The magical feeling of winter and sparkling snow are some of the reasons why winter weddings are popular. When planning your wedding during winter, the weather and holidays will require careful planning.
Couples marrying during winter can integrate holidays into their festivities, décor, and atmosphere. The cold weather shouldn't dissuade you from enjoying an outdoor wedding. You simply need to prepare your wedding tent to handle the weather for a dream event. Here's how to prepare your tent for a winter wedding.
Tent Setup
The key to having a winter wedding outdoors is to obtain the right wedding tents and accessories to fight off the cold temperatures. When hiring a rental, ensure you hire from a company with the necessary accessories to host an outdoor event during winter.
You'll require a professional wedding tent supplier who will raise and pitch your tent to make sure it's firm and secure. Most importantly, the professional will ensure the side walls are appropriately pinned down and attached to keep the wind out.
Make sure you obtain tent walls that have windows so that you don't shut out the view. Remember, the outdoor scenery will be part of making the event magical.
Heaters
You must rent sufficient heaters to heat the tent. The tent's size will determine how huge your heaters should be and the number you'll require. You could rent heaters that will help heat the entire tent along with some decorative heaters that add to the ambiance and generate cozy seating for guests.
Fans
You might not think fans are necessary for a winter wedding, but they could help heat your tent. Since heaters are stationary, fans could help circulate the hot air throughout your tent.
Flooring
You wouldn't want your guests to suffer from cold feet at your vent. Having flooring in the tent will prevent the frozen ground from freezing your toes. You should consider a raised floor that will permit guests to wear party shoes instead of woolly socks and winter boots.
Guest walkway
You'll have to ensure your guests can walk comfortably to your tent without falling or slipping. Plan to shovel the guest walkway before the event and put out salt to prevent the ground from freezing; this will keep the guests safe. You could also rent flooring to incorporate an additional layer of ground for the guests to walk on.
Catering Equipment
For a winter wedding, it's an excellent idea to serve warm foods during this time of the year. Ensure the catering equipment can maintain food at the ideal temperature. The rental company should have chafing dishes, coolers, silverware and serve warm beverages throughout the event.
Benefits of a Winter Wedding
Memorable and Unique Experience
Since winter weddings are less common, just having the event during winter will make it very memorable and unique. You and the guests attend numerous weddings throughout the year, so a winter wedding will be fun and unique for everybody involved. Moreover, you'll find numerous elements of the winter season add distinction to the event such as holiday lights.
Fun accessories and décor
Winter has numerous motifs and themes that you could weave into your event. You could go with pinecones, snowflakes, and have a cider/cocoa station at your reception. Alternatively, you could create a sophisticated atmosphere with a palette of ivory and black. To remain warm and cozy, you could drape yourselves in elegant accessories and cover-ups.
Lower Rates and more venues
If you're on a budget, a winter wedding could save you considerably. Since December-February is typically a slow season for wedding dealers, several of them issue discounts or are eager to negotiate costs.
You could save a lot of money when you add up the savings on a florist, DJ, and bakery. You could either pocket the savings or re-invest them into other items such as apparel and décor. Wedding planners know that most vendors and locations book up fast throughout summer and are expensive while the same vendors and locations are accessible for a lower rate during the colder season.
Since the winter months aren't so busy, you'll be in a position to focus more of your attention on your big event. You'll enjoy the flexibility for early setup or late break down because there probably won't be another event immediately after yours, prompting you to leave so prepping can take place on the venue.
Important things to remember for a winter wedding
Hire a wedding planner
A couple can't assume full responsibility to manage the event. While friends, relatives, or family members can handle the planning, an element of uncertainty is likely to arise. To resolve this, you're better off hiring a planner to handle all the details and plan everything in collaboration with the couple.
Decorations
Winter has its charm and any winter wedding can become remarkable if decoration occurs in line with the weather. You could use flowers, plants, and party rentals. Such items will make your event more pleasant and awesome for the guests. You should give special attention to the stage and sitting areas while decoration should occur with care.
Value the Guests
At a wedding, guests are very important and deserve the utmost care and respect. When planning a wedding, you should consider the guests and purpose to give them comfort. Every detail should make sure guests feel comfortable throughout the event.
Dinner
People enjoy wedding dinners during winter. In particular, they attend weddings knowing they'll find quality dishes. Therefore, don't disappoint your guests and choose a meal that people love in winter. Ask your friends, family members, and relatives about what to include in the dinner. They can offer better help.
Timing
Winter is the most costly season of the year and is very busy because of the festive season. Many people travel throughout this period and have family commitments planned months beforehand. Make sure you send your save the date cards as soon as possible to give your guests enough notice. It's also advisable you book the suppliers as fast as possible to prevent disappointment.
While winter weddings might seem involving, they're possible with the right planning in place. If you aren't sure about how to plan one, this guide will prove invaluable.