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A-Z of Winter Weddings 4016 views
A is for Accessories
Keeping warm is obviously the practical reason for introducing lots of accessories into your look. But accessories are also a great way for you to make a fashion statement - elbow-length gloves (like the ones above) look gorgeous with a ballgown-type dress, while soft wraps, faux fur jackets and glittery boleros can add extra style and bling to your outfit.
B is for Budget
Getting married out of the popular summer season will not only save you money, but your day will also feel more unique and special because you're doing it your way, plus there are just as many theme ideas for winter as summer. You'll save most money on your venue, which means you can spend more money on favours and your outfit!
C is for Castles
Castles love winter like a girl loves diamonds! A grand castle setting will give your winter wedding a touch of traditional magic, with large rooms, high ceilings, bare brickwork and original features. Plus any good castle will have plenty of grounds for outdoor shots and a fireworks display, to make sure your day ends with a
big bang.
D is for Drinks
Spice up your refreshments with a refreshing punch (personalised to your taste!), mulled wine and liqueurs, like sherry, cognac or whisky, to heat up your guests from the inside out! Hot chocolate is also a delicious and comforting drink that's perfect for dessert or instead of coffee. Add marshmallows, whipped cream and your choice of liqueur for a really indulgent treat!
E is for Eating
Keep your guests happy by serving up a fabulous feast of hearty winter foods. A traditional roast with all the trimmings is perfect, or try a tasty, slow-cooked dish like a stew, casserole or soup full of seasonal root vegetables. Roasted vegetables and roast potatoes are also delicious. Or for the ultimate slow-release energy, how about a hearty meat and vegetable pie or toad in the hole with a variety of vegetables and lashings of gravy?
F is for a Flowers
Choose blooms that are in season and from local suppliers - it's more eco-friendly, you'll save yourself money and the flowers will be fresher. Great winter flowers include poinsettias, lilies, roses, carnations, gentian, chrysanthemum, holly berries, stephanotis, freesia, iris, snowdrop, forsythia, winter jasmine and orchid. You could also throw in some pine cones or mistletoe for a festive touch around doorways.
G is for Glitz
Winter is the perfect time for brides to put on the glitz! Sparkly diamonds and crystals look wonderful in winter, given their similarity with shimmering ice. Metallic shades of gold, silver and bronze are also great for adding a touch of opulence and luxury to your look. Remember, though, that cool diamonds and silver accessories have a chilly aura, while gold and bronze shades will have a warming effect.
H is for Headpieces
Don't let your mum have all the fun. A stylish hat or fascinator is perfect for fashionista brides who want to add a touch of individuality to their bridal outfit. Plus they'll help keep you warm and you can worry less about your hair.
I is for Invitations
This is your first chance to show guests the theme of your day, and with a winter celebration you have just as many design choices as in any other season. You could opt for snowflakes or a black and white design, but why not choose something more unusual like a tree or mistletoe.
J is for Johanna Hehir
Winter brides can sweep elegantly around their venue in a beautiful, long coat from Johanna Hehir (johanna-hehir.com). Not only will it keep you warm, but it also makes a gorgeous style statement.
K is for Kissable lips
Winter is the ideal time to wear a bold lip colour, although you'll need to co-ordinate it with simple eye make-up just a few strokes of mascara and perhaps a touch of smoky grey eye shadow or even a metallic shade. And don't forget some blush - a subtle hint of colour on your cheeks will help to warm up your complexion in pictures.
L is for Little ones
If you're having children at your winter wedding, chances are they won't be able to play outside so you'll need to put more thought into how to keep them entertained. How about a magician or clown, a special creche (try weddingcreche.com) or activity boxes (try eventsmiles.co.uk) make an effort and parents will really appreciate it.
M is for Music
Your choice of music plays a key role in setting the mood for your wedding. From a string quartet to a swing band, live music will add to the cosy feel of a wintry day. Depending on how Christmassy you want the day to become, you could sing carols instead of hymns at the ceremony and play plenty of Christmas pop songs in the evening.
N is for New Year
Aside from Christmas, New Year is the biggest event in the winter calendar, and even if your wedding is after 1st January, you can still incorporate some New Year themes into your day. How about fortune-cookie-style favours with resolutions inside; diaries and calendars; or lottery ticket favours to see which guests are lucky?
O is for Open fires
Nothing beats a roaring fire to make your gathering feel romantic, cosy and traditional. If your venue has open fires, check that they will be able to light them for your day and whether that will incur an extra charge. Plus, if there are children coming make sure there are sufficient fire guards.
P is for Photography
Colours may look a bit drab and dull in winter, but a good photographer will still be able to capture the warmth and love at your wedding. Before the day, discuss with your photographer what images you want formal portraits, reportage or a mix of both. You could also have some warmer sepia or black and white images.
Q is for Quick
On a cold winter's day, it's vital that you don't keep your guests outside too long. So make sure any outside elements of the day move quickly out of the cold and inside to the warm. If you want to have photos taken outside, get most of your guests settled indoors first and don't stray far away from shelter!
R is for Reindeer
An adorable chocolate reindeer from Lindt makes a gorgeous favour idea, from December to February. It's £2.29.
S is for Shoes
These Benjamin Adams boots (£219 from daisychainonline.com) prove that footwear at your winter wedding can be practical and fashionable! If you don't fancy these, just remember to pick shoes with closed toes and at least a small heel to protect your feet and hem from getting wet.
T is for Tealights
Candles are a must for a winter wedding, adding subtle lighting and a cosy feel. Tealights in themed votives can be moved around easily and safely, changing the mood from day to night. If you aren't keen on a naked flame, try fairy lights for a subtle ambience.
U is for Umbrellas
Be prepared for any weather with pretty umbrellas for the bridal party, in white or an accent colour from your day. They are also great props and various groups huddling together under umbrellas will make great pictures for your album.
V is for Veromia
Their huge range of dresses offer something for every bride, including big ballgown-styles that are ideal for making a statement at a winter wedding. Available in sizes 6-30, some dresses are available in red, which is a beautifully bold, vibrant choice for winter. Visit veromia.co.uk
W is for White
The snow and ice of winter means that the season is utterly associated with the colour white, but weddings are too, so what a perfect match! In winter, a crisp white is better than off-whites for your dress. You will need to add some colour though. Try blue, red or green.
X is for X-rated
Put a little heat into your big day by sending your h2b some saucy photos of yourself on the morning of the wedding. Yours Truly photography specialises in boudoir images of brides-to-be, where you can enjoy a professional makeover and personalised photoshoot. For more information, call 07966 965459 or visit
yours-truly-photoart.co.uk
Y is for You
Don't neglect yourself! Do a bit of beauty preparation in the months before the big day. Exercise to release tension and get sluggish winter circulation going, or have a relaxing spa break.
Z is for Zero degrees
We've talked a lot about how to stay warm, but you can also utilise winter's gift. Ice! Serve drinks on ice, use faux frost on tables or have an ice sculpture. You could even take your ice sculpture a step further and have a vodka luge!
This article was kindly provided by Wedding Ideas magazine.
WeddingPath readers have been offered a £1 discount for buying Wedding Ideas magazine from WH Smith. To obtain this discount print out this voucher and hand it in when buying your Wedding Ideas magazine from WH Smith. (This offer is valid until 3rd January 2008)
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