The Winter Brides’ Guide to Planning

The winter season is unlike any other; with time off to spend with family and to enjoy traditions and good company,

many newlyweds live to plan their big day during this time. The romance (and availability) in the winter season is incomparable to all others so planning will have more ups than downs. But winter weddings can bring large doses of spontaneity with the weather of course, and traveling situations. Pre-planning is essential for both the couple and their guests. Often during the holidays shopping and scheduling is put off till the last minute. Unfortunately picking up all your wedding needs cannot be done on the 24th! Here is what Get The Gown recommends for the December bride….

I. Set your winter wonderland location and date. Give yourself plenty of time! You do have the rest of your life to spend with your partner after all.

When setting the date consider the amount of travelers you will have attending: if you figure more than 30% of your guests will be traveling it is suggested to push the date out. The last thing you want on your big day is half of your guests complaining about delays. Also, remember that the closer to Christmas or New Years the higher the price. Vendors want to be cozied up with their family too, therefore they will only come out for a pretty penny.

II. Examine your budget carefully. Depending on the size of your family and the size of your ceremony  you can slash or add what is necessary. Don’t be afraid to play around with the numbers!

Each month stash away a bit of cash to do your Christmas shopping with or better yet pick up the items that will raise during the holiday season. Wrap them up and have them ready to go in order to knock off minor tasks.

Keep in mind small budget wonders like wedding gown and accessory rental  and DIY projects. These are two huge wedding trends that can open up room to buy your second cousin a gift! Get The Gown can help knock off two things on your own list, as we rent high-end designer wedding gowns, reception dresses, and accessories.

III.  After the location expense is taken out of the budget, compare lighting and decor vendors to get the best price possible. The decor style can go two ways, either subtle Christmas or all out Christmas. The choice is ultimately yours!

IV. Look into options for guest comfort, it is said to be one if not the most important factor to consider when planning a winter wedding. Check off all of the following to ensure warmth and comfort for your loved ones:

☐ Coat space for all guests will be available

☐ Valet parking or parking close by is available for both the ceremony & reception

 ☐Warm beverages are served before the ceremony and during the reception

☐ Heating sources like heating lamps or wool throws are in permitted areas

☐ Choose a reception room that is located far away from the entrance

☐A car service is available after the reception, just in case the weather makes driving completely impossible

V. After you have the larger details set in stone aim for finalizing the guest list. Once this is done you can move forward with catering, beverages, and favors.

VI. Confirm logistics and payments with vendors, inquire on their back-up plans in case of blizzards ect.

VII. Go out with a glow on your big day: a month or two before the wedding plan to use moisturizing oils when you bathe and apply petroleum jelly products afterwards onto your nails, heels, and elbows. Days before the wedding make sure you are drinking plenty of water, this combination of steps will keep you looking fabulous and your skin from drying out in cold weather.

Plot your wedding day hairstyle and make-up colors, you can then re-evaluate your ensemble. Add a sparkling sash if you choose to play up your eyes with a frosty look. If you choose to put on a bold lip you can coordinate your color with the blooms in your bouquet.

Rent the Ariana Taupe Embellished Sash to complete your winter wed look. Available at getthegown.com.