winter wedding advice

Saying ‘I Do’ in the winter can vary dramatically depending on where in the Rockies you pick. For some states, winter means cooler temperatures and for others it could mean inches of snow. Regardless of your destination, keep in mind a winter wedding doesn’t always need to pair with snow. Plus, you can’t rely on mother nature! There’s plenty of special touches you can only pull off during this time of the year - like decor, cozy wardrobes and being able to utilize seasonal floral and food. We’ve compiled tips and stories from bride’s and industry professionals who’ve planned and pulled off the ultimate winter wedding, to offer you guidance and inspiration for your big day!

Weather is at the top of the list when it comes to planning a winter wedding. Chances are you will experience cold weather or snow. Don’t sweat it, that’s the look you’re going for, right? Guests will expect cold weather but making them feel safe should be a top priority! Be sure to check for road closures the day before and day of your wedding, especially if your venue requires travel along busy interstates. It’s also helpful to include your local department of transportation’s info on your wedding website or invitation, so guests can easily access road closures and be up to date of any changes. If your ceremony and reception are at different venues, allow guests additional time to travel between.

The weather in the mountains can be unpredictable, plan to be flexible and know that it's a small price to pay to be in such an incredible setting. It’s definitely worth it.

“Dress in layers! This goes for the couple and the photographer. For the couple: hand warmers and layers are your friend. Wearing a suit? Plan on wearing long underwear underneath it and plenty of wool socks. Wearing a long dress? Leggings, snow boots, and a coat to wear between shots. You can change out of your snow boots into pretty shoes before and after pictures,” Miranda Sylvester, Lemon and Honey Photos

“For grooms, suit materials can be fairly thin so don't underestimate layering underneath too if you can! Of course, when you're moving from outdoor portraits back to indoors for your ceremony or reception, you won't want to wear all that extra clothing, so don't forget to factor in a few extra 15-30 minutes in your timeline so you can change/lighten your wedding wardrobe for the remainder of your celebration,” Laurie K Jensen Photography

“Pop of color—you can get away with more color than you might at other times of the year in your outfit. P.S. a little red lipstick can be MAGIC! Keep your outfit practical (to a reasonable degree). I totally understand wanting to go epic, but if you do, do that outfit first and then switch into something else for the rest of the night,” Erin Wheat Photography

There’s a chance weather could delay your out-of-town guests travel plans. You don’t want that impacting your wedding, so, it’s a good idea to suggest to your guests to fly out a day or two early just to be safe. You can also post on your website a list of fun activities or must-see’s in the nearby area to make the most of their extra time. If you're getting married at a mountain venue, remind guests they might need to rent a car to make it there.

Ask your caterer or beverage vendor if they offer any seasonal menu options. Often times, they’ll be able to add unique touches to your plates or drinks. For dessert, you can opt to do a s'more station outside if your venue permits. When it comes to the drinks, you can play around with seasonal and warm choices like a peppermint schnapps or spiked cider.

ADVICE:

“One of my brides had the best ideas for her signature cocktails—each was a “usual” cocktail with a winter spin. One of her cocktails was a frosted cranberry margarita, another a pomegranate champagne spritz, and another was an old fashion with a twist.” Lemon and Honey Photos

“We had all of the bridal party wear fur coats or stoles that allowed them to stay warm and provided an extra layer of texture to our looks! Plus everyone wore boots which definitely came in handy after stomping around in the snow for hours,” Rachel Melton. Brides or the entire bridal party can opt to wear cozy elements like shawls or fur to stay warm and play into the winter wedding feel. Long sleeve dresses made of unique materials like velvet or sequin are also a winter favorite! When it comes to your guests - let them know your dress code on your website or invitation so they can dress and pack accordingly. It’s also helpful to include if your ceremony is outdoors. If so, it’s a good idea to offer blankets, scarfs or hand warmers for your guests. Layers are your best friend no matter your role in the wedding and keep footwear in mind. It can be helpful to suggest to guests and your bridal party to forego open-toed shoes, especially if you’re expecting snow. Don’t forget about sunglasses, water and chapstick - very important if you’re at high altitude!

When it comes to decorating, embrace the beauty of mother nature. Play into your venue, weather and scenery. Think special decor like faux fur accents, cozy plaid blankets or romantic candles. Ask your florist about utilizing seasonal floral such as camellias, a white winter gem who’s petals are perfectly layered and bloom during early winter months. Hypericum berries are another winter wedding favorite. They provide a fun pop of color and texture and are showstoppers in boutonniere’s.

ADVICE: “Winter wedding elements I have loved include flannel pajamas to get ready in (instead of satin robes); hot cocoa and coffee after the reception, instead of the usual coffee only; using local and seasonal foliage for floral arrangements only - uhm, hello pinecones.” Lemon and Honey Photos

“Choose a location that best highlights the winter season! The mountains right after snowfall, Downtown’s Christmas twinkling lights, or a cozy stay in a photoshoot for engagement photos.” Tori Pena Photography