We’ve previously written about why the winter can be a truly magical time to tie the knot. And, indeed, arguably there’s no longer any real ‘wedding season’ as such any longer. Instead, couples are increasingly picking the coldest months for their marriage because of the cosy and romantic yet glamorous and festive possibilities this opens.

But you will need to take into account the season in all your major decisions. So, without further ado, here are some of our favourite ideas for a winter wedding:

Planning your outfit

Don’t be bowled over by a seemingly gorgeous gown that’s just not right for wintry weather. You won’t want to be shivering all day. Think of how you can cover up stylishly, with fake-fur boleros, stoles and perhaps some sparkle too. Other ideas include long skirts and sleeves. Don’t hold back on the bling if that’s the look you’re after! Some of these concepts could also work well for bridesmaids.

For the groom and his guys, think thicker fabrics such as wool or tweed providing chic warmth.

Either of you can finish off your outfit with an elegant jumper or coat.

Go bold with make-up

If you’re the bride at a winter wedding, this is not the time for the pale, shrinking-violet look. Night will fall well before tea-time and there’s less natural light during the day. So talk to your make-up artist, and think in terms of plum or deep-red lips, blood-red nails, strong eyeliner plus metallic eyeshadow.

Thicker materials

Just as with your garments, choose warmer and thicker fabrics to create a cosy feel. Use these materials for hanging drapes, photo booth backdrops or table settings. Think tweed, tartan patterns or maybe velvet.

Don’t stint on the sparkles

Sparkly wedding décor can look spectacular set against an inky wintry sky – the effect can be lost on a long summer’s evening. Fall in love with shiny things like a magpie and go for confetti, glitter and sequins wherever you like.

Serve up a festive warm drink or three

You may want to serve tea and coffee earlier in the day than with a summer ceremony if the weather outside is frightful. For something stronger, mulled wine is the obvious choice. Or consider a whisky-based warm cocktail. Any of the above will help your guests stay toasty ahead of dinner.

Another idea is a hot chocolate bar, where people can help themselves to sweet treats and make their drinks their own with cheeky extras from sprinkles and marshmallows to cinnamon.

Keep lighting soft

Lighting can be especially important at a winter wedding. Consider visiting your venue in the evening to get a feel for existing illuminations after dark. Talk to your photographer about what would work best for the photos and look into fairy lights, festoon lights and candles or candelabra.

Don’t overwhelm your guests with too much brightness after nightfall.

Make the most of your venue’s fireplace

If you’re celebrating in a room with a fireplace, make the most of it! Use candles, foliage and flower arrangements over the fireplace to create a real focal point.

Make the most of nature

Wintry foliage and branches, cones, seasonal flowers, dried blooms and so on all can all be used to decorate your venue and bring a feel of the outdoors inside. You could even think about incorporating some fake snow.

This theme could extend to the cake, which you could decorate with some festive detailing. (And while we’re on the subject of the cake, spiced apple, stem ginger, gingerbread, fruit or Black Forest versions all work well at this time of year.)

Keep guests warm

Finally, think about keeping people cosy by bulk-buying inexpensive blankets and leaving them somewhere strategically at your venue where everyone can help themselves. This could be ideal for elderly guests or if you are stepping outside, for example to watch fireworks.

A winter wedding at Berkeley Castle

These are just some ideas for creating the perfect winter wedding. At Berkeley Castle our luxury Cotswolds wedding venue, our team can help you create a fairy-tale occasion. It’s a perfect setting with almost limitless possibilities for making your day uniquely your own, whether you’re planning an intimate affair or something on a grander scale.

Get in touch today to learn more.