The peak seasons for weddings in Australia are spring and autumn, but we think there is a lot to be said for a winter wedding. Cool, fresh and romantic, if you are looking for a reason to throw a wedding celebration in the chillier months then our list of winter wedding tips is perfect for you.
Top 10 Best Things about a Winter Wedding
You can Plan for It
The weather in Australia can be terribly unpredictable. You could plan your summer wedding only to have a torrential downpour, or record-breaking sized hailstorm turn up on the day. Or it could be 47 degrees and baking, making all of your guests pass out and your wedding make-up slide off your face the moment you step out of the church.
If you plan for a winter wedding you can embrace the weather, and say, ‘Bring it on!’ Accept that it is likely to be cold, windy and even wet, but choose a stunning venue in this kind of weather so that everyone still has a fabulous day.
Florals by Modern Day Events Floral | Cape by The Law Bridal | Gown by Willowby by Watters |
Dress Boutique Springsweet | Venue Dwell Vacations
You can wear Cooler Outfits
Many brides look amazing on their wedding day in skin-tight strapless, backless or slinky gowns, but very few of them are comfortable.
For a winter wedding, you have more options in wedding dress styles, including looks that are more flattering and sophisticated than middle-of-summer dresses. You won’t be hot and sweaty in your gown, and neither will the men be in their three-piece suits. If are looking for that wintery style dress come and have a look at our gallery.
Embrace capes, jackets, wraps, boots and more for the ladies in their sexy winter wedding attire. Consider richer colours than just plain black for the guys, and even put them in velvet or hats for a super-cool touch.
Everything is Cheaper
In peak wedding seasons the prices for everything tends to go up, including venues, caterers, florists and even photographers. If you are looking at a winter wedding date you are in the offseason, and can save quite a bit of money on all of your vendors (or invite a lot more people).
Winter Colours
We are completely in love with winter colour combinations for weddings. We love the rich gold, bronze and silver metallics, luxe deep crimson, navy and ivy green, the red and gold of a bright fire, or, of course, the crystalline white of a snow queen. Thrown in greys, blues, greens and more for variety and you will come up with a wedding palette that you will adore.
Winter Food
Weddings aren’t just about romance, they are also all about the feast! If you are a gourmet foodie couple you might be looking at a lovely restaurant renowned for local and seasonal cuisine, and winter is a sensational time to embrace this.
Make food a central part of your winter wedding with huge share platters and grazing tables, comfort desserts and signature cocktails (espresso martini, anyone?) to warm the heart. You could have a rich hot chocolate bar to keep your guests happy, or put together mason jars with s’mores or cupcake mixes to send home as favours.
Winter Themes and Motifs
We are in love with winter themes and motifs that you could base your day around, such as snowflakes and icicles, evergreens like ivy and pine needles, a crisp winter’s night of moon and stars, or a magical and enchanting ice kingdom (think Frozen, but a lot less Disney).
Romantic Winter Activities for your Day
Arrange for the bridal party to get indulged at a hot springs day spa the day before the event (or wind down at one the day after…)
Hold a high tea in a cosy tearoom with floor to ceiling windows watching the amazing weather outside.
Have a rugged-up carriage ride through the city, or an old-school hayride cart in a countryside venue.
Send your guests gin or bourbon tasting while you get your photos taken to truly warm up their insides with a healthy glow.
You could also hold a Game of Thrones style rustic wedding feast in a refurbished barn with exposed stone and wood finishings, without all the murdering that is.
You could hold a campfire later in the evening with rich hot chocolates served to people snuggled up in warm blankets.
Winter Decoration Ideas
Embrace winter in all her stunning glory with your flowers and decorations across the day.
You might like some of the following decorative touches for your winter wedding day:
- Table centrepieces of bare, elegant branches or spray painted pinecones decorated with fairy lights or dripping crystals
- A ceiling of paper lanterns and hanging snowflakes
- Choose a cake in uber-cool tones of blue, green and white that is decorated with crystals
- Add luxe textures to outfits and décor such as metallics, jewels, furs, lace, satin, velvet and more
- Warming candles of all shapes and sizes everywhere creating a soft romantic glow (much more flattering as well!)
You are more likely to get your Dream Venue
Because this is the off-season, if you have your heart set on a venue that is normally booked out years in advance, you just might be able to snag a winter date.
This is also a wonderful time to hold morning and day weddings because the nights can get a bit cold for your guests. You could choose a brunch wedding, or a long, lazy winery lunch and still get to spend the day in the iconic reception venue that no one believed you would be able to book.
Throw a Cosy Winter Festival
The popular idea of a destination wedding is that you give all of your guests a holiday too, and is usually in sunny places or resort locations. We love the idea of a cosy winter festival as your destination wedding, inviting everyone for several days of events and fun in a stunning cold weather location like the mountains or a wine valley.
Plan tons of activities like dinners in boutique pubs with open fires, massages and trips to day spas or shopping, wine tasting, and much more.
If you had a gorgeous winter wedding for your special day, write in the comments what your favourite part of the celebration was for you. Share some awesome winter wedding tips and ideas with future brides and grooms.
