How to Plan a Perfect Winter Wedding

Summertime may be the preferred season for wedding celebrations. On the other hand, the allure of winter weddings is rarely spoken. We are here to inform you that getting married in the winter is not as horrible as you may have thought. Imagine your wedding day decorated with rich colours, brightened with hearty foods, and finished with stunning bridal gowns. 

This post provides some helpful suggestions for creating a wonderful and magical winter wedding. And reconsider before you assume that a winter wedding needs a Christmas theme. We are going to inspire you as you explore the vast realm of winter wedding preparation.

Reasons Why You Should Consider A Winter Wedding

There are advantages to holding your wedding in the winter, even though spring and summer are traditionally the most popular seasons. 

Perhaps all that's on your mind is the gloomy, bone-chilling weather, and you find it impossible to see how a winter wedding could fit into your ideal day. You might pass on these five opportunities by not getting married in Australia during the winter.

Better Availability of Venues And Vendors In Winter

Winter is typically less busy for wedding vendors than spring and summer when it comes to venues, photographers, caterers, and florists. Therefore, if you're organising a wedding in Sydney, you might have more possibilities.

Cheaper Travel and Accommodations for Out-of-town Guests

Moreover, low seasons allow your loved ones to take advantage of discounted airfare and lodging to attend your wedding and, if possible, fit in a vacation before or after the ceremony.

Now that the tension of the wedding day has passed and you can unwind after your big day, some wedding locations with lodging even allow you to stay longer and create memorable memories.

Greater Comfort 

The winter months are undoubtedly more comfortable due to their lower temperatures, especially for the guests, bride's attendant/man of honour, groom, and groomsmen dressed in suits. Additionally, you won't have to worry about melting in your wedding pictures due to heat exhaustion. Brides don't need to worry about looking too hot while applying makeup.

Seamless Wedding Timeline

Your wedding day will go chronologically, starting with the ceremony and ending with your location/portrait session. It would help if you snap these pictures in the last hour of daylight (location-depending). In contrast, if you want to see the sunset during the summer, you have to leave your reception at 8 p.m. for 30 minutes.

Winter Wedding Ideas

We present the season's newest bridal styles and trends, which bring a romantic touch with elaborate details, a bright and dazzling ambience, and pure snowy whites for couples planning winter weddings against harsh landscapes or gathering in snug locations on cool, crisp days and nights.

Location: Most Australian winter weddings include indoor and outdoor spaces. Locations with gorgeous interior spaces that offer a cosy, private atmosphere among the seasonal cold are popular with couples.

Many choose rustic settings, beautiful ballrooms, and historic buildings because they exude grandeur and cosiness. Venues with stunning winter scenery, such as mountain resorts or vineyards, are enticing to people who enjoy being outdoors. These locations frequently feature gorgeous, misty valley or rolling hill backdrops, ideal for capturing the spirit of an Australian winter.

Styling: In Australia, winter wedding styling blends rustic charm with elegant refinement. The colour scheme is typically more profound and richer, featuring gold, navy, burgundy, and forest green tones. Décor pieces, such as candles, fairy lights, and soft drapes, create a comfortable and romantic atmosphere.

Natural textures, such as wool, leather, and wood, are frequently incorporated into styling, heightening the rustic winter vibe. Luxurious embellishments, such as metallic or velvet details, are also in style since they offer refinement and contrast with the natural features.

Winter's Palette & Textures for Stationery: In Australia, winter wedding stationery frequently reflects the colour palette and textiles of the season. Deeper, richer colours like burgundy, navy, and forest green are commonly used in invitations and other paper items, and they're frequently combined with opulent elements like gold or silver foil.

Winter themes, such as pine cones and snowflakes, as well as minimalist patterns that capture the season's grace and simplicity, can be incorporated into design elements. Embossing and other textured materials and treatments can impart a tactile touch reminiscent of winter's warm vibe.

Selection of Warm and Inviting Beverages: The selection of beverages is intended to be cosy and warm. More prosperous, heavier wines that go well with robust meals, like cabernet or shiraz, are in style. Many choose spiced rums, ciders, and espresso martinis for an added special touch. Remember to provide hot chocolate, coffee, or tea to help guests warm up. To make it an unforgettable experience, add a couple of marshmallows!

How To Plan A Best Winter Wedding

Prepare to explore some of our best suggestions and advice for throwing a memorable, cold-weather party. Get your buddies excited about the impending trend of winter weddings—they will be big this year.

Step 1: Prepare Guests For The Weather Possibilities

You must think about more than just yourself when organising a winter wedding. Providing your guests with as much information as possible about the weather, what to wear, and other valuable details during the winter months will make them feel quite welcome.

Will a cloakroom be provided? Is it appropriate for them to wear a winter coat to an outdoor ceremony? Are there shoes they should wear that won't sink in the mud? Write a list of the things you would like guests to bring on your wedding website or in your invitations.

Step 2: Go For A Bold Colour Scheme

Winter needs some colour because it might be either gloomy or white. Here's when your colour palette comes into play. Adorn your wedding with a colour palette that reflects the winter chill, and make it stand out at the location.

If red roses aren't your thing, rich blues or greens might still be a great option as a nod to the holiday season. Though anything goes in winter, light pastel colours might not be ideal, even though they look amazing in the summer.

Step 3: Prepare Your Photographer

Whoever said that wedding pictures taken in the cold weren't amazing? The truth is that winter may provide the ideal environment for dramatic, melancholy shots. 'Dancing in the rain' and romantic umbrella images can also be created using it.

Please work with your photographer to advise them on taking winter wedding photos and alert them to any possible weather issues during your event. To ensure you know what you're getting, look through your favourite photos online for inspiration and bring some.

Your wedding images may make or ruin a well-planned photographic session, especially in the winter when more work is required. Think about backgrounds, hair, props, and more; you'll have an advantage.

Step 4: Choose A Venue That Compliments The Winter Season

Only specific wedding locations are suitable for winter. Even if you can make any location into a stunning wedding venue, it's essential to consider the effort you're willing to put in. For instance, a city centre warehouse could be hip and edgy in the summer, but it could seem chilly and uneasy in the winter if it's not dressed up.

Take some time to look around wedding locations with a warm winter feel. They may have fireplaces, pleasant furnishings, vibrant colours, smaller windows, and comfy couches.

You'll be able to enjoy that cosy atmosphere in the winter if you arrange your wedding a year ahead. Thus, go to certain places and look for the "feeling."

Step 5: Kit Out Your Venue With Helpful Winter Items

However, it goes beyond the aesthetics of your location. You might have yet to give much thought to certain practical aspects of your wedding. Some couples leave boots and mats at the entrances for people who need to get some fresh air and wipe off any dirt when they go back inside. In case of rain, you might also supply some umbrellas.

Additionally, in keeping with your warm colour scheme, you can offer cosy seating options with blankets or cushions, allowing visitors to get comfortable in their seats for the evening.

Step 6: Select A Tasty And Warm Winter Menu 

A winter wedding necessitates warm and delicious cuisine to ensure guests' comfort and enjoyment—after all, nobody enjoys stuffing themselves too much at a wedding.

Warmth and contentment can be found in crave-worthy foods, such as robust main meals, decadent desserts, and soothing soups.

To ensure your guests are happy and satisfied, provide rich vegetable or meat dishes, creamy mashed potatoes, warm fruit crumbles, or chocolate brownies.

Your winter wedding will be more enjoyable overall, and your guests will be well-fed and eager to party if you have carefully considered your food!

What You Need for a Winter Wedding?

Winter weddings, with their inherent elegance and cosy charm, require a specialised approach to supplies. Every detail, from the shimmer of a snowflake to the warmth of a candle, contributes to the overall ambience. Here's a highly detailed breakdown of essential winter wedding supplies, ensuring every element is considered for a truly magical event.

A. Invitations & Stationery: Setting the Winter Tone

The first impression of your winter wedding begins with your stationery. These supplies should evoke the season's beauty and inform guests of the celebration's theme. 

Preparing your invitations and stationery for a winter wedding is a crucial step in setting the tone for your celebration. It's not just about conveying information; it's about creating anticipation and immersing your guests in the cosy, elegant, or festive atmosphere you envision.

Traditionally, the hosts (parents, or "Together with their families," or the couple themselves). "The honour of your presence" (for religious ceremonies) or "the pleasure of your company" (for secular ceremonies). Full names, often with the bride's name first. Traditionally spelt out in full (e.g., "Saturday, the tenth of December, two thousand twenty-five, at half after four o'clock in the afternoon").

B. Ceremony Supplies: Creating a Sacred Winter Ambiance

The ceremony space should feel intimate, warm, and utterly enchanting. Winter wedding ceremonies offer a truly magical and sacred atmosphere, blending the solemnity of vows with the stunning beauty of the season. To prepare for the ceremony, focus on supplies that create a holy winter ambience, evoking warmth, light, natural beauty, and a sense of reverence.

Before purchasing or renting anything, firmly establish your desired aesthetic for the ceremony. Focus on muted colours, soft lighting, classic elegance, and minimal distractions. Emphasise warmth, rich textures, abundant candles, and a sense of gathering. Prioritise sparkling elements, flowing fabrics, soft blues and whites, and ethereal lighting. Incorporate wood, evergreens, pinecones, and warm, earthy tones.

C. Reception & Décor Supplies: Crafting a Winter Wonderland Feast

The reception is where your winter vision truly comes to life, focusing on warmth, sparkle, and delicious sustenance. You're planning a winter wedding reception, and that's where the magic comes alive! The reception is your chance to immerse guests in the cosy, glamorous, or rustic winter wonderland you envision. It's about transforming a space into a warm, inviting, and visually stunning environment.

Think crystal, sequins, metallics (gold, silver), deep jewel tones, lush fabrics like velvet and satin, and abundant candlelight. Emphasise natural wood, evergreens, pinecones, plaid or flannel accents, warm lighting, and a fireplace if available. Focus on whites, icy blues, silver, sheer fabrics, crystal accents, and fairy lights to evoke a frosty, dreamlike quality. Incorporate reds, greens, golds, plaid, twinkling lights, and touches of holiday cheer (without being overly "Christmas party").

D. Favors & Gifts: Sending Guests Home with Warmth

Thoughtful favours are an excellent way to thank guests and reinforce your winter theme. Preparation for favours and gifts for a winter wedding is all about thoughtful selections that embrace the season's charm, warmth, and festive spirit. These tokens of appreciation should leave your guests with a lasting memory of your special day.

Think high-quality, personalised, or luxurious mini-items. Focus on handmade, natural materials or comforting edibles. Opt for iridescent, crystal-like, or snowflake-themed items. Incorporate classic holiday colours, scents, or flavours. Determine a realistic per-favour budget. This will significantly narrow down your options. Remember to factor in personalisation, packaging, and shipping costs.

E. Practical Supplies: Ensuring Smooth Operation

These often-overlooked items are crucial for a stress-free winter wedding.

You may need to include the emergency kit, including safety pins, needle and thread, stain remover, pain relievers, blister bandages, hairspray, bobby pins, tissues, makeup touch-ups, super glue, and any personal medications. A critical consideration for venues in areas prone to winter power outages is ensuring continuous celebration.

Unlike gas generators, Jackery Solar Generators operate silently. This is the most crucial factor for a wedding. You don't want the drone of a noisy generator interrupting vows, background music, speeches, or intimate conversations. A silent power source ensures that the beautiful, serene, and sacred atmosphere of a winter wedding remains undisturbed, allowing guests to enjoy the ceremony and reception fully.

Jackery Solar Generators Explained

Weddings in the winter are enchanting because they provide a warm, romantic backdrop, whether in snow-covered surroundings or indoors. Jackery Solar Generators may assist couples in organising an outdoor winter ceremony or reception by providing electricity for music systems, fairy lights, or heaters, ensuring a seamless event.

Jackery's solutions make your big day more sustainable and easier so you can focus on creating lifelong memories. With dependable energy, embrace the beauty of a winter wedding. Jackery Portable Power Stations run on batteries, meaning no harmful exhaust fumes. This is vital, especially in winter when ventilation might be limited due to closed doors and windows.       

Jackery Solar Generator 1000 v2

Choosing the Jackery Solar Generator 1000 v2 for a winter wedding offers all the benefits of a standard Jackery portable power station, with the added advantage of solar recharging capability.

1002Wh Capacity: Ample power for running essential wedding equipment for several hours.

1000W Inverter (2000W Surge): Can handle devices with higher power demands.

Multiple Output Ports: 3 AC outlets, 2 USB-C ports, 2 USB-A ports, and a 12V carport.

Pure Sine Wave Inverter: Provides clean, stable power, protecting sensitive electronics.

ü Quiet, Clean, and Portable Power: Like all Jackery power stations, the 1000 v2 operates silently, producing no fumes or emissions. This is crucial for maintaining the serene ambience of a wedding ceremony and reception, especially important in enclosed winter settings. It's lightweight and portable, allowing for flexible placement and easy transportation to various locations within the venue (indoors or outdoors).

ü Sustainability and Backup: The 1000 v2 can be recharged using solar panels (sold separately), reducing reliance on traditional power sources and minimising your wedding's environmental footprint. If your winter wedding involves any off-grid elements (e.g., a remote outdoor ceremony or a tented reception in a location without easy access to power), solar recharging becomes invaluable.

ü Winter Considerations for Solar: While winter days are shorter and sunlight may be less intense, solar charging is still possible. Position solar panels strategically to maximise sunlight exposure, and consider using multiple panels for faster recharging. You can also recharge the 1000 v2 via AC outlets or car charging, providing flexibility depending on your venue's power situation and the weather conditions.

ü Emergency Preparedness: Winter storms can cause power outages. The 1000 v2 provides a reliable backup power source for critical wedding elements, ensuring the celebration continues smoothly. Knowing you have a dependable power source, independent of the grid, brings peace of mind and reduces stress on your wedding day.

Jackery Solar Generator 600 Plus

The Jackery Solar Generator 600 Plus is a more compact and potentially more budget-friendly option compared to the 1000 v2, but it still offers significant advantages for specific winter wedding needs. Weighing around 16.1 lbs (7.3 kg), it's incredibly easy to carry and position discreetly. This is a significant advantage for wedding setups that require power without the need for bulky equipment.

632Wh Capacity: Provides enough power for a reasonable duration for smaller, essential wedding electronics.

800W AC Output (1600W Surge): While less than the 1000 v2, 800W is still quite capable.

ü Compact Size and Exceptional Portability: Its compact dimensions enable it to be discreetly hidden behind floral arrangements, under tables, or tucked into corners, thereby preserving the aesthetic of your décor. If you need power in multiple spots (e.g., for a brief outdoor photo session, then moving to an indoor ceremony, then the reception), its portability makes transitions seamless. 

ü Quiet and Clean Operation: Like all Jackery Solar Generators, the 600 Plus operates silently, producing no fumes. This is paramount for maintaining the intimate and celebratory atmosphere of a wedding. No disruptive noise or unpleasant smells. Safe for indoor use, which is critical for winter weddings where most activities will be indoors.

ü Ideal for Specific Scenarios: For smaller, more intimate gatherings, the 600 Plus might have all the power you need without overspending on a larger unit. If your venue primarily has grid power, but you need portable power for specific accent lighting, a remote speaker, or a photo booth in an area without convenient outlets, the 600 Plus is perfect.

ü Cold Weather Performance: The Jackery Explorer 600 Plus is rated for discharge (usage) in temperatures as low as 14°F (-10 °C). This makes it suitable for typical winter wedding conditions, even if some elements are briefly exposed to cold. Like most lithium batteries, it prefers to be charged in temperatures above freezing (32°F / 0°C to 113°F / 45°C). In icy outdoor conditions, you'd want to bring it indoors or ensure it's in a warmer space to charge.

What To Wear to A Winter Wedding

It's difficult enough to choose what to wear to a wedding, but with wind, rain, and cold, the situation becomes even more difficult. Here are some tips from us about dressing for a winter wedding as a guest, a plus one, or even the bride's mother. Winter wedding season, here we come!

Dress Up: If you're devoted to a stunning short dress, consider pairing it with long sleeves and tights to keep warm. At Review Australia, we are currently considering extended lengths for both functional and stylish seasons. A maxi dress has the added advantage of being both comfortable and chic with minimal styling effort.

Wrap Around: Attending a winter wedding in a coat is entirely appropriate. Nobody wants goosebumps to be their go-to accessory, after all. The standard wedding attire is a lace dress; although it may not be suitable for winter, you can easily update your look with a wool coat.

Play with Colour: Emerald, amber, ruby, and rose gold are stunning colours that are popular for producing an elegant look for special occasions. This wedding season, we're embracing these hues. If not otherwise noted, experimenting with colour is quite acceptable when attending a wedding, so feel free to take advantage of the opportunity to dress up.

Mother of the Bride: You want to look your best for all the beautiful wedding pictures because the bridal party will be the centre of attention. Take inspiration from the bridal party and wedding theme while selecting your mother-of-the-bride gown, and ask the bride if she has any preferences for your style. Above all, choose an outfit that accentuates your beauty and self-assurance.

Winter Wedding Flowers Types

Beautiful wedding flowers are one item that can boost your special day. Winter weddings are truly magical. These tiny flowers finish off the entire design of your wedding and contribute to your overall appearance. You may construct the ideal bouquet, ceremony and reception styling, and table décor for your special day with the help of this guide.

Alstroemeria (commonly known as Peruvian lily or lily of the Incas): Beautiful when used in mass

Anemones: Soft and delicate to add a whimsical touch

Anthuriums: Modern, sleek and popular in lux-style arrangements

Arum Lily (late): Modern and structural

Blossom: They are available in deep pink and white pink. The delicate blossoms make a stunning contrast with their stick base. It is ideal for reaching a higher position at a table without obstructing the view.

Blushing Bride (Commonly known as Protea): An Australian native with an interesting texture.

Camellia: Because they don't endure long, they are rarely used as cut flowers. The occasional random ones we get on our foliage bunches are entertaining.

Celocia: Great for a touch of texture and vibrant colour pop!

Winter Wedding FAQs

The following are the frequently asked questions about the winter wedding.

1. What are the wedding seasons in Australia?

In Australia, March and November are typically the most popular months for marriage. However, why? That's the weather, and it's very evident. The coldest months are June and July, which are also the least popular months.

2. What is the cheapest month to get married in Australia?

While the least expensive time to get married varies depending on the area, off-peak times are typically considered the most affordable. This usually occurs in the late fall to early spring when there is less demand for vendors and venues.

3. What is a rough wedding budget in Australia?

Insights from the online marketplace Oneflare and ASIC's Moneysmart website indicate that the average cost of a wedding in Australia in 2024 ranged from $36,000 to $51,000. This wide range represents the various tastes and decisions that each couple has made on their special day.

4. Is $5000 a reasonable budget for a wedding?

You can have a beautiful wedding on a budget of $5,000. A few short recommendations for planning: The first thing you need to do is count how many guests you'll have. This will not only determine the location (one of the greatest, if not the biggest, costs) and how much food to buy (another huge cost).

5. What is the cheapest month for a wedding?

If you want to save money on your wedding, consider getting married in January, March, or November, which are typically the low-season months. During the off-peak season, many venues and wedding suppliers will offer lower prices. This is a great time to find a good deal on a wedding.

Conclusion

Winter might be the ideal wedding season; don't let the lower temperatures deter you from planning one. A winter wedding offers many more advantages. As we indicated at the piece's beginning, if you're not a massive fan of the cold, we recommend thinking about spring or autumn instead.

Ideally, before the start of daylight savings time (if applicable, if you live in a state). We do love to photograph weddings in the summer. Nonetheless, we discover that the months that don't include summer are better for light.