It’s the quiet season for everyone in the industry now. After the rush of sunny summer ceremonies, we’re pausing for breath and catching up on essential tasks. But for couples brave enough to opt for an off season do, you can take advantage of some major perks. Winter weddings can be magical and we have some top tips to make the most of the alternative wedding season.
We’re also taking this opportunity to share this stunning styled shoot hosted by Cott Farm, one of our great South Somerset venues. Scroll to the end to find a full list of all the wedding professionals who contributed to the look.
Grab Your Winter Bargains And Dream Suppliers
Get in touch with that venue that really made your heart sing but you thought might be beyond your budget. You might be surprised at some of the off peak packages out there. January is our quietest month of all, so you should have no problem booking your registrar too.
Suppliers are snapped up for the summer months but mid winter they’re much more likely to be able to fit you in. This is the time to assemble your dream team with way less stress.
Let Winter Style Take Centre Stage
Stuck for a theme? Winter has its very own style that will help pull everything together. Lean in to the green – the foliage is amazing and ivy is also a thrifty option to boot! Bright berries, bare branches, cool metallics and icy tones will all feel right at home. Add a hint of Christmas with cracker favours, baubles and wreaths. Go a bit Scandi with your designs – it’s subtly Christmassy if you don’t want to be too obvious.
Dresses with sleeves, furry wraps, handmade shawls, fabulous gloves – there are even more opportunities to accessorise! Three piece suits make so much more sense in cold weather too.
Have A Feast For The Season
Nothing brings us together like a delicious meal in a cosy dining room, safe from the elements. Chunky soups, hearty roasts, steaming desserts – see what your caterer can rustle up from local seasonal produce.
Switch to mulled wine, cider or apple juice for welcome drinks or toasts. How about hiring a mobile coffee cart? Hot chocolate station for the little ones with marsh mallows and candy canes…who are we kidding – we all want some!
There Is No Wrong Weather, Only The Wrong Clothes
Plan optimistically – it doesn’t rain all the time! You can still make the outdoor space with a big stash of warm blankets for your guests, even gloves and scarves too. Lots of the farm venues have fire pits set up as standard but ask your venue if you can hire one if they don’t. A big basket of umbrellas is another great touch. Make sure there’s a well organised coat area, so your guests can deposit their outside gear rather than clutter up dining and seating areas.
Embrace the dark – sparklers for the photos, fireworks, or how about glow in the dark garden games? Fairy lights and lanterns will transform a dark and gloomy garden into a wintery wonderland. It can be hard to timetable your post ceremony photoshoot with limited daylight. Why not work with your photographer to plan some really dramatic couple shots after dark instead.
Have a winter wedding filled with comfort and joy
There are as many ways to celebrate a marriage as there are actual marriages! Why not get creative and take advantage of what other couples may see as a drawback. Seize the chance to host an event that really will be different from the crowd.
Browse our Venue Directory to see the full list of locations licensed for civil ceremonies.
Visit our Supplier Directory to discover some great local suppliers and lots of inspiration.
Photo Shoot Contributors
- Photography: @dhwphotography
- Flowers: @twigsandtwine_floraldesign
- Venue: @cottfarmbarn
- Cake: @thesilvercake
- Hair: @brothersandsisters2018
- Make Up: @naomigilmoremakeupartist
- Styling: @appleandbrambleevents
- Stationery: @fromsallywithlove
- Textile Designer: @fruitbattextiles
- Willow Artist: @jojo.sadler
- Jewellery: @katemichelle.designs
- Wall Hanging: @wanderingcoastcollective