Winter weddings are gaining popularity these days due to various reasons. Winter can give an intimate and cosy atmosphere the, and the opportunity to save money on your wedding. But, planning a winter wedding comes with challenges and pitfalls. With proper planning, these are issues you can avoid. As an experienced wedding photographer, I have covered many winter weddings. I have learned several dos and don’ts that can contribute to the success of your big day. Here are some of them:

Winter weddings at Hazelwood Castle — 0030 Portfolio scaled

Choose a venue that can accommodate both indoor and outdoor activities.

We all know that British weather can be unreliable. The cold weather can make this truer than ever. For this reason it’s very important to choose a venue with plenty of both indoor and outdoor space. You can enjoy a snow-covered landscape and a warm fireplace. You can light up an outside ceremony with hundreds of twinkling lights. Nonetheless, it is crucial to prepare for weather conditions such as rain, snow, or wind. So, select a venue that can cater to both scenarios and has contingency plans in case of emergencies. For instance, look for a venue equipped with a heated tent, a covered patio, or a spacious hall capable of accommodating all your guests.

Remember to check the sunset time.

Another factor to consider when planning a winter wedding is the timing of sunset. Depending on your location, the sun may set as early as 4 p.m. during the winter months. This implies fewer daylight hours for your photos. This may limit the potential for outdoor group shots and candid photos. The other side of this coin is that longer nights give access to a romantic, after-dark couples shoot.

wedding photographer captures a newly married couple kissing beneath a lantern

Embrace the winter theme.

A notable advantage of a winter wedding is the ability to incorporate a winter theme. You may carry this through into your decorations attire, and menu. Use colours like white, silver, blue, or burgundy to create a magical winter ambiance. Enhance your centrepieces, bouquets, or favours with winter elements. This might include pine cones, snowflakes, candles, or lanterns. Embrace the winter in your choice of clothing. Consider accessorizing with a faux fur wrap or a scarf to stay warm while exuding elegance. To keep your guests cosy, serve hot foods like soup, hot chocolate, or roasted chestnuts.

wedding guests using the swings at a recption at the triton inn brantingham

Ensure adequate heating and lighting.

Prioritizing your guests’ comfort and safety throughout the wedding is essential. Provide enough heating and lighting, particularly if you have planned outdoor activities. Check with your venue about their heating and lighting to ensure they meet your needs. If necessary, consider renting extra heaters, generators, or lamps. Additionally, offer blankets or hand warmers to your guests. They’ll appreciate it!

Print 0001 of 0001 Donna Dave 23 10 2021 320 of 327 — A winter wedding at Dunedin House, East Yorkshire

Engage a professional wedding photographer.

It is crucial to hire a professional wedding photographer experienced in capturing them. Winter weddings present certain photography challenges, including low light, harsh shadows, and glare. Choose a photographer who has the skills to overcome these obstacles and beautifully capture your wedding. They understand how to leverage the early nights and low light to their advantage.

0107 Portfolio scaled — Winter Weddings at Tickton Grange Hotel

Conclusion

Opting for a winter wedding can be an excellent choice for several reasons. Winter weddings offer a unique and magical atmosphere. The cosy and intimate setting adds an extra layer of warmth and romance to the occasion.

Hosting a winter wedding can provide cost-saving opportunities, as venues and vendors may reduce their rates. The winter theme allows for creative and elegant décor choices, embracing the beauty of the season and adding a touch of whimsy. Lastly, with careful planning and consideration of potential challenges, such as weather and lighting, a professional wedding photographer can capture stunning and breath-taking moments amidst the winter landscape.

Overall, a well-planned winter wedding can provide a captivating and unforgettable celebration that stands out from the traditional spring and summer weddings whilst presenting exceptional value.

I hope you enjoyed reading my blog post. If you are interested in learning more, or hiring me as your wedding photographer, please get in touch with me via my website or email me at [email protected] I would love to hear from you.