'Tis The Season! 5 Winter Wedding Tips For Grooms
Photography: Requiem Images
Dreaming of swirling snowflakes, flurries, and blankets of sparkling snow for your wedding? Winter is magical and there’s no denying the beauty of snowy wedding photos on a perfect winter day. However, if you’ve lived in an area that gets snow, you know how unpredictable winter can be. While planning your winter wedding, you’ll have to take a few things into consideration.
TIP #1: WARM GUESTS ARE HAPPY GUESTS: KEEP GUESTS WARM
If you’re taking advantage of the white winter landscape for your ceremony, make sure your guests are cozy! Some may have traveled from warmer areas of the country and aren’t quite used to the cold. And while they’ll probably bring jackets, they might not be the right kind for the wet or frigid conditions.
Strategically place blankets around the seating area, so attendees can drape them around their legs, shoulders, or heads. Provide a basket full of hand warmers for your guests to shove into their pockets while you and your bride recite your vows. Go the extra mile and set out a warm beverage station with tea, coffee, or hot chocolate. Your guests will appreciate the extra thought and care you put into keeping them warm.
Include an insert in your wedding invitations with suggestions for cold-weather items guests might want to bring. Things like a warm pair of gloves, an insulated jacket, waterproof boots, and perhaps a hat. Guests can opt to bring an extra pair of shoes for the after-party (it’s hard to navigate snow in high heels). Once the party moves to the reception, extra clothing can be removed while everyone hits the dance floor to warm up their chilly bodies.
TIP: #2 CHECK ONE, CHECK TWO: PROVIDE A COAT CHECK
With all the extra items your wedding guests are bringing, you should provide a coat check at your venue. Hire someone to run it for you to make things easier on everyone. Have the option for guests to also leave their gloves, scarves, hats, and snow boots as they transition from the wintery outdoors to the cozy, vibrant indoor party.
TIP #3: SOFT FLURRIES OR WHITEOUT BLIZZARD: KNOW THE DIFFERENCE
A white snowflake-strewn wedding is enchanting, and you can only cross your fingers that come wedding day, Jack Frost is on your side. But winter weather can be finicky, so plan accordingly. The last thing you want is for your wedding party, your guests, and your bride to suffer in the middle of a whiteout blizzard (even if that sounds romantically adventurous to you). Book a venue that offers an indoor alternative for the ceremony in case the weather takes a turn for the worse.
TIP #4: SAFETY FIRST: ALLOW FOR EXTRA TRAVEL TIME
Some of your guests might not have experience driving on snow, ice, or in stormy conditions. They may be driving a rental car while trying to find your wedding venue in a town they have never been in. Be a gentleman and allow for extra travel time when planning your wedding ceremony start time. And consider having the ceremony and reception in the same place, or at least very close together, to ensure the safety of guests traveling between venues.
TIP #5: COLD AIR, SKINNY FINGERS: KEEP YOUR WEDDING BAND SAFE
Did you know that your fingers tend to slim down in cold weather? The two of you will have no trouble getting your wedding rings on during the ceremony. In fact, your wedding band may end up being too loose. If it is, know that a) it's normal, and b) there is nothing wrong with stashing your ring in a safe place until your finger beefs up to its normal size! Still shopping for a men’s wedding band? Whether you’re a traditional gent, a modern guy, or somewhere in between, the Hitched home try-on allows you to try on different wedding band styles from the comfort and warmth of your home! Browse our selection of men’s wedding bands, choose your top five, and place your order. We’ll package them all up (ring sizer included) and send them out to you. Learn more.
So with a little extra prep and planning, not only will the two of you have the white winter wedding of your dreams, but your loved ones will be in for a cozy, romantic evening. It's a win, win!