Winter is a magical time of year, with its crisp air, sparkling snow, and cozy charm. For couples planning to tie the knot, a winter wedding offers a unique opportunity to create an enchanting celebration that’s truly unforgettable. If you’re considering a winter wedding at The Sixpence, you’re in for a treat! This blog will guide you through everything you need to know to make your special day perfect, from choosing the right date to the best winter wedding ideas. Then you can bring your dream winter wonderland into reality at The Sixpence.
Why Choose a Winter Wedding?
Winter weddings have a charm all their own. Imagine saying “I do” surrounded by a snowy landscape, with twinkling lights adding a magical glow. The Sixpence, with its elegant indoor and outdoor spaces, is the perfect backdrop for a winter celebration. Plus, the contrast of cozy interiors against a chilly outdoor winter wedding creates a warm and inviting atmosphere that’s hard to beat.
Seasonal Benefits and Considerations
One of the biggest perks of a winter wedding is the availability of venues and vendors. Since winter is a less popular time for weddings, you’re more likely to secure your dream winter wedding venue and get the best vendors at a lower cost. However, it’s important to consider the colder weather and holidays when planning your event. A little extra thought into your winter wedding ideas can turn potential challenges into delightful opportunities!
Planning Essentials
When planning your winter wedding, choose a date that makes for a magical setting while considering the budget you’ll need for things like heating and cozy decor.
Setting the Date
When choosing a date for your winter wedding, think about the best winter months for your area. At The Sixpence, December through February offer the most picturesque winter scenes, with the possibility of snow adding a touch of magic. Be mindful of major holidays like Christmas and New Year’s, which might impact guest availability or travel plans.
Budgeting for a Winter Wedding
Winter weddings can be more budget-friendly, but there are some considerations. Winter wedding venues often have off-season rates, which can be a big cost saver. On the flip side, you might need to budget for additional expenses like heating, seasonal decor, or even extra layers for you and your bridal party to stay warm.
Venue Selection
The Sixpence offers stunning indoor spaces with roaring fireplaces and cozy decor or magical outdoor settings you can set up with twinkling lights and warm tents, perfect for a winter wedding.
Indoor Venues
The Sixpence offers stunning indoor spaces, such as The Barn, that are perfect for a winter wedding. Picture an intimate ceremony in a beautifully decorated room with roaring fireplaces, soft candlelight, and elegant winter florals. For your winter wedding reception, think about creating a cozy atmosphere with plush seating, warm blankets, and hot drink stations.
Outdoor Venues
If you’re dreaming of an outdoor ceremony, don’t let the cold deter you! The Sixpence’s outdoor spaces can be transformed into a winter wonderland with twinkling lights, snow-covered landscapes, and warm, inviting tents. Provide guests with blankets and warm drinks to keep them comfortable during your outdoor wedding, and consider setting up heat lamps to ensure everyone stays cozy.
With a full-day rental, you get 14 hours of access to The Barn, complete with all the event furnishings you need. Plus, you’ll have two planning meetings with a venue manager to nail down your floor plan and all the little details for the big day.
Theme and Style
Whether you’re dreaming of a classic winter wonderland, charming, or modern minimalist style, The Sixpence can bring your winter wedding ideas to life with timeless or bold color palettes and thoughtfully curated decor.
Winter Wedding Themes
Whether you’re envisioning a classic winter wonderland, boho winter charm, or a modern minimalist celebration, The Sixpence can accommodate your vision. A classic winter wedding theme might include white, silver, and blue hues while incorporating natural elements like pine cones, wood, and greenery. For a modern twist, think clean lines, simple decor, and bold color accents.
Color Palettes
Traditional winter-themed wedding colors like icy blues, crisp whites, and deep reds never go out of style. However, don’t be afraid to play with unique color combinations like emerald green and gold, or even a moody palette of dark purples and grays for a more dramatic look.
Attire and Accessories
Winter weddings call for elegant attire, with brides in luxurious fabrics and chic accessories, grooms in rich, warm suits, and the bridal party dressed in coordinated seasonal tones with cozy wraps and stylish details.
Bridal Attire
Winter brides have the advantage of choosing from a variety of stunning dress options to match their winter wedding ideas. Long sleeves, luxurious fabrics like velvet or satin, and beautiful embellishments like fur stoles or capes add a touch of elegance and warmth to any winter wedding dress. Don’t forget to accessorize with gloves, shawls, or even a chic winter hat!
Groom’s Attire
Grooms can look dashing in rich fabrics like tweed or wool, paired with a stylish overcoat. Adding a touch of personality with a patterned scarf or gloves can elevate the look while keeping him warm.
Bridal Party Attire
Coordinate your bridal party’s attire with the winter season by choosing dresses in rich, warm tones and providing cozy accessories like wraps or shawls. For the groomsmen, consider suits in deep colors paired with matching scarves or hats.
Floral Arrangements
Floral arrangements are truly the heart of any wedding decor and winter wedding ideas. Whether you’re going for something grand and opulent or simple and understated, the right arrangement can set the tone for your entire event.
Seasonal Flowers
Using seasonal flowers in your wedding isn’t just a great way to keep costs down as well as a chance to celebrate the time of year you’ve chosen for your big day. Winter offers some truly stunning options. Imagine lush amaryllis, classic roses, or elegant calla lilies gracing your arrangements. These flowers thrive in cooler months, ensuring they look fresh and vibrant throughout your event. Plus, choosing what’s in season for a December wedding can often mean richer colors and more unique textures, which can add depth and interest to your floral designs.
Bouquets and Boutonnieres
Bouquets and boutonnieres are more than just accessories, they’re also personal statements. For winter wedding ideas, think about including elements that reflect the season. A wedding bouquet with white roses, eucalyptus, and pinecones, for example, can feel both classic and wintery. For boutonnieres, something simple yet striking like a single rose or a small cluster of berries and greenery can be perfect.
It’s all about creating a cohesive look with winter blooms that tie everything about your winter wedding inspiration, together beautifully.
Decor and Ambiance
Create a cozy winter wonderland for your wedding with winter wedding ideas such as soft lighting, elegant drapery, and seasonal winter wedding decorations. You can make both your ceremony and reception warm, inviting, and beautifully themed.
Ceremony Decor
Transform your ceremony space into a winter dream with soft lighting, elegant drapery, and winter-themed aisle decorations like pine cones, candles, or lanterns. An altar adorned with winter florals and greenery will set the perfect stage for your vows.
Reception Decor
For the reception, think cozy and inviting. Use warm lighting, soft textures, and winter-themed centerpieces to create an atmosphere that’s both elegant and comfortable. Incorporate elements like faux fur throws, candles, and warm wood accents to enhance the wintery feel.
Catering and Menu
When it comes to catering for your wedding, the menu is one of the most important aspects. It’s not just about feeding your guests, it’s also about creating an experience that ties into the overall vibe of your wedding.
Seasonal Menu Ideas
A seasonal menu is a great way to highlight the time of year and incorporate fresh, in-season ingredients that will be at their peak. For a winter wedding, consider hearty root vegetables, rich soups, and comforting entrees like braised meats or roasted poultry. These dishes not only warm the soul but also bring a sense of the season to your guests’ plates. Plus, seasonal ingredients often taste better and can be more cost-effective, so it’s a win-win!
Beverages and Cocktails
Beverages are an essential part of any wedding menu. For a winter wedding, you can really have fun with your drink choices. Think about offering a variety of wines, a selection of craft beers, and a few signature cocktails that reflect the season. Whether you’re into classic cocktails with a twist or something entirely unique, the drinks you serve can be a fun way to personalize your wedding and delight your guests.
Wedding Cake and Desserts
The wedding cake is often the centerpiece of your dessert table, but it doesn’t have to stop there! For winter wedding cakes, think about incorporating seasonal flavors like dark chocolate, spiced carrots, or even a hint of peppermint. And don’t forget about the design; consider wintery details like white icing with silver accents, snowflake decorations, or even a touch of glitter for that frosty effect.
Entertainment and Activities
When it comes to weddings, entertainment is key to ensuring your guests have a great time. Whether you’re envisioning a lively dance floor, interactive games, or cozy activities, the right entertainment can create lasting memories.
Music and Performances
Music sets the tone for your entire wedding day, from the ceremony to the last dance. Whether you go for a live band, a DJ, or a string quartet, the music should reflect your style as a couple. Want a classic and romantic atmosphere? Consider a live pianist, violinist, or harpist. If you’re looking to keep the energy high, a DJ who knows how to read the crowd can keep the wedding party going. And if you’re after something truly unique, why not consider a live performance, like a singer or even a surprise dance number?
Guest Activities
It’s always a good idea to plan some activities to keep your wedding guests entertained throughout the day. Interactive stations like a photo booth, a DIY hot chocolate bar, or a s’mores station can be a big hit, especially at a winter wedding. You could also set up a cozy lounge area with blankets and pillows where guests can relax and chat. Another fun idea is to have a guest book alternative, like a wish tree or a Polaroid station, where guests can leave notes and take home a photo as a keepsake.
At The Sixpence, we’re all about letting you pick your own dream team to make your day special and uniquely yours. We’ve also gone a step further to curate a list of our preferred vendors to take the stress out of your choices for winter wedding ideas. When you book with us, you’ll find this list in your Welcome Box to help you get started!
Photography and Videography
Your wedding day will fly by, but photography and videography help you relive those special moments for years to come. Capturing the essence of your day through stunning visuals is all about working with your photographers and videographers to get the shots that mean the most to you.
Capturing the Winter Magic
Winter weddings have a unique charm, and capturing that magic on camera is something truly special. The soft, diffused light of winter, combined with the natural beauty of snow and frost, can create a dreamy, almost fairytale-like atmosphere in your photos and videos. Imagine you and your partner surrounded by snow-covered trees or sharing a warm moment under twinkling lights.
Videography
Videography is all about capturing the motion, sound, and emotions of your day in a way that photos alone can’t. A skilled videographer will know how to tell the story of your wedding, from the anticipation of getting ready to the joy of the ceremony and the fun of the reception. In winter, there’s something extra special about the contrast between the cold outside and the warmth of your celebration, and a great video can highlight that beautifully.
Transportation
Make your wedding unforgettable by choosing stylish transportation that matches your vibe. No matter the style, ensure your guests enjoy warm, comfortable travel with thoughtful arrangements, especially during winter.
Arriving in Style
Your grand entrance is one of those moments that will be remembered forever, so why not make it truly special? Whether you choose a classic vintage car, a horse-drawn carriage, or something more modern like a sleek limousine, the way you arrive sets the tone for the rest of your wedding day. Think about the vibe and winter wedding ideas you want such as glamorous, romantic, or fun, and then pick a vehicle that matches. And don’t forget, your getaway ride at the end of the night is just as important, so consider how you’ll make your exit, too!
Guest Transportation
Taking care of your guests’ transportation is a thoughtful way to ensure everyone can fully enjoy your wedding without worrying about how they’ll get from place to place. If your ceremony and reception are at different locations, consider providing shuttle buses or vans to transport guests safely and comfortably. In the winter, it’s especially important to think about the logistics. Nobody wants to be waiting outside in the cold for a ride. Make sure there’s plenty of time built into the schedule for travel, and that your guests know exactly where and when to catch their rides.
Conclusion
Your winter wedding at The Sixpence is bound to be a magical event filled with beauty, charm, and unforgettable moments using winter wedding ideas. By embracing the winter season’s unique offerings and planning carefully, you can create a celebration that’s as warm and inviting as it is stunning. Here’s to a lifetime of happiness and the perfect winter wedding!