Advice for winter wedding couples
With many people who had to wait last year, this wedding season has been one of the busiest in memory for many in the industry, and I expect this to continue even into the harsh of winter. Winter weddings can be magical if you plan them right! Don’t be afraid of the cold! With some cool considerations, and practical tips, you can make a great day for your guests and yourselves.
1: Plan them to happen in the afternoon, not the evening!
Canberra is surrounded by mountains and for Canberra winter weddings, the temperature drops fast at night. The days are beautiful and crisp, but the evenings are bitter. Don’t get caught out by this. 11am starts are great so you can do lunch in the clean winter air. If you can be having your ceremony by 2pm and your photos by 3 or 3:30pm, you’ll generally have the best light and best ambiance as well! – Just make sure you get ready early and you’re not late or you’ll miss this!
2: Stay at the one venue (If you can)
As much as people can, this is a tip I would give to anyone anyway. This not only means one set of venue hire, but convenience for your guests and less time eaten out of your day in a car (It’s the fastest day of your life, so this counts for double!). Staying in one place means people can get warm and comfortable in one place. Travel in the cold can fatigue guests and yourselves! Canberra has plenty of venues that can accommodate Ceremony, photoshoot and reception. Lanyon Homestead in Tharwa and Pialligo Estate come to mind as some beautiful options for outdoor ceremony and indoor reception.
3 Keep your guests warm with a hot drink on arrival and heating!
Perhaps hire a barista and arrange them to cater your guests. If you have more adventurous guests, you can also consider having hot mulled wine or cider ready for them! This would be a personal favourite for me! Outdoor heating and Chemical heater packs are a great idea too. Discuss your options with the venue and see what works. - Don’t be afraid to hire extra heaters if you want them.
4: Take advantage of availability
Winter being the off season for Weddings, means a lot more availability for clients when looking for vendors. You’re much more likely to be able to book what you want and when, than having to make the compromises that Spring and Autumn weddings do. This means less stress, and the ability to have something closer to your ultimate vision.
5: Embrace the short days, and the theme of winter.
Short days mean cold, long nights and early evenings. This can scare some off, but with some imagination, your wedding can become something even better than it could otherwise. This means more time for fairy-lights and candles, maybe even a bonfire, Which create a beautiful ambiance. Have the room warm and cozy as well, and it’s the perfect winter wedding. Maybe your venue can even accommodate a fireplace! Winter decor can certainly be magical. Floristry being tricky in the cold of winter, things like pine-cones and snow flock can really complete the look and are easy on the wallet!
In conclusion, embracing the cold weather while making sure everyone is comfortable can result in a beautiful and memorable wedding. It can be a unique experience and can allow for greater choice and availability of vendors. Don’t be afraid of the cold!