Winter is the most magical ~looking~ time of the year. Who doesn’t love a striking wedding picture with blankets of snow in the backdrop of a first kiss photo? Snow falling gently over the bridal party as they line up for photos with their bouquets help against their waists, every color popping against the bright background. If you have ever dreamed of a winter wedding, that is exactly what you are looking to capture on your big day. 

Picturesque Location

Unfortunately there aren’t many places that you could guarantee snow on your wedding day, but not many guests would be mad about traveling to a beautiful ski resort for a weekend to watch you tie the coziest of knots. If you know there is going to be snow, you will want to make sure there are safe ways for your guests to get to your nuptials without fear of getting stuck in the ice. 

Bringing the Heat

Whether or not you end up with a fresh dusting of snow surrounding you on your big day, there are a few things you can guarantee for your guests to make sure they stay warm and cozy throughout the day. Besides the obvious, space heaters (which should be available everywhere), you might also consider finding a huge selection of fuzzy blankets in neutrals like ivory and tan, to have waiting for the guests on their chairs (and maybe a pre-ceremony beverage?). They can stay warm while listening to your hand written vows. 

All Fired Up

The cocktail hour is another time that typically goes between indoor and outdoor, so having a fire pit or two will allow for great mingling between people who might not know each other as they warm their hands by the fire. You can even have a s’mores station for the kids! Let’s be honest though, the grown ups will be more than happy to dive in as well. 

The Extras

If you are willing to go as magical as having horse drawn sleigh available for your guests, we want an invite!! How enchanting would that be?! Don’t forget the faux fur capes for you and your bridesmaids, you all will be warm and  very photogenic. 

Did we miss any important details for the perfect winter wedding? Let us know!

Lauren Allen, Author

Lauren is a bridal consultant and self-published author, with a background in celebrity styling and bridal make up artistry. You can find her with an oat milk cappuccino in the morning, and a glass of Cabernet at night, her real passions. Get enough wine in her and she will tell you about her perfectly planned wedding. Just promise not to ask about the groom, that’s one detail she’s still working on. Lauren is based in NYC and her book “How to Be 23” can be found here

The holiday season is officially here and we are already loving all of the seasonal wedding pictures that are filling our Instagram feeds! 

That being said, we know it’s not easy to decide on a holiday wedding. Long weekends, beautiful decorations, and iconic playlists are all very enticing (along with an anniversary date your spouse can’t forget). We love the romance of it all, but will your guests be just as happy to leave their family to celebrate your nuptials? We have put together our suggestions for planning the holiday wedding of your dreams! 

The “dos and don’ts” of scheduling a holiday wedding:

Do: send out invites early! 

If you are asking people to travel around a major holiday, you have to give them enough time to plan it out. 

Don’t: Expect the normal acceptance rate

Because of long standing traditions, many invitees will not be able to attend. This just means they will be the first to like your Instagram pictures so they can feel like they were there with you! 

Do: Make sure the food is EXTRA good! 

Most of us spend the entire year dreaming about Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Eve dinners. Make your wedding one to really remember by sharing an amazing meal with the friends and family that join you on this extra special day. 

Don’t: Play only holiday music

There’s a time and a place for some beautiful background music with the classics. I even recommend turning some right now, I am listening to my Christmas playlist while writing this! But, after the ceremony is a reception, not a corporate Christmas party. Don’t loose sight of what you are all gathered for. 

Do: Think about the extra costs

Many vendors will charge extra for hiring them on a major holiday (and higher flight costs for guests). Focus on what’s most important to you and put the money there (for some it’s food, others it’s photography. I would have a hard time choosing!) 

Don’t: let anything stop you from having your dream wedding! 

If you have always wanted a snow angel themed Christmas Eve wedding, let nothing get in the way of that. This might mean compromising on other things like having a huge guest list, or getting married in Saint Patrick's Cathedral, but you can still make your dream wedding come true. Get some backup fake snow just in case it’s not a white Christmas, gather your closest friends and family, and go get married!

Happy holiday planning!

Lauren Allen, Author

Lauren is a bridal consultant and self-published author, with a background in celebrity styling and bridal make up artistry. You can find her with an oat milk cappuccino in the morning, and a glass of Cabernet at night, her real passions. Get enough wine in her and she will tell you about her perfectly planned wedding. Just promise not to ask about the groom, that’s one detail she’s still working on. Lauren is based in NYC and her book “How to Be 23” can be found here