10 Expert Tips For Winter Weddings

There is something quite pure and romantic about a winter wedding, with its promise of a glistening white backdrop. Something as simple as a light dusting of snow can make your wedding look like a magical winter wonderland. And yet, if you’re not lucky enough to get snow, you can relax in the knowledge that at this time of year there's no such thing as bad weather - we all know what to expect. By planning a winter wedding, you can dress accordingly and ensure your guests are prepped for the occasion with matching wellies and umbrellas if necessary. Although we may be tempted to keep Mother Nature fully out of the equation, by holding the wedding indoors and keeping that extra stress away from you, your vendors and your guests.

Here are our top tips for tying the knot in the winter months:

 

1. Choose a venue that suits the season

When choosing your winter wedding venue be sure to choose one that suits the season. Ensure there is plenty of indoor space for the drinks reception and, most importantly, the photos.

Our historical wedding venue in Hampshire provides warmth and comfort with its rich oak panelling, sink-in-to sofas and roaring log fires. Whatever the time of year, whatever the weather, these timeless features mean that even in the depths of winter your New Forest wedding will be as beautiful as in the warmth of the summer.

 

 

2. Keep everything in one place

Finding a licensed wedding venue where you can hold the ceremony and reception in one place is a must during the winter months; enabling you and your guests to avoid having to travel when the weather is at its worst. With our three licensed wedding ceremony rooms, you'll be spoilt for choice at the Montagu Arms wedding venue in Beaulieu.

 

 

3. Choose hearty, comforting wedding food 

Food is an important part of any wedding.  A winter wedding in the New Forest offers you the chance to create a wedding breakfast to surprise and warm your guests from the inside out. Try hearty dishes like Jerusalem Artichoke Velouté, Haddock and Prawn Fish Cakes, Beaulieu Estate Venison Saddle or a Dark Chocolate Delice, or add a twist with a bespoke six course winter themed gourmet tasting menu designed especially for you. Tempt your tastebuds with the sample tasting menu at our hotel wedding venue.

 

 

4. Drinks tables that impress

The choice of drinks can range from mulled wine or cider full of delectable spices that fill the air with fragrance, comforting hot chocolate to warm everyone through, or your favourite winter cocktail to impress all your guests - our favourite is a deliciously seasonal Sloe Gin Fizz. And if you feel a little too spoilt for choice, then why not have a selection of them all on your drinks table?

 

 

5. Think festive florals

If you go for December, any wedding venue you select will most likely be decorated for Christmas - adding a more celebratory feel to your special day. Remember, winter is a theme in itself. Take advantage of the natural atmosphere, using a rich palette of red and gold colours, and think about adding some fairy lights to decorate the surroundings. Be sure to call upon your florist's expert advice on which wedding flowers will be in season on your big day. Our wedding florist Jo Hicks Flowers is always on hand to create your perfect floral arrangements should you decide to tie the knot at our wedding venue in Hampshire - drawing inspiration from the beautiful surrounds of the New Forest. 

 

 

6. Candles, candles and more candles

Complementing your flowers with plenty of candles is an effortless way to make your wedding venue come to life when the daylight inevitably fades early. Create a truly magical atmosphere with a medley of candles, lanterns and fairy lights which will look beautiful in your photos too. 

 

 

7. Embrace the sunset

Build golden hour into your schedule - we can't stress this enough! This picture-perfect moment happens just before the sun sets, and is the best time of the day to get your portrait photos taken in the warm, soft and flattering natural light. Once the sun has set, make use of the darkness with some sparklers - a popular choice for evening photos as the night draws in.

 

 

8. Make the most of more availability and better rates

It's no surprise that most locations and venues book up quickly during the summer months. If you are planning a summer wedding, you are required to book months or, in some cases, years in advance to secure your selected date, and these can be few and far between. Those same locations and venues can sometimes be available for a reduced price during the winter months, giving you more flexibility and choice.

Save up to 40% on your winter wedding at our New Forest wedding venue.

 

 

9. Break from the norm

The spring and summer months can get so jam-packed with weddings that your family, friends and guests can become quite stuck in a wedding rut. Do something out of the ordinary and give your guests a wedding to remember. January and February are often quiet months after the excitement and celebrations of Christmas and New Year, so what better way to brighten everyone’s January than by holding your country wedding during the quietest months of the year? It gives everyone something to look forward to, and helps them avoid the post-Christmas blues. 

 

 

10. Take a tropical honeymoon

When your day is over, and the realisation that it’s the middle of winter kicks in, you’ll be able to jet off to a tropical paradise for your honeymoon. Winter in Britain provides the perfect excuse to visit some of the more remote and luxurious places in the world for your honeymoon. So why not look at somewhere like the Maldives to relax and enjoy your first couple of weeks of married life?

 

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Explore our beautiful country house as we begin to plan your dream winter wedding. With plenty of New Forest wedding packages available, from intimate wedding packages to exclusive hire, our country house hotel wedding venue is sure to meet your needs.

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