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Winter Wedding

Fun Winter Wedding Options

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Fun Winter Wedding Options

While we are all looking forward to summer weather, wedding season always runs ahead. While many weddings take place in the spring, summer, & fall we think the possibility of a winter wedding is being neglected. There are plenty of different ways to plan a winter wedding. Choose your winter wedding style from these fun winter wedding options.

1.) Have A First “Day” Of Winter Wedding.

You may not be able to have your wedding on that exact day, however the first day of winter can be a unique day to celebrate. There is no need to have a Christmas themed wedding if that’s not your taste. For dessert options think drinks! Who doesn’t love hot chocolate on a winter day? You can also incorporate warm and darker colors for contrast from the wedding dress and winter white wedding colors. There are plenty of experiences we only have in the winter to incorporate on your wedding day. The first day of winter always adds excitement for the holidays ahead. White, brown, & black can all be beautiful first day of winter wedding colors if you want to incorporate this theme option.

2.) A Fun New Year’s Eve Wedding

Who doesn’t love a good New Year’s Eve party?! If you choose to have a NYE wedding, you will have a fun wedding anniversary day to celebrate for years to come. You could even extend your wedding to go later into the evening to celebrate and ring in the new year with your closest friends and family. Plan on having a TV nearby so your guests can pop back and forth between the festivities and the NYE countdown. Similarly, you can also dance the nice away on the dance floor as the excitement ensues! If you’re lucky, your venue will provide fireworks!

3.) Winter Wonderland, Silver And Gold

If you are looking to have a formal wedding, this option is a great idea for you. Silver and Gold are gorgeous colors that can pull in the snow and other beautiful aspects of winter. You can make it a cozy vibe by incorporating candles and, if your venue has one, a fireplace. Whether or not it snows outside, inside you can decorate with fake snow to give your wedding a winter wonderland feel. Similarly, you can bring the inside, out with your wedding photos by having a fur shawl ready. Your photos will be picturesque if you incorporate beautiful evergreens, white skies, and metallic colors to embrace a winter wonderland vibe.

4.) Christmas Themed Wedding Option

Bring on the red and green! If you celebrate Christmas, the odds are, you are probably a Christmas fiend. The excitement of the once a year experiences, such as Christmas lights or special recipes, will add extra special memories to your wedding day. You can incorporate Christmas lights into your decor. Often, venues already have their own Christmas decor up, so you’ll have to do less work to accommodate this theme. To add a unique twist to usual Christmas colors, you can incorporate different hues of red and green. Burgundy and hunter green have been popular colors.

A Bonus Benefit:

When you have winter wedding it allows you to soak it in before you go to a warm destination for your honeymoon. Then you won’t miss out on the once a year winter season. And who doesn’t look forward to celebrating something to brighten up the winter gloom?

For more wedding planning tips and inspiration, check out the blog posts below. Happy Planning!

Winter Wedding Attire

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Winter Wedding Attire

It’s that time of year again and maybe you’re not the bride. If you’re a guest what do you wear to a winter wedding? We’ve got some great choices. For the thrifty, we love taking a neutral summer/spring dress that can be paired with pantyhose or leggings and add a great jacket. The winter wedding will most likely take place inside so you can still be stylish without looking like a bundled up Yeti.

Darker colors like Pine green or navy are perfect for winter weddings.  This dress could be from your spring collection, but a great dark green hue is perfect for winter. You can add a cardigan if you think you’ll be cold or a light, sparkly jacket.

Cozy fabrics like plaid and wool are sure to keep you comfortable at a winter wedding. A stylish pea coat is just the thing to wear between venues. Even the bride may opt for a longer, white coat to keep warm.  If you’re Scottish and the men are wearing kilts even better! Kilt wool is pretty warm and cozy.  Your date or the groomsmen don’t have to be of Highland descent to make plaid fabrics work for them at a winter wedding. A subtle plaid bowtie or tie will keep them styled and festive.

Who doesn’t love faux fur? Winter weddings are a fantastic way to wear that muff or coat that’s been sitting in the back of your closet. You can dress it up all you want without looking ridiculous or overheat. The shrug doesn’t have to be faux fur, you can opt for a velvet in a nice plum or pine shade as well.

Photo by Sissily Designs

No matter what you choose to wear to a winter wedding it’s sure to be fun to come up with an outfit you already have in your closet! And who doesn’t love the sparkle and glitz of a snowy event?

Winter Wedding Favors

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We gathered a few of the top winter wedding favors! These are sure to please your guests and bring the cozy comfort inside.

  1. Gingerbread Cookies. Who doesn’t love the smell of freshly baked cookies? Gingerbread cookies as wedding favors can bring back good memories of childhood treats and snowball fights. You can easily package these cute cookies with fun holiday-themed bags and ribbons. They’re not too expensive and if you feel so inclined you can even try to get a friend or relative to bake them!

Photo cred Fiona Carins Wedding Cakes 

2. Chocolates. These are a sure favorite for any guest at your wedding. Chocolate is so versatile – you can flavor it, decorate it and customize it. We love the idea of putting your initials on pieces of chocolate or form them in wintery shapes like snowflakes or snowmen.

3. Mini Ice wine bottles. A fun winter wedding favor! The tiny bottles filled with iced wine – made from grapes that have been picked on the vine while frozen – are sure to please your guests.  You can personalize the bottles with your name and wedding date too.

4. Chestnuts. We love the idea of roasting chestnuts for a winter wedding! You can package a handful in bright wrapping for your guests or even have a roasting station. That way the guests can eat them fresh! It’s a different idea than just simple chocolate that brings the winter spirit to life.

5.  Another favorite winter wedding favor is soy candles. We love the soft glow that candles give and you can pick a scent that won’t overwhelm your more sensitive guests. Some of our favorite scents are pine, sugarplum, cedar or orange clove. They will be fun favors for guests to remember your big day by.

 

Winter Wedding Ideas

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Winter Wedding Ideas

Most people don’t think of a winter wedding as romantic or even easy to do but we have some ideas for you! A winter wedding can be just as much fun as any other time of year. Think of cozy fires, warm drinks, comfort foods and friendship.

Many brides worry about where and how they want their wedding photos to be done. You will love some fun winter wedding ideas like big, fluffy blankets or how about a snap of your bridal party around a bonfire with snow in the background? You don’t need to be outside forever but it’s always fun to jump outside without a coat, grab a picture, and hustle back inside.

For decor at your reception we love putting together cinnamon sticks and mulberries. This is not only a great smelling decoration but also could function as a place holder or napkin tie. The red berries are very festive for a winter wedding and the cinnamon is a wonderfully nostalgic scent for your guests. They could even put the sticks into a mulled wine or cider if you are offering that kind of beverage.

Another winter wedding idea is cheap and easy but looks fabulous. We love using cotton balls in your bouquets or wreaths! The texture of cotton is natural and resembles those open seed pods that spread out in the fall. You could blend both autumn and winter into your decor for bouquets or table center pieces.

And finally, we are loving winter wedding capes! Who doesn’t want to look and feel like a superhero? We love capes and the winter variety are the best because they function as both a warm piece for you and a beautiful centerpiece for your photos. A winter wedding can be a great time to get out something like a cape that’s bold and unusual. Most brides don’t think of wearing capes but in winter this could be the perfect time!

Winter Wedding

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Summer and Spring are the most popular times for weddings but maybe you’re wanting something different! A winter wedding can be just as magical as any other time of year. Your ceremony and reception will likely be forced indoors but you can create a dazzling setting inside with out weather worries.

You can do the tried and true snowy themed landscape to red flowers for a winter wedding. Think beautiful pine trees covered with snow or cozy lodge theme. Your winter wedding will not be a holiday party – it will be a chic, glamorous  event with your own style!

Even if you are in a location that doesn’t get those snowy winters be assured you can create one! It’s a great way to stand out among most weddings. You can bring the snow and chill to your venue with lights, decorations and ice sculptures. You can also have your invites created with your winter wedding theme with a little sprig of evergreen or rustic element that reminds people of being warm and in love!

Another way to stylize your winter wedding is to have a Christmas Tree with guests table place cards on. If you’re not into the religious theme then maybe think about a crystal candelabra or evergreen wreath! We love the idea of a softly lit tree – it doesn’t have to be Christmas – with festive ribbons.

A fun way to do the “get away car” is no car at all. Try a sleigh ride instead! We love the picturesque scene of a beautiful horse and your bridal part all around you! However you decide to do your winter wedding we suggest having fun. Winter weddings can stand out among so many summer colors. Who doesn’t love a good cup of hot chocolate and a celebration of love?

Winter Wedding

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A winter wedding isn’t what most brides think of as ideal but we have a few ideas that might change your mind! Or perhaps you are a bride who loves the cold weather, the boots, jackets and best of all snow. There’s no working around super hot and sticky weather and you can get gorgeous pictures in winter time too.

For your color palette try not to over do the red and green or your winter wedding may end up more Holiday themed than you want. We love subtle accents of glitter like sliver and gold. You could do a white velvet runner up the aisle or satin is very elegant. Accents of plum and darker colors also really compliment a winter wedding theme. Your bridesmaids dresses don’t have to be heavy or covered up either – try having them wear cute mittens in the out doors photos or boots for snow!

For your winter wedding flowers you don’t need to stick the regular roses or calla lillies. Instead, try fuller flowers like hydrangeas or ranunculuses. They provide a still romantic feel but also add depth to your bouquet. These flowers are also perfect for dressing up with a simple white ribbon or greenery. You could try crystals as well for that frosted look.

Another thing to keep in mind for a winter wedding is the escort cards. If you’d rather not include holiday themes like sleighs or bells, try elegant hand calligraphed cards in silver or gold ink. You can decorate the entire table in glitter and snow accents to make them stand out! Also try hanging them from a crystal chandelier center piece.

A final great thing for a winter wedding is the cocktail hour! Instead of the usual foods you  think of like mini steaks or personalized drinks you can serve egg nog and white chocolate drinks. You can of course off the comfort drinks of warm apple cider and regular hot chocolate. Or why not have a hot chocolate drink bar so guests can make their own? If you’re a winter bride then don’t sweat the popularity of a June wedding – you get the amazing backdrop of snow and holiday magic!

 

Winter Wedding

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For those of us brave enough to venture out to our mailboxes this time of year, ( is it just me or is this inordinately cold for December?) you might be surprised to see that token winter wedding invitation nestled in between every Christmas catalog company you’ve never heard of!  That old adage, “people get married every singe day of the year” pops into your head and you begin wondering, “ Have we totally written off the cold winter months for possible wedding dates?” The answer in short is, yes. You have. But as the cold, dark months approach, we can’t help but be inspired by the sometimes hauntingly beautiful scene this time of year sets, especially for an ultra-romantic wedding. So we thought we would share our thoughts on how to capitalize on the winter theme and perhaps motivate a few newly engaged couples to consider the classic Winter Wedding.

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winter wedding

Now we know as soon as that first snowflake hits the ground, some of us tend to forget how to drive or completely refuse to leave our houses all together. But when you take a moment to really appreciate it, ( Hello! Californians see snow like 2 times EVER!) it is really quite beautiful. Let’s face it- it’s white. It glistens. And it makes for insanely gorgeous pictures.  Couple of super cute tips? Go with the whole vibe and wear ugg boots under your dress. Get cute fur stoles for your girls to wear for outdoor pictures. They are functional and look absolutely perfect in the photos. Consider how amazing a sleigh ride would look instead of a trolley or carriage. Either way, embrace the season and have fun with it. Isn’t it time we gave our guests something else to complain about besides being “soooooo hot” at every summer wedding they go to? It’s worth a shot!

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valentines day

And while the winter can certainly feel long, there is really minimal time for actual snow to be likely falling. That’s why we like the idea of playing up a winter holiday like Christmas or Valentine’s Day.  For Christmas, most venues are already perfectly decorated with twinkling lights and well-trimmed trees. You get more bang for your buck, plus things like food and drinks can follow suit with seasonal varieties that everyone will love. Serving a spiked hot cocoa when guest arrive to warm up is another super cute homage to your childhood while still inviting people to celebrate your wedding for one night only! As for Valentine’s Day, the possibilities are endless. With a whole holiday dedicated to love, you can really go wild. From your Valentine’s themed invites, to specialty chocolate box favors, and just about the most romantic wedding anniversary date ever, you really can’t go wrong.

SO there you have it friends- there is more to weddings that just June, July, and the ever so popular, September. If anything it’s a ( cold) breath of fresh air!

How To Have a Thanksgiving Wedding

How To Have a Thanksgiving Wedding

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While Turkey Day is synonymous with well, turkey, it also seems like the perfect holiday and time of year to tie the knot. They saying timing is everything and the greatest gift you can give yourself on your wedding day is time as well. The week of Thanksgiving usually allows most people some extra time off and an excuse to treat themselves to a mini vacation or even staycation.  Be mindful, however, that for some guests, you are taking them away from their families and yearly traditions for a moment and asking them to share with you this very important day. In this case, some couples are choosing to get hitched the day after Thanksgiving or even the Saturday that follows. Whichever day you pick, a Thanksgiving Wedding is a stunning time of year to be wed!

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Thanksgiving wedding montagePhotography via The Knot

As far as themes go- stick with the rich gifts of the season! We love the idea of re-creating a Thanksgiving meal for your wedding reception. With such an emphasis on food during this week, guests might be surprised and delighted to see you go in a totally new direction, while keeping it seasonal.  One couple we know chose sweet potato risotto with a perfectly roasted chicken accompanied by butternut squash soup and seasonal salad. For those hell-bent on sticking with tradition, the choice of taking your typical turkey dinner to the next level with individual stuffed Cornish game hen and roasted fingerling potato should do the trick.  Wood roasted root vegetables and poached pear salads followed by a pumpkin and chocolate mousse dessert is sure to show off your creative take on the normal. It keeps your guests guessing but sets a very homespun tone. You are after all sharing a holiday with them and now they are sharing the most important day of your life with you.

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fall foods

Another great way to celebrate a Thanksgiving wedding is with small homage’s to the upcoming Christmas season. We certainly don’t mean having a full-fledged Christmas wedding, but small touches like balsam and fir twigs and glowing candlelight with tablescapes sprawled with pinecones is a lovely transitional décor idea. It may not be the perfect occasion to blend Fall wedding trends with the simplicity of winter wedding white. Some of our favorite wedding looks of all time are centered around keeping simplicity while combining natural elements. This time of year is perfect for that tone and allows you to really embrace the exciting time leading up to Christmas.

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Fall Lighting

one shoulder wedding dresses

One Shoulder Dresses Are Here to Stay!

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One shoulder[pinit]When Oscar nominees Naomi Watts showed up on this past year’s red carpet in a custom Naeem Khan metallic creation I think she made one thing totally clear: the one shoulder “look” is here to stay. So it came as no surprise with Brides Magazine names the one shoulder dress the biggest thing in wedding dress fashion for the upcoming season. We shy away from calling it a trend at this point- it’s more like just another great option that might be the most flattering neckline for many brides- especially those trying to switch it up from strapless.  And let’s face it- it gives enough coverage for a Fall or Winter wedding while also being perfectly appropriate for a Spring or Summer wedding.  Could this be the most versatile wedding dress look yet?

While the look dates well back into ancient Greek and Roman times (think the movie Troy with style star Diane Kruger modeling the look almost exclusively)  it has made quite the resurgence in the last decade.  And while the 60’s saw Jackie O wear it and the 70’s were all about it with designers like Halston making slinky one shoulders a staple look, it seems to be a more permanent fixture nowadays, which makes it perfect for the Tradition dress seeker with modern taste.                       [pinit]one shoulder1

And this season is no exception, with several magazines calling for even more of the look! The bridal runways were filled with one straps of all kinds. Right now, we are especially loving the delicate late wrapped ones and the all beaded, blinged-out one shoulders. For a more feminine look, we think our Southern brides will absolutely love the flower embroidery and ruffled straps we are seeing with full skirts for the utmost in tradition. You really can’t go wrong with the look but here is the low down on the best bets on who is perfect for this kind of dress!

Bridal stylists everywhere agree that while once trendy, the one shoulder is actually extremely easy to wear for the majority of brides of all shapes and sizes.  The one shoulder strap or simply “one covered arm” look elongates the neckline and continues focus downward , which is perfect for accentuating a long torso. It also gives you a very statuesque look, again perfect for long and lean body who really wants to play it up but even better for a girl looking for a little heights. But what is really beautiful away the one shoulder is that is draws attention up to the face. You can play with your hair to sweep mot of it up and have pieces framing the face. Playing up the most important feature for the most important day of your life is always a plus!

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one should montage

Pinterest: Pins of the Week

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Splatter Watercolor Invitations.  When we first saw this image on Pinterest, it was no more than a two by two square, but even then, we knew it was something special.  And even though the DIY tutorial was technically about how to make a floral party hat (which could be a whole other wedding idea in itself), we fell in love with the idea of translating this splatter watercolor concept into a wedding invitation.  The refined yet colorful technique creates a hint of whimsy, perfect for a fun and festive invitation.  So break out the watercolors, we’re ready to get splattering!

Photo from Anthropologie Craft Night

Personalized Cake Stand.  We’ve never been shy about our love for cakes, and to prove it, we’ve got a whole pinboard dedicated to the classic wedding dessert.  So it’s only normal that when we saw this personalized cake stand, we were head over heels in love.  From the pale and lovely color to the sweet, scalloped trim, it is the perfect accessory to make your wedding cake sing.  And the countless options for personalization make this beauty a no-brainer!

Simple Wreaths.  With the holidays “just around the corner,” wintertime wedding DIY projects are popping up all over Pinterest.  And although many of these projects will no doubt be lovely in December, we love stretching many of them to fit the entire year.  These simple wreaths are the perfect example.  Their simple yet elegant look would be perfect hanging from the windows, the ceiling, or a ceremony backdrop.

Ashley Ann Photography