look fetching too!
Think about how you will decorate your reception this is of the upmost importance you could have the grandest castle in all the land but the inside could feel empty and cold. Remember the warm tones mentioned before, candle light and fairy lights will help achieve this. Magical arrangements will make your venue feel truly exquisite with seasonal effects such as Christmas trees, bunting, reefs, foliage, pine cones, snowflake confetti and rose petals, crackers on the guest’s tables and mini stockings hanging from white twigs in glass vases all create a stunning end product.

Frosty pastel colours can look also look amazing and help to create a magical wonderland hideout. Think crystal candle holders, chandeliers, Christmas tree with sparkling, twinkling lights, white sprayed twigs with silver and pastel colour baubles hanging on each table and snow globes with a picture of the happy couple inside.
Guests will need to feel warm after plenty of standing around outside in the cold. Your guests could be given mulled wine, warm pimms on their arrival or even hot chocolate and coco!

For food think traditional, a hog roast or beef wellington. Roasted chestnuts, dates and almonds are all little added extras that make a difference. How about home made short cake or ginger bread houses which can be handed out to the guests as nibbles to eat whilst enjoying their warm drinks!

For flowers think traditional and in season, out with the tropical bouquet and in with the simplistic winter greenery. Orchids, Red Roses, Amaryllis, Calla Lilies, Winter Jasmine, Freesias, Cyclamen, Irises, Winter Blossom are all beautiful flowers that will look spectacular in a winter arrangement. Bouquets made up with plenty of festive foliage such white snowberries, bombastic sprayed roses, silver Bruma Berries, million star gyssophia, lavender and thyme will all look magical with added diamantes in the blooms too.
The wedding cake again, decoration holds the key. A vintage cake with icicles and dusted icing sugar is a classic delight or perhaps feathers and bows, editable silver and gold glitter all add a touch of winter magic.

Last but not least remember the UK weather! Wrap up warm! There are many beautiful fur capes for brides and bridesmaids on the high street.
Get guests to wrap up with coats and gloves have wellies if it has been raining and the floor is still sludgy! And umbrellas on standby! Perhaps you could provide fleece blankets for guests on arrival if sitting in a cold old church? Or make sure the log fire has plenty of wood on the burner and is roaring away! Background music with Christmas classics such as fairytale of New York will jolly the guests up along with their favourite warm tipple!
These are just some tips that will help create your winter wedding into a magical day no one will ever forget!