10 Reasons to Have a Winter Wedding

Winter weddings are finally earning the acknowledgment they deserve. While the other seasons speak for themselves with their own unique beauty and allure, brides are at last recognizing the potential of winter. And when that potential is pursued, beautiful things happen. The advantages and possibilities that come with a wintry wedding far surpass the reluctance to embrace cold weather or the possibility of a snowstorm. The opportunities to design a wedding that is striking and distinct from the summer or autumn wedding can all be found in the season of winter. 

Reason #1-You don't have to compete with busy schedules and other weddings.

Brides who have a summer or fall wedding compete with many, many other weddings. That means that securing your first-choice wedding vendors will prove to be a difficult feat. It also means that your guests will more than likely have other weddings to attend or vacations or other obligations, because the warmer months are incredibly busy! Choosing a winter wedding means that your wedding is the only one or one of the only ones on the mind of your vendors and your guests! Feeling like the center of attention is much easier when you're not continually hearing from invitees who can't make it or vendors who can't work your wedding. 

Reason #2-Vendors offer off-season discounts.

During the off-season which typically includes January, February and March, many vendors and venues offer discounts on their services since they may not be in high demand during those months.

Reason #3-Winter wedding photographs are truly magical.

Sure, the summer photos filled with flowers, waterfalls, lakes and grassy fields are stunning. But photos that capture the stillness and serenity of winter are enchanting. Plus, as the bride, you have the opportunity to dress up your dress with charming accessories like boots, a fur wrap or a shawl. 

Reason #4-It's the perfect time to create a cozy hot beverage station.

Whether it's apple cider, coffee, hot chocolate or all three, we love beverage stations. This is a lovely way to greet guests as they walk in the door, chilly from the winter weather. Paired with a roaring fireplace, the reception's greeting will be cozy and welcoming to your guests.

Reason #5-Winter wedding decor is stunning.

Hold the mason jars and floral centerpieces. Winter weddings showcase the season with frosty colors and sparkles. From candles and lanterns to glittered branches and vases with Christmas bulbs, what began as a winter wedding reception evolves into a winter wonderland.

Reason #6-The venue may already be decorated.

If you choose to have your wedding around the holidays, half of the decorating work may already be done for you! This is especially true if you plan to get married in a church. Churches usually showcase beautiful, tall Christmas trees, Poinsettias and lit-up wreaths. Also, most venues keep Christmas lights, wreaths and trees up throughout the entire season. Of course you can still create your own theme, but it does certainly make the entire location festive and lovely. Bonus points for venues that have fireplaces!

Reason #7-You can hire someone to provide sleigh rides to guests.

Although this absolutely speaks for itself, there is just something so fairytale-like when you incorporate horses into your wedding. Whether you arrive as the newlywed couple in a horse and carriage or you provide sleigh rides to guests throughout the reception, take advantage of this winter tradition.

​Reason #8-The honeymoon will really be appreciated

Leaving for a tropical vacation in the middle of a beautiful Midwest summer is not nearly as enticing as leaving in the middle of a cold, snow-filled winter. 

Reason #9-Your wedding will be the winter event your friends are looking forward to.

There's always that ONE event that everyone is excited about in the winter. And it's usually Christmas and/or New Year's. Other than that, winter is really just a season we try to tough out. With your wedding being in the winter, it will be the special occasion that all of your friends are talking about and looking forward to!

Reason #10-Celebrating your anniversary each winter gives a great excuse to go on an anniversary get away!

As if anyone in the Midwest needed an excuse to get away during the winter months, well here is one more: your anniversary is in the winter. It's something to look forward to each winter, whether you celebrate with a memorable date night or an anniversary vacation!