It’s December! Winter is upon us. I was chatting with Sarah Peterson, founder of Sincerely Pete, a creative and inclusive company that specializes in wedding and event planning, and we both agreed that winter weddings are an under-appreciated and often missed opportunity for charm, romance and whimsy, not to mention gorgeous fashion and design opportunities and extra-cozy elements. Being the visually creative one in this conversation, Sarah created a set of story boards that will, without a doubt, turn you into a winter wedding believer.
Her stunning results, after the jump.
Says Sarah:
So often these days we see photo after photo of girls in strapless dresses running through wheat fields – and I love that – but snowy weddings lit by candles and cozy elements are so dreamy and romantic. There’s another bonus couple’s should consider when planning their weddings – a winter wedding is often less expensive! As a former venue manager, my food and beverage minimums were drastically different in January and February versus May or September. This means a venue you may have needed 200 guests to reach a minimum for in May is totally approachable with 100 guests in January. Additionally, some other vendors might be willing to offer discounts because winter dates are harder to book. Of course, this depends on the specific vendor and your location.
One of my favorite elements of design is texture. Winter provides such a wonderful range of elements to create luxurious or whimsical design using texture. I love a mix of plaids & flannel with fur and sweater-like materials to create the coziest, warmest atmosphere, table settings and ceremony sets. Then add natural elements of pine garlands, wood and berries, accented with candles and warm light to create the perfect setting for a magical winter wedding!
Long Sleeve Dresses – Long sleeve wedding dresses are romantic and have gorgeous detail. What better time to wear a long sleeve dress than at your winter wedding?{credits: 1. Photo: Rachel Kara // Gown: Bo & Luca // Shoes: Wittner ; 2. Photo: Erich Mcvey //Gown: Emily Riggs; 3. Photo: Elisabetta Marzetti // Gown: Luisa Beccaria; 4. Photo: Alicia Swedenborg // Gown: Kleinfeld Bridal; 5. Photo: Millie Batista // Gown: Sareh Nouri }
Dapper Suits with Details – Velvet, tweed, sweaters. Use colors like gray, brown, green, or burgundy. Put a classic twist with a white sateen tuxedo.{credits: 1. From VivaLuxury; 2. Ester Quek via Citizen Couture; 3. & 4. From Fashionable Style; 5. Photo: Mademoiselle Fiona Wedding Photography // Suit: J Crew // Styling by H&H Weddings}
Sweaters – cozying up in a big, warm sweater is one of the best parts of a cold winter day. Add cozy elements to your wedding day with sweater textures.{credits: 1. & 2. Photo & Design Nicole Colwell Photography; 3. Photo: Rahel Menig Photography // Event Designer: Sealed With A Kiss Events; 4. Photo Credit: Anastasiya Belik via The Bridal Detective; 5. Photo: Kim J Martin}
Fur – There really isn’t much opportunity to incorporate fur any other time of year than winter. It can add a luxurious feeling to your wedding. I love the fur floor covering and table runners – not just luxurious but whimsical too!{credits: 1. Photo: Joy Marie Photography; 2. Photo: Brian Dorsey Studios; 3. Photo: Lavender & Twine // Event Design: Amber Weir Weddings & Events; 4. Photo: Laken Fulton Photography; 5. Photo: Photography By Charise // Style: Belle of the Ball Designs}
Flannel/Plaid – Red plaid flannel. As if you need another reason to have a winter wedding??
{credits: 1. Invitation Suite by Lane Love Design; 2. Photo: Sarah Kathleen Photography; 3. Photo by Hillary Maybery Photography; 4. As seen on Bridal Detective; 5. Photo: Ciara Richardson; 6. Cake by Hey There Cupcake via Brides.com}
Natural Elements – Winter is beautiful for it’s simplicity. Use that natural décor to make the most of your winter wedding.{credits: 1. DIY Place cards via Spoon Fork Bacon; 2. Photo: Precious Pictures Photography // Bouquet: Dana Smyl; 3. Photo: Naomi Kenton Photography // Cake: French Made; 4. Photo: Tara Mcmullen Photography // Florist: Blush and Bloom}
{credits: 1. Found via Tulle & Chantilly; 2. Ceremony décor found via Sortrature; 3. Design: Michelle Leo Events // Photo: Jacque Lynn Photography; 4. Photo: JoPhoto // Garland: L.B. Floral}
All the treats – Warm & tasty treats speak to winter and the holiday season so take advantage of this with your winter wedding!{credits: 1. Mini Donuts & Coffee Shots via Martha Stewart; 2. Gingerbread Cookie by Cake by Nicole McEachnie via 100 Layer Cake; 3. Hot Chocolate Bar by Mountain Modern Life; 4. S’mores Bar by Naturally Yours Events; 5. Mini Pie Display by: Set Free Photography on Southern Weddings}
Other winter wedding ideas you love? Share them in the comments.