Winter Wedding Prep Guide

Caroline Monteith
Nov 20
3 min read

There’s something undeniably romantic about a winter wedding—crisp air, twinkling lights, and the chance to wrap your celebration in warm, enchanting details. But a cold-weather wedding also comes with its own set of planning must-dos. Whether you’re dreaming of a snowy mountaintop ceremony or an elegant candlelit evening indoors, this guide walks you through everything you need to prep for a flawless winter “I do."

1. Start With a Winter-Friendly Vision

Winter weddings can lean into luxe textures, moody hues, and magical lighting. Before diving into logistics, outline the atmosphere you want to create.Ideas to spark inspiration:

Velvet, faux fur, wool, or satin accents
Deep jewel tones—emerald, plum, or navy
Woodsy greenery mixed with winter berries
Candle walls, fairy lights, and fireplaces

Having a clear aesthetic early helps guide every future choice, from venue to attire to décor.

2. Choose the Right Venue (and Confirm Heating!)

Not all venues are winter-ready. Make sure yours checks the boxes:

Stable, reliable heating throughout the space
Backup power sources in case of weather-related outages
Indoor ceremony options if you’re hoping for outdoor photos but worry about comfort
Easy winter access—think plowed roads, safe parking areas, and covered walkways

Ask what the venue typically does in severe weather, and make sure you’re comfortable with their plan.

3.Winter-Appropriate Attire

Your wedding party and guests will thank you for keeping comfort in mind.

For brides: Consider long sleeves, capes, fur wraps, or heavier fabrics like mikado or velvet.
For grooms: Heavier wool suits or tuxes, layered waistcoats, or a velvet jacket for added warmth.
For guests: Provide a dress code note (“semi-formal, winter-friendly”) so no one shows up shivering.

Don’t forget warm footwear for outdoor photos—you can always switch to dressy shoes inside.

4. Plan Seasonally Smart Florals

Some flowers don’t hold up well in freezing temps. When working with your florist:

Ask which
blooms thrive in winter (amaryllis, roses, ranunculus, anemones).
Mix in winter greenery—cedar, pine, eucalyptus—for texture and scent.
Consider alternatives like silk or dried florals for outdoor setups.

Winter bouquets can be incredibly lush without relying on delicate summer blooms.

Photo by: Sarah Westmoreland Photography

5. Anticipate Weather Challenges

Being prepared creates peace of mind.

Have a weather-resistant timeline with buffer periods
Provide guests with clear directions and parking instructions
Offer shuttle services if the venue is in a harder-to-reach location
Keep a snow/ice plan in writing with your venue and vendors

A few backup measures ensure the day stays stress-free.

Prepare for Limited Daylight
Winter months mean fewer daylight hours, which can impact photography.To prep:
- Schedule portraits early in the day
- Ask your photographer about backup indoor photo options
- Incorporate lots of ambient lighting for evening shots—candles, lanterns, string lights
The good news? Winter light is soft and flattering, making for dreamy photos.

7. Serve a Warm, Comfort-Forward Menu

Cold weather calls for hearty flavors and cozy presentations. Couples often choose:

Soup shooters or mini grilled-cheese bites for cocktail hour
Warm signature drinks like mulled wine, hot toddies, or spiked cider
Entrées that incorporate seasonal ingredients—root vegetables, braised meats, or risotto

Including a hot drink bar is a winter wedding crowd-pleaser.

8. Make Guests Feel Cozy and Cared For

Small touches make a winter wedding unforgettable:

Blanket baskets at the ceremony
Hand warmers for outdoor photos
A coat check with plenty of space
Warm welcome drinks as guests arrive

The cozier your guests feel, the more they’ll enjoy the celebration.

9. Winter-Themed Favors

Lean into the season with gifts people actually use:

Mini hot cocoa kits
Luxury candles
Personalized mugs
Winter-scented soaps
Cozy scarves or gloves

These add to the overall experience and feel thoughtful and relevant.

10. Prepare a Reliable Weather Backup Plan

Confirm an indoor ceremony option you’re happy with
Choose alternate indoor photo spots ahead of time
Make sure vendors understand the backup plan
Keep guests informed if weather changes affect timing or location

Final Thoughts

A winter wedding is the perfect blend of magic and intimacy. With thoughtful planning—from warm attire to weather-proof logistics—you can create a day that feels straight out of a snow-dusted fairytale. Embrace the season, lean into the cozy details, and let winter’s natural beauty set the stage for a truly unforgettable celebration.