ALT-4 Dos and Donts of Winter Weddings
Winter weddings take a little more thought and planning than other weddings. The reason why there are definite do's and don'ts is dictated by the inclement weather. Although that snow backdrop may seem the perfect one for the wedding chosen, there are definite disadvantages that need to be looked into in advance, to make the wedding go off without a hitch.
Don'ts
Travel plans.
For guests who are coming from out of town, don't expect them to turn up on the day of the wedding without pre-planning. It is wiser to ensure that transportation is arranged well in advance, and that arrangements are made for a place for them to stay. The reason this matters so much in winter is that this also coincides with many holidays, when hotels may be booked up, or when the weather is at its worst for travel.
Arrangements for the wedding ceremony.
Leave nothing to chance. Book up the church well in advance so that it doesn't coincide with other church happenings, leading to disappointment. Don't assume that because you are you are a local to a certain church that they will change scheduled services to fit the ceremony in. Planning ahead includes arranging the reception hall, transportation, the church, and every aspect. This also includes floral arrangements, as winter periods may be difficult and the florist may have to order special flowers for the day, well in advance.
Apparel.
Don't wear new high heels to the ceremony if there is any danger of slipping. Not only will these be new shoes to get accustomed to, but you have the added dimension of the possibility of ice. It's vital to be dressed suitably for the event. For example, choosing a wedding gown suited to the winter is important, as even though the church may have heating, often these are cold places, and a bride can't look her best if she is shivering. Think also of the choice of apparel for the bridesmaids, since they will have to look nice of course, while keeping adequately warm.
Allow for a shawl or suitable wrap for the transit from home to the church and don't leave things to chance. An umbrella to protect that hair style may be a wise move.
Do's
Do make arrangements well in advance, and make sure that the band you want to play at the reception is not fully booked. With many parties coinciding with the winter period, it may be difficult to secure your choice of music and venue, so the sooner you solidify the booking for both, the better.
Do arrange with the church in advance for a carpet to be laid for entrance to the church. A slippery path may just spoil the day. If they don't have one already, it may be a worthwhile investment. It is small things which matter, though with a winter wedding, you have the weather and seasonal celebrations getting in the way of the ceremony, so try to take advantage of common sense preparations.
Do ask people in advance if the date you propose works for them. People will have their own seasonal arrangements and it is wise to check this before making the final bookings.
Do plan a registry for wedding gifts which allows people to make modest contributions. One the the hazards of a winter wedding is that people already have many expenses for the Christmas and Thanksgiving that may make them short of money. If you can find a shop which has a wide range of goods and which offers registered buyers to contribute toward a gift rather than shelling out the whole expense, this is much more reasonable and likely to get a better response.
Do be aware of weather changes. Keep an eye on the weather forecasts, and make arrangements that work, even if snow is likely. When things like this happen, often people are grounded. If you arrange for guests to stay a short distance from where the ceremony is likely to be held, then this makes life a lot easier for everyone.
Do arrange for an area for wedding photographs in advance. The inclement weather may preclude the possibility of outside photographs. If there is an area in the reception building, suited to the group photographs, have the photographer make themselves familiar with the area and provide necessary props. Photographs are relatively expensive, and it's their job to ensure that you are not disappointed.
Do check that all transportation is arranged, and that guests are alerted to the route to the church. This helps them to plan their trip and will help them even if they are unfamiliar with the town. It's a good idea to have friends on mobile phones so that messages can be passed as to which routes are open. The best man can help with this task, and it's especially important for a winter wedding.
Do arrange the honeymoon so that you have time to travel to the airport even if the weather is bad. Missing a honeymoon trip because of bad planning will cause disappointment. Try to book well in advance with a reliable air service, and also remember that savings can be made if comparing prices with high street travel agents with those shown on the Internet.
Do cater to allow for the cooler weather. Guests will be cold, and a warm offering, even if only in buffet style can help the reception get off to a flying start. It's a good idea to greet guests from the church will mulled wine, to warm them up, and this isn't hard to arrange in advance.
A winter wedding presents particular difficulties, but it also provides opportunities which other seasons do not. The velvet gown, the colors of the wedding theme and contrasts are amazing in the winter season. This is the season for velvet muffs for the bridesmaids, and beautifully rich colors for the church. It's a photo opportunity of a lifetime, if planned well in advance with every detail taken care of with precision. That winter wonderland awaits the bride and groom who know they have covered all the do's and don'ts and whose only worry is giving and receiving of promises.
