Let's have a winter wedding

There are lots of reasons to consider avoiding the "wedding season" in the middle of summer.  Venues and suppliers may be easier to find (and possibly cheaper). Your wedding date won't clash with all your friends who are getting married this year.  Initially you may find that you get some negative feedback as people think about standing in the cold wind for your ceremony or driving to your reception on a dark rainy night. So here are a few tips to make a winter wedding a great success...

Choose a great venue:

Think about having the ceremony and reception at the same venue to minimise travel for your guests - even better if the venue has accomodation and guests can stay overnight.  They will be able to relax between the ceremony and reception and not have to think about going out in the cold.  Choose somewhere with a warm, cosy atmosphere, perhaps with fireplaces.

Time your ceremony well:

If you are going to have an outside ceremony or your venue has a fabulous view - and many places in Australia have perfect weather for winter weddings - think about having a lunch time wedding.  Your ceremony and reception will be at the warmest and brightest part of the day.  Older friends and relatives or those with young children will be more comfortable - and you can always continue into the night with an informal party with your friends.

Keep your guests comfort in mind:

Yes, of course everyone wants to be at your wedding but getting cold is no fun.  If you are outside for the ceremony why not have some rugs available for guests to wrap up in.  Think about warm mulled wine for after ceremony drinks - and have a good wet weather plan in place just in case.

Plan your clothes carefully:

Winter weddings open up lots of opportunities for gorgeous wedding dresses - think, long sleeves, heavier fabrics, fur or feathers, lots of sparkle.  You and your bridal party want to be comfortable especially if you are outside for ceremony or photos, so consider boots instead of strappy shoes, wraps or jackets to keep you warm, thicker tights and thermals for little bridesmaids.  The guys will probably be a lot happier in their suits that on a hot summer day.

Enjoy bright colours:

Mid winter is not the time for dull colour schemes for weddings.  Choose bright colours for your flowers and decorations or have lots of gold or choose masses of candles and mirrors to make the whole day bright whatever the weather.

Yes, winter weddings have lots of benefits.  A wonderful, colourful,  happy day in the middle of the coldest months will give lots of happy memories for all who attend while you head off to the sun for your honeymoon.