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Local experts deliver a Santa’s sackful of winter wedding inspiration

EMBRACE THE HYGGE

As we’ll likely to be spending most of our wedding day indoors we’d like to include some extra special touches to create a magical atmosphere for our guests to enjoy – any ideas? Laura says: When it comes to winter weddings this year, we’re thinking all about the hygge – bringing a sense of warmth and cosiness to the day with thoughtful touches like fleece blankets, scatter pillows and faux-fur throws for guests to snuggle up in. Treats like hot-chocolate stations, sweet carts and freshly made popcorn that your loved ones can help themselves to, along with flickering candles and festoon lighting, all help create a feeling of happy contentment. After the past 18 months, this year should be all about creating a wonderful atmosphere for family and friends to catch up and spend quality time together while celebrating your wedding. Ensuring there’s plenty for them to do is also important; create memories by having a photo booth, or hire instant cameras for a DIY option. A dedicated kids’ area with a tepee filled with toys, books and crafts to keep the little ones amused is also a great idea. Allowing everyone at your wedding to feel included, relaxed and fully immersed in the moment is a key principal of the Danish ethos of hygge and a wonderful theme to have for your special day. It can apply to everything from the biggest aspects of your day to the smallest. Think natural light and green centrepieces, with festive-scented candles burning in the evening, so your guests catch the scent as they mix and mingle. A stack of traditional games is also great for bringing guests of all ages together and can create wonderful memories.

’TIS THE SEASON

What colours and decorative details would you recommend to create a seasonal look for a winter wedding reception that’s cosy and not too over the top? Lois says: As the seasons change and we move into late autumn, early winter I always recommend minimal colour with lots of candlelight. I love white and neutral tones, especially at the vineyard because I think the colours from the vines speak for themselves. In early November, the leaves are a beautiful burnt orange and provide not only a stunning backdrop for photos, but inspiration for the big-day colour palette too.

You can’t go wrong with floating candles, log slices and lanterns for the venue styling. We provide fairylights in the Old Winery and under the Byre to add extra twinkle to your day. As the daylight hours get shorter and the sun sets, candles create a romantic yet snug atmosphere. For the Christmas period, subtle metallics work well with a rich burgundy or forest green colour scheme, providing a natural festive feel without over doing it. If you’re a big fan of the season, why not have baubles as favours, mini-Christmas trees as centrepieces and hot chocolate and marshmallows as a winter warmer after the meal? One of my favourite things about this time of year is the moody twilight hours, so make sure you check what time the sun is setting, grab your photographer and head out for some stunning photos!

Lois Baw | Weddings and events team | Three Choirs Vineyards Hampshire | www.vineyard-weddings.co.uk

www.weddingsbytom.co.uk

How can we make the most of the season for magical winter wedding photos and overcome some of the seasonal challenges such as bad weather and lack of light? Dom says: The key to enjoying a winter wedding and capturing magical photographs is to be selective. Cold and damp weather, bare trees and windswept landscapes don’t lend themselves naturally to feelings of joy and wellbeing, so when planning your big day, try to minimise the impact as much as possible. Stay cosy indoors and focus on what’s going to make you feel festive.

A professional photographer will adapt to the situation and guide you through. If Sealed with a kiss outside Romsey Abbey you’re having fullday coverage, shots of your bridal preparations during the morning will be much as they might be in the summer. Although soft, natural window light during the winter actually makes for more flattering portraits.

For indoor ceremonies, well-lit rooms are always a boon to photographers. In dark spaces, we need to use camera settings that can make for grainier photos. If it’s dry, formal shots might still be possible outside. Use architecture as your backdrop rather than bare trees, and keep in mind that your guests won’t want to hang around in the cold for long! There should also be enough space for family photographs indoors – a staircase is ideal for larger groups. Instead of worrying though, why not embrace the rich colours of winter and ask your florist to include seasonal blooms? For your reception, seek out venues with a traditional ambience. Think wood panelling, chandeliers and add decorations like seasonal berries, pine cones and fairylights, all of which can be featured in images of the day.

Dom Brenton | Wedding photographer www.dombrenton.com

Image: www.photosbyjim.co.uk, Hair & make-up, www.amazing-face.co.uk

BEAT THE CHILLS

We’re getting married in December and I’m worried I’ll look washed out in the photos if most of them have to be taken inside. What would you suggest for standout bridal glam, whatever the weather? Caroline says: First things first; get your skin in tip-top condition, as it’s hungrier for moisture in the winter due to the drying effects of central heating and chilly winds. Keeping your complexion well hydrated is something I can’t stress enough; try Trilogy Rosehip oil at night; perfect for overall skin health and radiance. ❤ Next avoid products with SPF which can make you look paler in photos taken indoors. Use a liquid cream foundation to keep your skin moist and to provide good coverage in case of flushed cheeks caused by temperature extremes going in and out. ❤ Work with the winter conditions, use light-reflecting foundation/concealer to counteract any bluish facial tone. Blue-toned lipsticks or blusher can be used though to maintain constant colour for photos inside or out. ❤ Give your make-up a colourful twist to create interest. A smoky eye with a red lip always works well, and a pop of pink cream blusher looks fabulously Snow White! These colours are also longer lasting than neutral shades which in winter can make you look washed out. ❤ Embrace your natural skin tone. Many brides try to go for a warmer look in winter when in fact if they’re an English rose it’s a huge mistake to pile on bronzer; instead a pink-toned pressed or loose powder will give you a lovely natural warmth.