Why You Should Have a Winter Wedding

There is no need for 'plan B' at The Montagu Arms when mother nature decides not to bless your wedding day with blue skies and sunshine.

The beauty of a winter wedding is the comfort of the inevitable. It will be chilly, there's a high possibility of rain and there may even be a chance of snow.

This historical venue 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 wedding will be as beautiful as in the warmth of the summer.

While Summer still proves to be a popular time to tie the knot, a beautiful winter wedding offers plenty of promise too. With the beautiful blooms of spring and Autumn offering a myriad of rich colours, the winter brings a special gift of its own – picture-perfect snowy landscapes, open fires, spiced cocktails and lots of candles…

Here are our top reasons to consider a winter wedding:

1. Wonderful winter weather

May to September is often considered the height of wedding season when the weather is (usually) warm and chances of the sun showing its face is high. The warmer months mean green grass, full trees and a lesser chance of rain, but also an uncomfortable heat that will affect the hold of the brides hairstyle along with the longevity of the make-up, not to mention the comfort of your guests.

However, a winter wedding gives promise of a white backdrop. A light dusting will make your wedding look like a magical winter wonderland. If you’re not lucky enough to get snow, no one will be disappointed with the weather as they 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. A winter wedding is typically held inside and by taking Mother Nature out of the equation means less stress for you, your vendors, your guests and your family.

2. More availability and better rates

It is 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 flexibility and choice. Winter weddings also allow out of town guests to take advantage of off season pricing for their travel and accommodation options.

3. Choice of decorations

Depending on the date, any venue you select will most likely be decorated for Christmas - adding a more celebratory feel to your special day. Winter is a theme in itself. Take advantage of the natural atmosphere, using a rich palette of red and gold colours, with candles and fairy lights to decorate the surroundings. The gorgeous glow of a log fire will make for the perfect setting for photographs as you snuggle up with your family. The use of sparklers is also a popular choice as the night draws in and you are left to create a magical atmosphere with candles.

4. A comforting winter feast

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 wild mushroom soup, confit duck or a fillet of local beef, but add a twist with mini soup bowls or a feasting table. You can also get creative with the dessert course and set up a hot chocolate bar or s’mores bar. The choice of drinks can range from mulled wine full of delectable spices that fill the air with fragrance or comforting hot chocolate or creamy eggnog cocktails.

5. 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?

6. A Break from the norm

The spring and summer months can get so jam-packed with weddings that your family, friends and guests can be 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 celebration of Christmas and New Year, so what better way to brighten everyone’s January than by holding your country wedding during the quietest month of the year. It gives everyone something to look forward to, and helps them avoid the post-Christmas blues. Or how about pre-Christmas to give guests the chance to don their sequin numbers and to dig out their fur coats? The choice is yours.

Explore our beautiful country house as we begin to plan your dream winter wedding.