If you’re dreaming of a magical winter wedding, let’s help you decide on your dream destination! Imagine a cozy, elegant celebration filled with seasonal charm. Whether you’re picturing a snow-kissed ceremony or a warm, candlelit wedding reception space, we’ve got everything you need to make it unforgettable. Let’s explore the ultimate guide to planning your perfect winter wedding at The Sixpence!
What Makes Winter Weddings Unique?
Winter weddings have a magical, intimate feel. With the world outside blanketed in snow (if you’re lucky), everything feels cozy, romantic, and timeless. The season allows for dramatic lighting, rich color palettes, and elegant fashion choices on a white canvas that set the tone for an unforgettable day.
Benefits of Choosing a Winter Wedding
A winter wedding brings cozy romance with its natural charm, creating the perfect backdrop for your love story. The intimate atmosphere is just right for celebrating together, and the best part? You might find some great deals on venues and vendors during the off-peak season. Picture snow-dusted trees, twinkling lights, and a magical winter landscape that makes your photos and memories truly unforgettable! That’s exactly what you can expect from your winter wedding at The Sixpence.
Choosing the Perfect Winter Wedding Venue
The Sixpence offers both indoor and outdoor spaces for your big day. Deciding whether to go for an outdoor or indoor venue is crucial, so let’s weigh the options.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Venues: Pros and Cons
Choosing between indoor and outdoor venues for your winter wedding? Indoor venues are great for avoiding the cold while still embracing the season’s charm with cozy fireplaces, twinkling lights, and elegant decor. On the other hand, an outdoor winter wedding offers the magic of a snowy ceremony, perfect for couples who want that winter wonderland ambiance. The Lawn features a beautiful wooded backdrop, outlets for power, and seating for up to 300 guests, and we make preparations for unpredictable winter weather!
How to Select a Venue That Suits Your Style
Choosing the perfect venue is all about finding a space that speaks to your unique style as a couple. Are you more into cozy, rustic vibes, or do you dream of a chic, elegant setting? Picture how the venue will transform with your chosen decor, especially if you’re planning a winter wedding. Aim for twinkling lights, rich textures, and seasonal touches.
Nestled on 17 stunning acres, The Sixpence Wedding + Event Space offers three versatile venues to bring your dream day to life. With both indoor and outdoor spaces, each filled with its own unique charm, you’ll find everything you need to celebrate in style.
Seasonal Decor Ideas
Winter is the perfect time to lean into seasonal elements that evoke warmth and elegance.
Elegant Winter Wedding Themes
Whether you’re dreaming of a snowy fairytale or cozy cabin vibes, winter weddings offer endless charm. Go for an elegant winter wonderland wedding with crisp whites, icy blues, shimmering silvers, and twinkling crystals. Or embrace warm woods, soft lights, deep reds, and forest greens. Winter encourages plaid blankets, vintage lanterns, and fir branches for that perfect cozy feel.
Incorporating Seasonal Colors and Elements
Winter wedding decorations can take advantage of a gorgeous palette! Deep burgundy, emerald, and navy pair beautifully with cool whites and silvers, adding warmth to the season. Add natural touches like pinecones, evergreens, or holly to your décor, and pair them with candles or string lights for a cozy, festive vibe.
DIY Decor Tips for a Winter Wonderland Ambiance
Add a personal touch to your winter wedding with DIY decor! Create frosted glass centerpieces by spraying vases with white paint or fake snow and adding twinkle lights. Snow-dusted pine cones make adorable name holders or table accents. For a magical glow, drape fairy lights around the venue and weave in greenery like eucalyptus for extra charm.
Planning Your Winter Wedding Attire
Let’s talk about winter wedding fashion! Winter weddings open up a world of elegant and stylish possibilities, offering you the chance to embrace luxurious fabrics, rich colors, and cozy yet glamorous accessories.
Choosing the Right Bridal Gown for Winter
Winter weddings are perfect for elegant, layered bridal looks. Long-sleeve gowns, in lace or satin, bring warmth and romance, while fabrics like velvet or mikado add a touch of luxury. A faux-fur wrap completes the look with cozy, Old, Hollywood glam for those stunning outdoor photos!
Stylish Attire Options for Groom and Wedding Party
Grooms and wedding parties can embrace winter style too! Velvet blazers in rich hues like burgundy or midnight blue add a luxurious touch. Wool suits in charcoal or forest green offer warmth and a sharp, seasonal look. Deep tones like navy and plum pair perfectly with crisp shirts and soft neutral ties.
Accessorizing for Warmth and Style
Winter weddings are the perfect opportunity to add cozy, stylish accessories to your wedding looks that keep you warm and elevate your look. Bridesmaids and brides can layer with faux-fur capes, shawls, or pashminas. Vintage gloves or tailored winter coats keep everyone cozy while adding a touch of charm to those outdoor moments.
Catering and Menu Selection
Winter is the ultimate season for embracing hearty, comforting flavors and warm drinks that make your wedding guests feel right at home. Your wedding menu is a great opportunity to infuse your special day with cozy, seasonal touches that celebrate the best of winter cuisine.
Winter-Inspired Menu Ideas
Winter weddings are perfect for cozy, comforting flavors! Think roasted meats like beef tenderloin or herb-crusted lamb, paired with seasonal sides like roasted root veggies and winter greens. Warm soups like butternut squash or beef and barley are a great addition, served in mini bowls for a fun touch. For drinks, create a hot cocoa bar with marshmallows, mulled wine, or spiced cider to keep guests comfortable, warm, and happy.
Accommodating Dietary Preferences and Restrictions
Make sure all your guests feel included by offering menu options that cater to different dietary needs. Gluten-free dishes like quinoa-stuffed peppers and vegan options like lentil shepherd’s pie ensure everyone can enjoy the meal. Work with your caterer to create allergy-friendly dishes so no one misses out on the deliciousness!
Choosing the Right Beverages for a Winter Wedding
Winter weddings are a great excuse to serve cocktails and drinks with seasonal flair! Get creative with a signature winter cocktail, like a cranberry Moscow mule or spiked apple cider with cinnamon and cloves, that adds both taste and festivity. Warm drinks like hot toddies and mulled wine keep the vibe festive, while non-alcoholic options like spiced cider or hot chocolate with flavored syrups are great for everyone!
Our skilled bartenders are masters at crafting cocktails, mocktails, and bespoke drink menus tailored to elevate your event!
Flowers and Bouquets for Winter Weddings
Winter’s chill doesn’t mean you have to compromise on beautiful blooms! The season offers stunning floral options that will make your wedding shine.
Best Seasonal Flowers for Bouquets and Decorations
Winter blooms are as magical as the season itself, perfect for adding charm to your wedding. Deep red, burgundy, and blush roses add timeless elegance and winter wedding inspiration to any bouquet. Amaryllis, with its bold blooms in red, white, or pink, creates a dramatic touch. Add festive greenery like holly or eucalyptus for a modern twist, and consider poinsettias for a pop of holiday color.
Creative Floral Arrangements for a Winter Theme
Winter’s charm offers a fantastic canvas for creative floral arrangements. Add vibrant accents like berries, pinecones, or frosted branches to your bouquets and centerpieces for a splash of seasonal color. For a unique winter bouquet, mix and match elements such as roses with eucalyptus or pair amaryllis with pinecones for a unique, seasonal bouquet.
Tips for Preserving Flowers in Cold Weather
Preserving flowers in winter is all about managing the chill to keep them fresh and beautiful. Store your blooms in a cool spot, ideally between 35-45°F (1-7°C), but avoid freezing temperatures to prevent damage. Wrap bouquets well in insulated, breathable material to protect them from frostbite, and schedule delivery close to your wedding date to keep them fresh and fabulous!
Photography Tips for Winter Weddings
Winter weddings are magical with their crisp air and sparkling snow. To capture the magic of the season in your photos, a bit of planning can go a long way.
Lighting Considerations for Winter Weddings
Winter light is unique, so schedule your outdoor photos earlier to catch the soft winter sun. For your indoor photos, make sure your venue is bathed in warm, inviting lighting to create a cozy atmosphere and avoid harsh shadows. Enhance your photos with twinkle lights, candles, and chandeliers, which not only add a magical ambiance but also give your pictures a beautiful, glowing effect.
Poses and Settings for Stunning Winter Wedding Photos
Snowy scenes make dreamy backdrops. The Sixpence gets plenty, so use it to your advantage. Just be sure to keep warm and move quickly. Winter evenings are perfect for twinkling lights and festive decor. For indoor shots, cozy up by a fireplace or on a plush couch and accessorize with winter wear like fur wraps for a stylish touch. Highlight details like your winter-themed wedding bouquet and wedding dress features for a personal flair.
Hiring a Professional Photographer: What to Look For
Find a photographer who matches your style, whether that’s classic, candid, or artistic. After factoring in their style, take a look at their level of experience, especially in handling winter’s challenges. This photographer should also be someone friendly and reliable who makes you feel at ease. Don’t forget to check their packages, pricing, and reviews, and whether or not they have a second shooter for more coverage.
Entertainment and Music Choices
Winter weddings are a perfect opportunity to bring some unique seasonal fun to your celebration.
Creating a Cozy Ambiance with Music
Music can truly set the scene for a winter wedding, transforming it into a warm and inviting celebration. Set a warm, inviting tone with a playlist of classic winter tunes, soft jazz, and romantic ballads. Choose between a live band for an energetic vibe or a DJ for versatility. Keep the volume soft during dinner and ramp it up for dancing. Add winter-themed songs and personal favorites to make the night special.
Fun Winter-Themed Entertainment Ideas
Winter weddings offer great opportunities for fun and engaging entertainment, so make the most of them. Ice skating, if available, offers a playful touch and great photo ops. Set up a hot chocolate bar with all the toppings and a splash of liqueur for adults. Create a cozy ambiance with an indoor fire pit for s’mores and roasting marshmallows. Add winter-themed games like a snowman-building contest or a “snowball” toss with white pom-poms for interactive fun.
Hiring DJs or Live Bands for Your Wedding Day
The right music can truly set the tone for your wedding, and you have the option of choosing between a DJ or a live band. DJs offer a mix of cozy classics and current hits, while live bands bring a personal, dynamic touch. Either way, collaborate with your music choice to craft a playlist or setlist that complements the cozy, festive spirit of winter, ensuring your guests enjoy dancing, mingling, and celebrating all night long.
With The Sixpence’s curated list of preferred vendors, you’ll have fewer things to worry about, which is one of the perks of planning your winter wedding and bringing your winter wedding ideas to life.
Wedding Cake Designs and Flavors
Your wedding cake can be a festive centerpiece that captures the magic of winter!
Winter Wedding Cake Trends
Winter weddings call for delicious seasonal flavors. Try gingerbread cake with spiced frosting, peppermint layers, or rich dark chocolate for a cozy treat. Embrace these seasonal flavors while decorating with delicate snowflakes, sugar-dusted berries, or metallic accents like gold or silver for a touch of winter sparkle. Your cake will be both on-trend and perfectly seasonal, delighting your guests with every bite!
Choosing Flavors that Complement the Season
Choosing the right cake flavors can make your winter wedding cake both delicious and perfectly seasonal. Opt for flavors like gingerbread with cream cheese frosting, peppermint mocha, or dark chocolate with raspberry. Spiced winter wedding cakes with cinnamon or nutmeg add warmth, especially when paired with apple compote or spiced nuts, which can really tie the theme together.
Cake Presentation Ideas for a Winter Wonderland
To make your winter wedding cake truly stand out, focus on a stylish presentation like a frosted glass or metallic cake stand. You can also surround it with faux snow, pinecones, and winter florals like white roses or holly. Make the cake table cozy with knitted runners, candles, and fairy lights. Then go even further with a personalized cake topper that reflects your winter theme, like a frosty couple or a snow-covered scene, to complete the look.
Invitations and Stationery
Your wedding invitations are the first glimpse your guests will get of your big day, so why not let them set the stage for a winter wonderland theme?
Designing Winter Wedding Invitations
Create magic with winter-themed designs like snowflakes, frosted branches, or cozy cabins. Then incorporate seasonal colors like whites, silvers, deep blues, or rich burgundies, and add a touch of gold or metallic for extra sparkle. For a luxe feel, add textural details like embossing, foil stamping, or velvet ribbons, making your invitations not only visually stunning but also a tactile delight for your guests.
Save-the-Date Options for Winter Weddings
You could make a playful first impression with winter-themed save-the-dates. Opt for snow-covered landscapes, festive illustrations, or whimsical snowmen. Or you could personalize it with a photo of you both in a snowy scene or magnetic save-the-dates adorned with winter designs. These practical keepsakes tend to look adorable while serving as a constant reminder of your special day.
Tips for Choosing the Right Stationery Suite
Choosing the right stationery suite for your wedding is all about creating a cohesive and stylish look. Keep your stationery suite cohesive with matching colors, motifs, and fonts while trying to incorporate the atmosphere of your venue. Make sure your invitations include all the key details and add personal touches like a custom monogram. But ultimately, proofread carefully and get a sample print to ensure perfection.
Accommodation and Transportation
When planning a winter wedding, ensuring your guests are comfortable and well cared for is very important.
Accommodating Guests During Winter Months
Assuming your venue can not accommodate all your guests, try to book a block of rooms at a nearby hotel with cozy amenities like a fireplace or hot tub. You can add a warm touch by welcoming your guests with winter-themed gifts like hot cocoa packets or cozy socks. Providing a list of local attractions and dining options is also a sure way to ensure that they can enjoy their stay to the fullest.
Winter Transportation Tips for Guests and Wedding Party
Planning winter transportation can guarantee safety and comfortable travel for your guests and wedding party. Look into shuttle services to and from the venue for added safety and convenience while considering luxury car services for the bridal party and VIPs. Just be sure to include clear transportation details in your invites or on your wedding website. For guests driving themselves, include winter safety kits in their welcome bags with essentials like ice scrapers and hand warmers.
You could extend your visit to The Sixpence by staying in The Homestead for your winter wedding. It is a beautifully restored saltbox farmhouse from the mid-1800s. Accommodating up to 10 guests, it offers cozy sleeping quarters, a generous lounge and dining area, a charming outdoor deck, and lush garden views.
Beauty and Health Tips for Winter Weddings
Winter weddings are magical, but the cold can be tough on your skin and wellness. With a little extra care, you and your guests will look and feel your best.
Skincare Routines for Winter Brides and Grooms
Combat the winter dryness by switching to a richer moisturizer with hyaluronic acid or shea butter. Also, try to add a brightening serum with Vitamin C and exfoliate gently to keep your skin glowing. Using a hydrating face mask a week before the wedding and drinking plenty of water will help you stay radiant from the inside out.
Makeup Tips for a Winter Wedding Day
For a flawless winter look, start with a hydrating primer and go for a dewy foundation to combat dryness and keep your skin glowing. Choose long-wear, water-resistant makeup, and add warm tones like burgundy or rose to your eyes and lips. Finish with a subtle highlighter on your cheekbones and browbones to enhance your natural glow and look stunning in winter light.
Keeping Warm and Healthy During Your Wedding Day
To stay warm and healthy on your winter wedding day, layer up with thermal undergarments and keep a cozy wrap on hand. Eat a balanced meal, stay hydrated, and get plenty of rest before the big day, and if you’re wearing heels, bring along a pair of comfortable shoes for dancing. Finally, prepare a small wedding emergency kit with essentials like lip balm, hand cream, and makeup touch-up items to keep you looking and feeling fresh.
Financial Planning and Budgeting
Winter weddings come with a cozy charm—and often, budget-friendly perks! The off-peak winter season means you might score great deals from vendors.
Budgeting for a Winter Wedding
The aim is to first set a realistic budget by prioritizing your must-haves. Then allocate these funds wisely across key areas like the venue, menu and catering, flowers, decor, and photography. To avoid surprises, it would make sense to track your expenses on a budgeting tool or spreadsheet. Once the must-haves are out of the way, you can start looking at things like transportation and entertainment. A well-planned budget ensures you’ll enjoy your winter wedding without overspending.
Cost-Saving Tips for Winter Wedding Planning
Winter weddings can be surprisingly affordable, you just have to know how to take advantage of off-season discounts on wedding venues, photography, and flowers. Another way to cut costs is to embrace DIY projects and seasonal décor such as homemade centerpieces and winter-themed decorations. You could also opt for a smaller guest list and seasonal menus to trim catering costs while keeping the celebration intimate and special.
Summary of Key Points
Winter weddings offer unique beauty, cozy vibes, and the potential for a truly magical day. With the right planning, venue, and personal touches, your winter wedding at The Sixpence will be unforgettable! The Sixpence is thoughtfully crafted to be Indiana’s premier destination for weddings and events, offering the perfect setting for your dream winter celebration. With its warm, inviting ambiance and picturesque surroundings, it’s an idyllic venue for creating unforgettable moments. Let the winter season inspire you to create a day filled with warmth, love, and wonder.
