Have your summer wedding plans been disrupted? If like many people you are looking to postpone your wedding to a different time of year, some of your original plans may no longer fit in with the season. If your dreams of drinks on the lawn or an outdoor ceremony have been scuppered don’t despair we are here to suggest some alternative options which we think are just as wonderful, if not even better for your new wedding.
Swap Champagne for Mulled Wine
If you were planning on greeting your guests with a glass of bubbles on the lawn and now it’s going to be the middle of November, make a simple swap to serve mulled wine as your welcome drink. Not only will it get everyone in the festive spirit with its delicious smell and warming taste, you can also find plenty of good alcohol-free options to cater for all of your guests. You may also find mulled wine is more affordable, we think it’s a win for the winter wedding season.
Stay Outdoors with Blankets and Fairy Lights
Just because your wedding has changed season it doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your beautiful outdoor surroundings. If you dreamed of enjoying your ceremony or reception outside it’s still possible whatever the season. We’re thinking cosy lighting, blanket boxes and candles for the perfect memorable day, plus your guests will love the gesture of cosy blankets and wraps.
Toast the Day…with Marshmallows
If you were planning on toasting the day how better to do it than with marshmallows. The perfect Winter treat either indoors or outside, your guests will love the novelty and it could also work as a fun and playful wedding favour idea.. With so many gourmet companies and delicious flavours to choose from, we think this is the perfect way to celebrate a cosy autumn/winter wedding.
Wrap Up Your Wedding Dress
It’s likely you have already chosen your wedding dress and suit, along with the rest of the wedding party. Don’t despair, if your dress is a Summery strapless number take a look at some of the gorgeous wraps and sleeves you can buy in addition to your dress. Not only will a fur wrap or a lace sleeve be a welcome addition to your dress on a cool Autumn morning, they can also look stunning in photos. If you think there could be rain then embrace it with some vintage umbrellas or perhaps a cheeky pair of white wellington boots if you’ve got an outdoor ceremony in mind. We love this faux fur wrap pictured from Lost in Time inc. at Etsy.
Keep Your Flowers in Season
Ask your florist to keep your flower arrangements in season if you want to keep the cost down. Not only will you be able to get more for your money, the flowers will look especially fitting and abundant if in season. If you’ve planned a wedding during the Summer and it’s now been pushed back to autumn or winter then try looking into some seasonal alternatives such as Alstroemeria, Iris or Sunflower. Don’t forget you will also find some stunning traditional roses, as well as an abundance of holly, greenery and or course, Christmas trees.
Alter Your Menu
Autumn and winter weddings can provide some magnificent seasonal food so ask your venue or catering team to help suggest some alternatives if you had planned something light and Summery. We are thinking roasted Winter vegetables, seasonal stews, mince pie canapes and blackforest desserts. If you had your heart set on a barbecue then think about some Winter alternatives, perhaps your late evening buffet could still be barbecued outside?
Heat Up Your Reception
If there is no way you will be missing out on the stunning grounds your venue has to offer or if you’re strapped for space inside, then why not look into some simple steps to keep your guests cosy outdoors. Ask your venue to provide patio heaters, and look into marquee options if you want to keep using the grounds. There are plenty of ways you can continue with your arrangements if you had grand plans for an outdoor reception or ceremony.
Change Cocktails to Hot Chocolate
We all know a cocktail bar will be well received at any time of the year, however if you’re looking for something a little different for an autumn/winter wedding then take a look at some of the amazing hot chocolate bars and suppliers available. From boozy warming Winter hot chocolate to whipped cream and marshmallows Winter is the perfect time of year to go all-out with some amazing hot chocolate recipes that your guests will remember and love!
Get Cosy
An autumn/winter wedding gives you the perfect excuse to go all-out with the fairy lights and candles. Not only are these an affordable decorative option for your big day they are also a really easy way to create the most wonderful dreamy atmosphere. A cold dark damp day can be transformed with some simple scented candles, tea lights, lanterns and twinkling fairy lights.
Book a Staycation
If plans to have a tropical honeymoon have been put on hold for now, there’s nothing to stop you booking a staycation close to home. It might not be the dreamy sunshine you were thinking of but there are plenty of amazing, luxurious and indulgent Winter holiday cottages and hotels for you to choose from. We are thinking log fires, delicious food and cosy nights in…channel your inner Jude Law and Cameron Diaz, we are thinking The Holiday…
Although a wedding out-of season may not have been what you were originally dreaming of, there are plenty of ways to make it just as special, if not more. If you’re looking for more inspiration take a look at our autumn wedding ideas from fairy lights to fur we’ve got it covered.
