Wedding Day Checklist: Five Tips for Planning a Winter Wedding in Connecticut

Birchwoods Banquet FacilityThe unpredictability of the weather makes winter the least-favored season for weddings, but the prospects of snow and the holiday season can be intriguing reasons for holding your special day during the winter, and with proper planning, the event will be a big success. Here are some tips for planning a winter wedding in Connecticut:

  1. Weather – When you begin planning imagine every possible scenario, including snow, take precautions. Will guests have to walk along a snowy path to get to the ceremony? Does the reception hall get chilly? Should valet be stocked with umbrellas?
  2. Keep warm – A romantic inn with a large fireplace or a ski lodge is a great place to hold a winter wedding reception. Once guests arrive, a cappuccino or hot chocolate bar provides a warm touch and could be an alternative to a liquor bar. You may want to rent portable heaters and provide warm transportation for your guests from the airport or hotel to your venue.
  3. Décor – Choose seasonal flowers, such as poinsettias and tulips, and if your wedding is near Christmas, many venues and churches will already be decorated for the holidays. For color choices, Christmas reds and greens are recommended, along with frosted light blue hues and antique gold and silver. Warm candlelight is perfect for a winter setting. If the snow won't come to you, rent it. Snow machines can be rented to create a winter wonderland, so decorate your reception hall or buffet tables with your initials carved out of ice.
  4. Attire – A winter wedding dress has sleeves and a high collar and is made from heavier fabric like silk satin. You can wear an icy blue, pink, silver, or bold red dress instead of the traditional white. You can wear fun accessories like scarves, cardigans, boots, and a fur bolero that puts a wintry twist on the classic bridal look.
  5. Photography – Check out photo op locations in advance, and choose multiple locations in case of bad weather. Have the ceremony conclude by 2 p.m. so you still have time to take outdoor photos before it gets dark. Make sure the photographer has a coat and warm boots.

Winter weddings can be special, but when it's cold and snowy outside, guest comfort is a heightened concern. Follow these tips to make sure your winter wedding is a success, and look online for a location for your ceremony and reception that captures the magic of the season.