If you and your partner are thinking about getting married in the winter, you’ll need to consider a few extra details. Fortunately, winter in Australia is beautiful and doesn’t always mean you can’t have parts of your day outdoors.
To ensure you and your guests stay warm, here are eight things to consider when planning a winter wedding.
Set up outdoor heaters
If part of your winter wedding is outdoors, make sure to set up heaters such as electric heaters or fire pits. The venue you choose might already come with these, but it’s best to check before booking so you can factor in the cost to rent additional heaters if needed. These will be especially important if your ceremony and cocktail hour are outside.
Pick a versatile venue
Winter in Australia is beautiful, but the weather can be unpredictable. So make sure that the venue you choose is versatile. It should provide plenty of space for your guests to escape the cold, a rainy weather option for the ceremony and an indoor option for dining after sunset. Once the sun is gone, you’ll be thankful you have somewhere warm and cozy to celebrate.
Provide warm blankets during the wedding ceremony
In addition to heaters, provide your guests with warm blankets during the ceremony. You can make these a part of the aesthetic and leave them over the seats or at the entrance for your guests to grab as they walk in. Finally, if you know you’re having a winter wedding, make a note in the invitations for your guests to bring something warm to wear outside.
Add a winter warmer to cocktail hour
Winter weddings are the perfect opportunity to add warm drinks to the cocktail menu. For example, you could include a hot toddy for those who want an alcoholic drink and warm chai for those looking for something non-alcoholic. Carry this into the evening with an outdoor whisky bar that people can enjoy next to the fire.
Opt for a first look
If you’re having a winter wedding, then it might be a good idea to consider having a first look before you tie the knot. Because the sun sets sooner in winter, there is less daylight for photos after the ceremony. So a first look gives you plenty of time for you and your partner to capture your portrait photos and save the other time for photos with family and friends.
Consider the theme
Winter weddings are the perfect time to lean into cozy winter wedding themes. Think warm, textured florals, candles to add romance and warm, earthy tones as a colour palette. You can continue this theme for your bridesmaid and groomsmen outfits and the dinner menu, cocktails and cake.
Choose a warm winter wedding menu
Winter weddings are also the perfect opportunity for a warm winter menu. For example, for a starter, you could choose a soup, and for dinner, a hearty meal that pairs beautifully with red wine. But don’t forget about dessert! Opt for fondue, a warm cocktail and cheese to finish the evening.
Dress for the season
Lastly, if you’re getting married during the colder months, you’ll want to consider dressing for the season. For example, if your ceremony is outside, a winter wedding dress with long sleeves or something to go over your shoulders will keep you warm. If you’re doing an outfit change for the reception, have fun with a long-pant jumpsuit or a matching oversized white suit.
Wrap Up
Winter in Australia is a beautiful time of year. The air is crisp and clean, and the sunsets are magnificent. If this sounds like the backdrop you want for your wedding, these seven tips will help when planning a winter wedding in Australia.
If you’re looking for a photographer for your winter wedding, let’s chat!
Xo, Sonya
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