Planning an epic winter wedding? We don’t blame you! Winter is one of the most romantic times of the year to say “I do”. To make sure things go smoothly, here is some winter wedding advice from newly-weds and brides-to-be…
Be prepared for changes
Julie got married in March and it ended up being ten degrees colder than expected: “If any of your wedding is outside be prepared for temperature fluctuations. Have a shawl on hand, just in case the cold is a little too much!”
Hire a coordinator
Kathryn got married in a snowy January and ended up being very grateful for her wedding coordinator: “When we got snow, suppliers started calling in with delays and other issues and she handled it all. She came up with Plan Bs when needed and kept everything running. She also kept me from freaking out. I know I would have been out of my mind if I had to have fielded all those calls and managed all the schedule changes; she more than earned her fee. I suggest a coordinator for everyone now, but especially if you’re having a wedding somewhere or sometime when you might get inclement weather.”
Set up heaters
Beth is getting married in March and while it won’t be as cold as the depths of December, it’s unlikely to be super warm. Her solution? Heaters! “My venue has the option for those big propane heaters if we need them. I also plan to buy some kind of shawls for me and my bridesmaids from somewhere that has a good return policy if we don’t need them,” she says.
Sarah advises you think of the person who will be the coldest when planning: “Not everyone has the same cold tolerance – prepare for the person who will be the coldest. Also, bear in mind that some people might overheat during the dancing and need to cool back down. Make sure your wedding party is comfortable and prepared for the cold!”
Discuss with your venue
“It could be snowy, muddy, icy, or dry like normal. Make sure your venue has the equipment and logistical experience to handle whatever weather is happening,” says Sarah.
Rethink flowers and food
Beth suggests paying special attention to your flowers and food: “Depending on budget and where you live, be prepared for more limited flower choices. Not as many things grow everywhere during the winter, so it either won’t be available or will cost a bit to get it bought in. Same thing a little bit with food: fruit and vegetables will change due to the season so using local produce or being prepared to get stuff bought in is helpful.”
Allow extra time
“Allow extra time for everything. Driving from where you get ready to the location can take twice as long if it is icy. Or if you are getting married during the Christmas holidays things are just generally busy everywhere,” says Beth.
Go inside for photos
Ally was a bridesmaid at a winter wedding and she has some sage advice: “Please don’t make your bridal party take photos outside if it’s super-duper cold. Consider going to a greenhouse or somewhere pretty inside instead. It is no fun to be outside in a sleeveless dress and wearing heels in the snow.”
Be prepared for no shows
Beth got married in the snow and unfortunately it meant her grandparents couldn’t make it due to being unable to drive in the snow (they lived hours away). “I think preparing for day of no shows from guests due to weather is a big piece of this; it is easy to be disappointed or frustrated by it,” she says.
Embrace it
Adelaide got married in February and loved it: “I hate being hot and I also strongly dislike pastels. Thus, an autumn or winter wedding made the most sense for us. I wore a leather jacket over my gown to stay warm.”

For autumn and winter elopements and exclusive use weddings in Cornwall, you may like to see what we have to offer!  www.lowerbarnsweddings.co.uk

Love Janie x