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Winter weddings can be whimsical, magical, and downright romantic, and usually go off without a hitch. But along with saying “I Do” during the colder and darker winter months, comes a few inevitable obstacles. With a bit of planning and preparation, your winter wedding will be just as cozy and intimate as you imagine.

We’ve rounded up some of our favorite tips for embracing the cold weather on your big day to make winter wedding planning easy.

Embrace the Great Outdoors

Just because your wedding is scheduled during the winter months, doesn’t mean that you need to hibernate indoors. Consider turning your favorite winter wonderland into a comfortable setting for your guests with a cozy tent, heaters, and warm lighting. If it happens to snow on your big day, use the backdrop to your advantage! Brave the cold to make sure you get some outdoor photos – falling snow will make for a dramatic and beautiful addition to your wedding photos.

Think Cozy

If your venue has a fireplace, use it! We love the idea of saying “I Do” in front of a blazing fire, with snow falling quietly outside. Regardless of whether you’ll be using an indoor venue or transforming an outdoor space, we suggest using warm accents to create a cozy and romantic setting. Think garland, blankets, twinkle lights, and candles. 

Go Formal, and Don’t Forget the Accessories

There’s no time like winter time to host a black tie affair. You can rest easy knowing none of your guests will be overheated in suits and long gowns, and the formal dress code will add to the majestic atmosphere.

The bride and bridal party may consider wearing fur shawls or romantic capes when outdoors, or opting for color-coded peacoats (white for the bride, and matching coats for the rest of the girls). Also consider adding thick tights if it’s exceptionally cold.

If you’ve ever played with the idea of velvet blazers for the guys, this is your time to shine. Velvet is making a comeback in a major way this winter season, and the rich material will add warmth and dimension to your wedding party lineup.

Finally, choose winter-friendly footwear for the entire party. At a minimum, the girls should choose closed-toe shoes, but boots may provide maximum warmth, protection, and comfort. Start browsing now for stylish options that will fit your wedding’s theme and look good with the clothes you’ve chosen for your wedding party.

Add Warmth with Colors and Materials

In the winter, it’s easy to get away with metallic colors, fur accents, and bold, crystal details. Embrace white – from the bride’s dress to the linens and flowers, you can’t overdo white when it comes to designing a winter wedding. Adding holiday-inspired décor, including pine cones, Christmas trees, and bells only enhances the whimsical feel.

For couples looking to add bold accent colors to the wedding day palette, think warm reds and golds, rustic greens, or cool blues and silvers.

Winter Skin Prep

Don’t forget to moisturize, and keep some chap stick handy for the entire wedding party. Winter air can be very drying, and staying moisturized will keep your skin feeling fresh.  

Allow for Extra Travel Time

Prepare in advance for bad weather. Allow for extra travel time between where the bridal party will get ready, the ceremony, and the reception, if they’ll be held in different locations.

Add A Coat Check

Since most of your guests will show up in coats, it’s a great idea to offer a coat check. Put someone in charge of collecting and organizing the jackets in a safe and secure location. This will keep jackets out of your guest’s way, and off of your reception chairs or benches.

Play Up the Send-Off 

Think outside the box, and get creative with your send-off. Because this can be done outdoors in a relatively short period of time, your photographer can capture some incredible photos of you and your guests in a winter wonderland. We love the idea of using sparklers, and being pulled away in a horse-drawn sleigh really seals the deal.

If you’re looking for party rentals to complete your wedding day vision, browse our extensive selection of tents, chairs, tables, cooking equipment, accessories, and much more!

For more winter wedding planning inspiration, check out this winter wedding album.

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