Top Tips for Planning a Winter Wedding

Planning a winter wedding? Wintertime celebrations bring a special magic with cozy vibes, twinkling lights, and a romantic ambiance. With these tips for planning a winter wedding, your day can be as seamless as it is stunning!

1. Plan for Early Sunset

Winter sunsets arrive early, so creating your timeline around the daylight hours is essential. Check the sunset time, and consider doing a first look to capture beautiful outdoor photos before it gets too dark. Winter light fades about 30 minutes before sunset, so build in a bit of buffer time to get all the shots you want in the best light! Be sure to connect with your wedding photographer early on to discuss your timeline — especially important for winter weddings when daylight is limited. Having these conversations sooner rather than later will make a big difference!

2. Choose a Venue with Indoor Space

An indoor photo option at your venue is a must for winter weddings! While some venues have beautiful ceremony and reception spaces, remember that if you opt out of a first look, these areas might be in use during your portrait time or being set up for the next part of your celebration. Talk to your venue coordinator about additional rooms or indoor photo spots, and if possible, tour them in advance. Venues with lots of twinkle lights always bring that dreamy, wintry vibe — perfect for romantic photos. Winter weather can bring snow, rain, or extra-chilly temperatures, so it’s helpful to have a backup plan for outdoor moments. Keep snow boots on hand just in case, and embrace the snow if it makes an appearance! Snowy photos can be truly magical and add a unique charm to your wedding album.

3. Keep Warm with Winter Accessories

If you can, head outside for at least afew photos! We promise you won’t regret it. Here’s how to stay warm: stock up on hand warmers, wear snow boots or leg warmers under your dress (they won’t show and will make a huge difference!), and consider cozying up with furs, shawls, scarves, and gloves. Not only do these add an extra layer of warmth, but they also look beautiful in photos! You can always take a few photos without them once you’re comfortable if you like as well.

4. Embrace Your Venue’s Seasonal Décor

Many venues already have holiday decorations in place during the winter months, so if you love seasonal touches, embrace what’s there! From greenery to twinkling lights, holiday décor can really enhance your winter wedding theme and help you save on decorations. If you’re curious about décor ideas, check out my Winter Wedding Inspiration blog for some fun ideas!

5. Serve Cozy, Warming Drinks

As your guests arrive, welcome them with warm drinks like hot chocolate, mulled wine, or hot cider to help everyone feel comfortable and cozy. Little touches like these set the mood for a winter celebration, and a hot chocolate bar with toppings is always a crowd-pleaser!

6. Incorporate Winter Elements in Your Decor

Winter weddings allow for seasonal decor that feels warm and inviting. Consider incorporating winter foliage like pine, eucalyptus, or berries in your floral arrangements. Adding candles and lanterns to your decor creates an intimate ambiance that’s cozy for your guests and enhances the romance of the season. Bonus: these winter elements also make your venue smell amazing!