Any day is a good day for a wedding. This includes days full of wintry weather. And, despite the potential for freezing cold temperatures, snow, sleet, ice, or even a blizzard – the winter wonderland that makes up the outdoors during this time of year makes a beautiful backdrop for an outdoor winter wedding. Take advantage of it by using the conditions to your advantage on your wedding day.
Think about it: frosty winter weather likely makes you want to bundle up and cuddle with the one you love while sipping on hot cocoa and watching the snow fall outside. It’s magical and heartwarming. And, it could be your wedding day.
If you are considering an outdoor winter wedding, we have a few ideas to make sure it is a magnificent memory for years to come.
Run for cover
Winter weather can be cold. In fact, sometimes it can be downright bone-chilling. So, if you plan to hold your outdoor winter wedding, you are going to want to make sure you have shelter for your guests. Choosing to use a tent means that you can gather up all the outdoor fun while ensuring no one suffers because of the cold.
Tent rentals are completely customizable. They come with many perks and accessories that can be beneficial to your special day without taking away from the outdoor ambiance. For example:
- Tents have optional climate control. Using an HVAC system, you can keep your tent as warm as you need so your guests are content and able to enjoy themselves.
- The size of your tent can be based on the size of your wedding guest list and needs for the event, as well as the space allowed at your chosen location.
- Opting for flooring throughout the tent can keep feet off the cold ground, allowing more warmth.
- Choose clear panel sidewalls and allow a 360-degree view of the beautiful wintry outdoors.
Don’t skip out on this very important addition to your wedding. As beautiful as the outdoors may be, not everyone can withstand the cold for an extended period of time. Give you and your guests a warm shelter for your outdoor winter wedding.
Embrace the outdoors for your décor
Having an outdoor winter wedding created to look like a winter wonderland can bring about some magical feelings. Using the outdoors as your backdrop gives you some wonderful photo opportunities, as well as providing the tone for the whole event.
Consider decorating the inside of your tent rental to match the outdoors. For example, try using colors such as silver, white, or blue. Placing twinkle lights with white winter trees and blue uplighting can bring about a warmth all its own. You are likely choosing to have an outdoor winter wedding because you are a fan of the outdoors at wintertime, right? If so – then replicate the wintry outdoors under your tent rental for the ultimate wedding space.
Keep guests comfortable with amenities
As much as you may love the winter weather, your guests may not. If you want them to come to your wedding – and stay – then you will need to make some accommodations to ensure their comfort. In fact, there are a few amenities you can provide that can mean the difference between a miserable guest and a happy, contented guest.
Consider these ideas:
- Provide soft blankets or shawls for your guests to stay warm and cozy.
- Fuzzy socks will allow your guests to kick off their dress shoes and let loose at the reception while staying warm.
- Providing mittens is another idea to consider helping your guests stay warm.
- And, because the cold can wreak havoc on skin and lips, have lotion and lip balm available for your guests.
Think about things that make you feel warm and cozy in the cold and determine how you can incorporate those items into your special day.
Warm up from the inside out
Fill your belly with some warm food and beverages and it can warm you from the inside out. Take this into consideration when planning the menu for your outdoor winter wedding. For example, instead of offering cold beverages, consider having a coffee bar or hot cocoa bar. Start off your hot meal with some chili – and include all the toppings, too. Or provide multiple soup choices and make it the main focus of the meal.
In other words, the food should complement the outdoor winter wedding temperature. Avoid the cold stuff, stick to the warm stuff, and heat yourself and your guests up with some hot, deliciousness.
All the outdoor winter wedding extras
This time of year allows you to incorporate some neat ideas into your wedding that may not necessarily have the same effect if done in the summertime, for example. This is your wedding day and it needs to be memorable. Take these extra steps to make sure it lives up to the hype.
- Consider riding into the ceremony (or leaving the reception) in a horse-drawn sleigh. It’s romantic and different.
- Include fire pits (outside and a safe distance from your tent rental, of course). These will provide your guests with a place to warm up, huddle and mingle, or just take a break from the tent rental. Provide a side of marshmallow, chocolate, and graham crackers so your guests can enjoy roasting s’mores around the fire.
- Set up a photo booth outside. Have props that go with the winter wonderland idea.
Use your imagination and take advantage of the outdoor winter wedding and venue!
Choose a destination
So, what do you do if you want to get married in the winter, but you aren’t a fan of the cold? Have a destination wedding! This is supposed to be your special day and if you don’t want to freeze, you shouldn’t have to. Choose a location that means a lot to you or do your research to determine where you can find the perfect spot to tie the knot.
Don’t let the cold stall your plans. Create a day that will be beautiful and unforgettable. After all, it’s your outdoor winter wedding.