Your Guide to an Unforgettable Winter Wedding

Is it just us, or are winter weddings getting more popular every year? The winter months are nontraditional, but they often result in the most memorable ceremonies for that very reason–colder weather gives creative hosts the chance to treat guests to things they’ve never seen before at a wedding. Winter nuptials come with their own challenges, but they also present unique opportunities that you just don’t have in other seasons. Here are a few ideas to keep your guests toasty as they toast to you on your special winter day:

Throw some snow

Consider subbing out rice or birdseed for handfuls of fake snow for your guests to throw on you as you walk down the aisle. (As an added bonus, this is a can’t-miss recipe for breathtaking photos!)

As you build your menu, think about the things you love to eat on a cold day. French onion soup and mac and cheese are perennial favorites. Perhaps even give guests the option to sub out their salad for a hearty appetizer course of chicken pot pie!

There’s nothing better than a hot drink on a cold day. Tailor your bar menu to the season by including a signature option or two that’s served warm. The possibilities are limited only by your imagination, from the soothing embrace of a hot toddy to the bracing jolt of Irish coffee to the delicious spice of mulled wine.

Just because your ceremony is inside doesn’t mean you can’t use the great outdoors! If your venue has an outside space, be sure to take advantage of it with chairs and heat lamps or a fire pit. After a few hours of dancing, your guests will appreciate the opportunity to cool off. Draping flannel blankets across the backs of chairs is an inviting decorative touch.

Instead of a book, have guests sign a tree slice for an unforgettable keepsake

If there’s a tree on hand, be sure to get a photo in front of it. It might seem slightly weird in the moment, but it will be an amazing photo for your first Christmas card as a married couple.

A color palette of white and icy blue or rich crimson is a classic winter touch, along with seasonal centerpieces that make use of silver and beautiful birch branches. Pine needles and pine cones are also tasteful touches that can be customized to match your color theme.

For an interactive twist on a favorite winter dessert, treat the party to hot chocolate sticks. Your guests are guaranteed to get a warm feeling inside as they stir rich dark chocolate in with hot milk to make the best cocoa they’ve ever tasted. Encourage customization by providing marshmallows, caramel, and other goodies at a hot chocolate bar.