A wedding of your dreams does not have to be in the popular wedding months. A winter wedding can be quite spectacular and there are significant financial advantages.

 While the summer months remain the most popular time of the year to say "I Do", many couples are choosing to have a winter date for the "big event."  According to the Society of American Florists, 13 percent of weddings take place in the winter, with 11 percent of those being Christmas weddings. Summer weddings account for 35 percent, spring weddings 29 percent, and autumn weddings 23 percent.

 Décor that appeals to the senses is important when trying to pulling off a romantic winter wedding. "Choose colors of rich jewel tones such as purple, forest green, and navy. Sapphire blue, ice blue or powder blue, silver and white can be used if you want to steer clear of the traditional Christmas colors", suggests Lynette Gamble, senior coordinator of Affairs of Grandeur.  The glow of candlelight will add warmth and ambiance to your ceremony and reception site.

 Iridescent or frosted glass balls and pine cones can adorn your guests' tables.  Snowflake ornaments and glittery ribbons may be placed on the food tables or hung from the ceiling. For a simple touch, only decorate with red and white Poinsettias. Since many locations will already be lavishly decorated, your décor budget will be minimal.

To keep floral costs to a minimum, use flowers that are already available during the winter months.  Some flower choices are: poinsettias, roses, amaryllis, and lilies.  Evergreens are popular choices for decorations while holly branches and other plants with red berries are ideal for use in floral arrangements.

A cozy cottage or bed and breakfast is an ideal location for your wintry wedding theme.  Your guests may warm themselves in front of the fireplace while sipping hot chocolate or wassail during the cocktail hour. A view overlooking a partially frozen pond will add to the ambiance.  Imagine your guests delight as they get a glimpse of a deer drinking from the pond just outside the reception room window or a family of rabbits scurrying over the freshly fallen snow.

To add a little creativity to your dinner menu, ask your bridal party to submit traditional family recipes for your caterer to make for the reception.  If you don't want to serve the traditional Christmas fare, ask your caterer for alternatives and create a unique meal for your guests.  As for favors, Gamble recommends candles of course. "Cinnamon Apple, Pumpkin Pie, and Vanilla are all pleasant scents that remind you of being a kid in your grandmothers' kitchen and they're nice this time of year", says Gamble. "Spiced teas, coffee mugs, snow globes and Christmas ornaments imprinted with the couples name and wedding date will also make great favors."

 Want a memorable getaway? Give out mini bells and have them rung as the two of you make your way to a horse-drawn sleigh.  Decorate the coach and harness with Christmas foliage and chiming bells and ride off into the evening. 

By Lynette Gamble

Affairs of Grandeur
Senior Coordinator
240-281-5608 
www.affairsofgrandeur.com