5 ways to treat guests at a winter wedding
Though often considered a wedding “off-season,” winter has a lot of benefits for couples looking to tie the knot. It’s a season that evokes feelings of intimacy, wonder and festivity.
In the winter, you also have “a wider selection of vendors, access to off-season pricing, and a great way to incorporate any winter passions you might have into your wedding or into your guest's experience,” adds Lindsey Leichthammer, owner of Lindsey Leichthammer Events in Burlington, Vermont.
Of course, there is one major downside to the season: the cold. Here are a few fun ideas to help keep guests comfortable even if the weather outside is frightful:
1. Turn up the heat
Just because it’s winter, don’t assume you can’t utilize a beautiful outdoor space. While you might not want to hold your entire reception outside, you can let guests get some fresh air and enjoy the scenery by providing additional heating sources.
“Most rental companies can offer propane patio heaters to scatter around, which provide a good radius of heat. Additionally, the use of fire pits outside can lure wedding guests into enjoying the outdoors as well,” says Leichthammer.
2. Toss in some throws
Let your décor play double duty by incorporating faux fur throws into the mix. Not only will the blankets look chic and inviting, but guests can also use them to fend off the winter chill.
Blankets also make great favors that guests can actually use long after the wedding is over.
“In your welcome bags, maybe some custom wool blend pashminas with your logo wrapped with silk ribbon of your wedding color with a note welcoming them and reminding guests to bring them to stay warm,” suggests the team at Kelly Karli Weddings and Events in Colorado.
3. Create an intimate ambiance
No matter where you decide to tie the knot, there are a few tricks to making any space feel cozy.
Low lighting, for instance, is an easy way to enhance a room’s warmth. Candles, lanterns, chandeliers and string lights can all provide a romantic glow – and make for a dreamy backdrop for photos.
If your venue has vaulted ceilings, add some hanging elements like floral arrangements, greenery or fabric to help the space feel less cavernous, suggests Leichthammer.
4. Offer warming bites
Warm your guests from the inside out with comforting (and tasty) treats. For dessert, consider letting guests roast their own marshmallows for a DIY s’mores station. Or, you can send them off at the end of the night with a fresh apple cider donut and a piping cup of coffee.
5. Serve up hot beverages
What better way to give a toast than with a toasty drink? The team at Kelly Karli Weddings and Events recommends creating a hot toddy bar with custom napkins, cinnamon sticks and brandy, whiskey or rum.
For non-alcoholic options, you can offer a hot chocolate station complete with flavored marshmallows, homemade whipped cream, sprinkles and other sweet add-ins.