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It’s no secret that the pandemic had an impact on nearly every industry, but it seems like the wedding industry may have been hit the hardest. Most of us probably had a wedding or two (or five) scheduled on our calendars that were pushed out to July of 2020, then to September, and then to March of 2021 (you get the idea).
But with valiant efforts being made to get everyone healthy and everything back in full swing, it seems like this latest rescheduling might truly be the latest. The U.S is projecting a whopping 2.5 million weddings (!) to take place in 2022. That’s the most weddings this country has seen in almost forty years. And if you are a newly engaged bride looking at venue after venue trying to secure a wedding date, this may come as no surprise.
So, what’s a girl to do when you want to have your (wedding) cake and eat it too? Consider a winter wedding. It might not be the date or season you originally had in mind, but you can still plan your dream wedding, and you’ll have a better chance of securing a venue since it’s in the off-season. And we want to help you plan all those stunning details you wouldn’t find at any other nuptials that take place in the fall or summer.
Click to shop; Image via @tiffaniwithaneye
Start with the Decor:
A winter wedding presents an amazing opportunity to get creative and fun with your decorations and floral arrangements!
Decorations
If you’re going for a winter wonderland or holiday-themed party, lean into that statement and decorate each of your tables with ornaments, small menorahs, and/or fake snowflakes. Make your centerpiece a giant Christmas tree and encourage guests to bring an ornament of their choosing to help you decorate it.
Or better yet, provide small, flat ornaments for each guest, and have them write a little note on them. That can be your guest book!Complete your decor by adding chic, knit blankets to the back of each guest’s chair, and allow them to get comfy-cozy.
Flowers
Cool, darker tones are commonly associated with winter, which gives you another chance to make a unique wedding statement. Instead of opting into the traditional pastels of summer, look into a deeper, sexier bouquet arrangement.
You can even use the conventional red and green colors of Christmas for inspiration. Deep crimson-colored flowers, like roses, would look stunning sitting beside forest green fauna. For an added touch, sprinkle some mini fir tree branches in your arrangements.
Click to shop; Image via @kristenleanne
Secure the Dress:
If you’ve been debating a long sleeve dress for your big day, this is your sign to do it, bestie! There’s no better time to show off a beautiful long sleeve wedding gown than an elegant winter wedding. It’s the perfect combination of functional and fashionable and is sure to keep you warm during any outdoor photo sessions.
For a look that goes the extra mile, consider layering a simple, chicwhite sweater over your dress for an unexpected touch of style and comfort. Complete your look by adding a demure bow to your hair, and tying your wedding’s colors into your outfit with accessories. Emerald green shoes, anyone?
Have Fun with the Food and Drink
We all love to indulge around the holidays, and your wedding should be no exception! Go all out with Christmas cookies, a hot cocoa station, eggnog, and plenty of candy. And you can’t forget about the endless possibilities for co*cktails. Here are two classic winter drink choices:
Classic Hot Toddy
Ingredients:
- 1½ ounce brown liquor such as brandy, whiskey or rum
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ½ ounce lemon juice
- 1 cup hot water
- Lemon wedge, cinnamon stick, and star anise, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Combine the first four ingredients into the bottom of a warmed mug. If desired, garnish with the lemon, cinnamon stick, or star anise.
Irish Coffee
Ingredients:
- 1 cup freshly brewed hot coffee
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 jigger Irish whiskey (1 1/2 ounces or 3 tablespoons)
- Heavy cream, slightly whipped
Instructions:
Fill a mug with hot water to preheat it, then empty. Pour hot coffee into warmed glass until it is about 3/4 full. Add the brown sugar and stir until completely dissolved. Blend in Irish whiskey. Top with a collar of the whipped heavy cream by pouring gently over the back of a spoon. Serve hot.
Cick to shop; Image via @nickievu
Things to Look out For:
One of the biggest things you’ll want to keep an eye on when planning your winter wedding is the weather. Even if you live in a climate that’s warm all year round, it’s likely that you’ll have at least a few relatives that are flying in from out of state. And while there is no real way to predict the weather on your big day (as much as we’d love to), there are ways to mitigate the stress. For your best chances at avoiding bad snowstorms, consider an early winter wedding, like late November or early December.
Additionally, you might want to consider throwing your bash in the nearest city, to avoid as much travel as possible. This way, your guests won’t risk their safety by driving down dark, icy country roads.
Are you planning a winter wedding? Show us on Instagram @lulusweddings using #lovelulus–and score everything from Lulus wedding dresses to bridesmaid dresses to long sleeve party dresses for guests in our Weddings Shop!
