9 Savvy Winter Wedding Tips, Ideas and Reasons to Consider

We love winter weddings here at Renphotos, and there are many reasons why.

So straight off the bat, let’s not waste any time and get into some of the incredible advantages of having a winter wedding in the first place.

This can help you decide if it is what you want for your wedding day and maybe open your mind to some things you may not have considered in the first place.

1. The cost of a winter wedding is often discounted.

Price is relatively universal, and one of the main reasons people ultimately choose to have their wedding in winter is a massive advantage as wedding costs can add up. In addition, many wedding venues and providers offer discounts in winter because it is a less popular time of year.

2. The light is to die for.

As a wedding photographer, this is one of my favourite things about winter. The light is better quality for photography in general, with the sun being at a lower angle in the sky overall and the dust in the air to filter that orange light.

You cannot beat the golden hour light just before sunset in winter. So if you are looking for awesome photos of your special day, then it is a significant advantage to have it in winter.

3. The unique winter wedding colours.

Winter colours coupled with the great lighting can give your final photos that beautiful golden glow that is often not possible with the greens of summer. In winter, some oranges and reds and browns can make everything seem very warm and welcoming. In South Africa, if you set your wedding date for mid-may, you can catch the reds and oranges of autumn colours which are truly stunning.

4. Cooler Day temperatures.

South Africa can get hot in summer. Like uncomfortably hot! Now imagine being in your many layers of a wedding dress in that over 30-degree heat. It’s not a fun experience. And your guests will struggle with it as well.

On winter days, temperatures are a lot more manageable, and if it is on the cooler side, you can offer your guests blankets to cosy up and get warm and toasty.

Consider which months you will have your winter wedding. June and July usually are the coldest months and will have the most discounted prices, but you could also still get great specials in May and August, where temperatures typically are a bit milder.

A wedding in winter can open up a whole new world of themes and ideas, and you can get creative with many different things, such as flowers available in winter rather than summer!

Also, be sure to check out these  Stunning Winter Wedding Venues ≫ that Pink Book has put together to help you imagine and dream up your perfect winter wedding day!

1. The most recognisable winter wedding theme is a winter wonderland.

Although we are in South Africa, where it does not snow much, if this is a theme you love, you can create your wintery wonderland with whites and blues and typical wintery décor.

2. Wheat and red wine theme!

This is an excellent combination of colours, and if you are opting for a farm type wedding, it represents harvest time. These warm colours, which go perfectly together, also helps to warm up any winter day. Use deep red or burgundy and shades of gold to complement each other.

3. Rich winter coloured themes.

Includes themes such as Navy blue or emerald green and are popular winter colours and work well to offset the browns in the winter landscape.

4. Natural and rustic themes.

This timeless wedding theme goes with any season but works well in winter. Then picture hay bales and checkered blankets, chalkboards, wooden décor and baby’s breath for flowers. If these are the kind of things you love, then this is the wedding theme for you.

Winter is generally a much cooler time of year, even in South Africa. One of the things you will want to make sure of is that you and your guests will still be comfortable and not freezing on your wedding day.

So now that you have decided to go ahead with a winter wedding, here are some magnificent tips for heating things in the crisp winter air.

1. Offer blankets to your guests at the ceremony to put over their knees. Doing this is a thoughtful touch and will be well appreciated, and you can even match your wedding colours with the blankets.

2. Choose a venue with a fireplace or gas heaters. Although the days can be pleasant in winter in South Africa, temperatures can drop below zero once the sun goes down.

So be sure to keep the reception cosy with a crackling fire or gas heaters strategically placed. Here is a list of wedding venues in Joburg with fireplaces ≫

3. Have warm welcome drinks on offer! Beverages such as mulled wine or sherry or just tea and coffee. And if you are offering tea and coffee, you could also cut the cake early and serve it at this time – another time saver and one less formality to do later in the evening where these can get tedious.

4. Serve comfort food for your starters and mains. Soups and pies, warm, comforting foods will go a long way to making your guests feel right at home.

5. Hot chocolate or Cocoa and warm desserts will be welcome comforts at the end of the formalities and a nice touch to your wedding. A South African classic like Melva pudding and warm custard, perhaps?

You could even make this a theme and hire a coffee bar at Wedding Coffee ≫ for your welcome drinks hour or later in the evening for your guests to wrap their fingers around.

6. Add a fur cover to your wedding dress. The fur can make a stunning accessory and can be used to make some beautiful cosy wedding photos. However, its primary purpose is to keep the chill off you once the sun goes down – especially if you are hoping to have a sweetheart neckline with no shoulders, for instance.

You don’t want to end up freezing on your wedding day!

7. Don’t forget your bridesmaids and groomsmen wedding outfits! Also, make sure your bridesmaids and groomsmen will be comfortable and warmly dressed on the big day. They are your “dream team” and will be helping you behind the scenes and be an integral part of your wedding photos.