5 Top Tips To Help You Find The Perfect Winter Wedding Venue
Winter… A time of romance, luxury and sparkle.
After longing for the crispness of Autumn (so I can wear my new cocoon coat without working up too much of a ‘glow’) I’m now lusting after the frosty winter months. I want to wrap myself up in (faux obvs) fur scarves, take long walks with the boy in glittering parks and snuggle under blankets with a lip-smacking, tummy-warming cocktail.
Whilst the autumn months are hearty and wholesome, winter is most definitely a time for luxurious pleasures. Think cashmere, metallics and candlelight. What better season to marry if you’re a magpie wanting a little bit of glimmering glamour on your big day.
With this wintry scene in mind, let me guide you through my top seasonal picks for finding the perfect winter wedding venue…
Top Row Left: Image by Greg Finck via Style Me Pretty. Top Row Right: Image by Ellie Gillard Photography via Rock My Wedding. Bottom Row: Image by David Jenkins via Coco Wedding Venues.
# 1 What kind of venue…?
The world really is your oyster here as there are so many gorgeous styles of wedding venues that lend themselves beautifully to this icy season. From Barns, to Country Manors even through to Tipi’s your aim is to create a warm, welcoming and comfortable setting.
First things first, you need to ensure your wedding venue is weather proof, has good heating (or with the option of bringing heaters in) and can provide that cozy, dreamy scene.
Have a chat with your wedding venue about candles and lighting. If you spot a gorgeous fireplace, ask if it’s a working fire and get that baby going! The ultimate festive luxury.
Tipis are still a practical and flexible option for winter weddings. Some Tipi suppliers can lend a helping hand with the décor – from log fire pits, wooden benches covered in cozy pelts to twinkling storm lanterns. Oh and the obligatory glitter ball. So don’t rule out a luxury winter boho shindig!
# 2 Get your Sparkle on…
Who doesn’t love a dash of metallic…? This season can carry them all, but my personal picks would be silvers mixed with cool blue-greys and fresh whites. This fairly neutral scheme can be painted onto most canvases, so even if you choose a Country House with chandeliers and classic interiors, this scheme will compliment beautifully.
Lighting is always important, so look at creating a warm welcome for your guests by lining long driveways with sparkling lights, eat your wedding breakfast by the glow of extravagant candelabras and serve your festive signature cocktails in front of that roaring fire.
Top Row Left: Image by Rebekah Senter. Top Row Right: Image by Nicole Franzen Photography. Bottom Row: Image by Kerry Bartlett Photography via Coco Wedding Venues.
# 3 Transport…
This seems a fairly dull subject line, but it’s actually a really vital planning point when considering your winter wedding venue.
The picture perfect winter wedding day would be a snowy painting, but in reality if you have a dumping of the white stuff the day before your wedding you could have some logistical issues for both your guests and your suppliers. Check out the transport / road links to your venue and have some contingency plans in place as a just-in-case.
# 4 Click Click!
When considering your wedding venue, have your wedding photographs in mind.
If your venue has beautiful grounds and stunning parkland, the reality might be it’s just a little too cold for those outside shots. Shivering Bridesmaids and Mums with blue noses aren’t exactly ideal. So instead, focus on the interiors of your wedding venue. Grand staircase…? Elaborate wallpaper…? Fancy fireplace…? This is a much friendlier option for your portraits.
Top Row Left: Image by Kate Ann Photography via The Glitter Guide. Top Row Right: Image courtesy of Natural Retreats via Coco Wedding Venues. Bottom Row: Image by Laura Power Photography via Coco Wedding Venues.
# 4 Naughty Treats…
‘Tis the season of indulgence, so indulge!
Why not serve macarons dusted with edible gold leaf…? Or, the classic combination of warm mince pies and mulled wine. Look for signature flavours such as orange, cinnamon, spiced sugar and warming brandy for your yummy, naughty treats.
Discuss the catering options with your venue and ensure that any preferred suppliers can create the kind of food you’d love to serve to your guests… There are some amazingly creative caterers out there so have fun with how you serve your feast.
I hope that’s given you some ideas for your winter wedding venue! Don’t forget we’ve got you covered in the Coco Wedding Venues directory with more venues being added daily for your perusing pleasure!
Keep warm lovelies…