The ultimate guide to winter weddings in Scotland
Whilst summer weddings can bring us light nights, glorious weather, refreshing drinks and open-air dancing, winter weddings can be just as wonderful, especially in Scotland. Daring rich colour schemes, twinkling lights, cosy fires heating everyone up in the cool crisp air and exciting festive menus. It’s the stuff of dreams!
As a Scottish wedding photographer and videographer, I document a great deal of weddings throughout the year, so I’ve experienced weddings throughout all four seasons and whilst every season has its perks and offers its unique benefits there’s really something to be said for winter weddings. Another perk is that whilst summer remains the most popular season to get married, having a winter wedding means you have a wider range of venue dates and have a great chance of securing a gorgeous wedding venue. And whilst you might need to plan and prepare a little bit more for a winter wedding, we have an ultimate guide right here full of tips and ideas to help you plan for yours…
Postponing Summer Wedding to a Winter one due to Covid-19
In the wedding industry, we have faced a lot of uncertainty and we may still continue to face uncertainties. I'd like to take this opportunity to extend my sincerest sympathies to couples who have found themselves in this difficult situation. I hope that your wedding suppliers have been accommodating with re-arranging and postponing services. If you found yourself in the situation that you need to hold your wedding in the Winter due to the lack of availability at other times of the year, this blog will hopefully help you understand more about Winter weddings and by the end of the blog, you'll see just how magical Winter weddings can actually be, especially when planned in the glorious Scotland! No matter the situation, we're here to show you how amazing winter weddings can be! Some simple adaptations need to be made to make a truly sparkling (albeit a little chilly) wedding.
Embrace Winter Weddings
Winter weddings are magical. If you've decided to have your wedding in winter, then embrace it wholeheartedly! My best advice is try not to replicate a summer wedding in the winter, it just won't work. Have fun planning and preparing, appreciate the season and the opportunity to create warmth and cosiness. Embrace wintery themes and both you and your guests will have a fantastic day.
It’s all in the details
Winter weddings won’t always provide the sunshine like a summer wedding would, so details are key for throwing a beautiful wintertime celebration. Luck may be on your side, and you might win the weather lottery on the day of your winter wedding. However, no-one can confirm until the big day what the skies will have in store. But in the case of not so perfect weather, make sure every other detail of your winter wedding is organised so that, in the absence of sunshine, your wedding will still sparkle.
Location is everything and once you’ve decided on your venue, be sure to visit during the day and night and ensure your location has a look that will still be beautiful in slightly overcast weather or dimly lit by candles or fairy lights. There are so many locations that would make for a perfect winter wedding - a rustic barn, a Tudor Hall, or a classically cosy English pub.If you need some venue inspiration we have a list of the most romantic fairytale wedding venues in Scotland.
Details are important in the winter. Candles are amazing for creating a romantic mood once it gets dark. Include candles of different heights and thickness in your centrepieces, fireplaces, windowsills and even in lanterns for your aisle décor for a warm glow. Check if your venue allows naked flames, otherwise use LED candles and fairy lights instead.
Winter Wedding Themes
Themes are just as important as the location in the winter, and there are so many beautiful ways to go about planning and creating a winter wedding, especially through colour. Take the opportunity to bring some individuality to your wedding by choosing a theme that enhances the wintry set up. There are some amazing colour combinations to try – why not go for crisp blue, icy silver and white? Or try a rich purple, emerald green and other jewelled colours. Or if you love neutrals why not try regal gold and cream? If your wedding is near Christmas, then account for that on the day! Subtle baubles, twinkling fairy lights and wreaths will bring that extra festive element. The venue will most likely already have decorations throughout, so see what bits you can coordinate with your theme.
Winter Wedding Outfits
A winter wedding ensemble is going to be very different to the light summer florals and bold patterns of winter. Winter is all about luxury, dark tones and indulgent fabrics like velvet, corduroy and tartan all work well. If your wedding is in the run up to Christmas, velvet makes a perfect statement for an evening outfit, your bridesmaid dresses or your groom's tuxedo jacket. It’s luxurious and festive, and it will keep you warm and still stylish!
For dresses, if you’re concerned about the cold, look for those which cover either your shoulders or your full arms. If your heart is set on a sleeveless or strapless dress why not wear a faux fur stole, a veil or a cape over your dress. Pea coats and trench coats also look chic and sophisticated when layered over dresses. A top tip for extra warmth... wear clear tights under your wedding dress. You'll need to be able to adapt between indoors and outdoors, so layering is key! Consider heavier fabrics for your dress or suit, as they'll keep you warmer.
If you like a bit of glitz and glam add crystals, sequins and beads where you can to your winter wedding, they sparkle under lights and make your photographs twinkle. You can incorporate sequins into the decor - such as tablecloths, curtains - your bridesmaids dresses, your own wedding dress and even on your hair for some extra dazzle!
It’s advised against wearing open-toe shoes for your wedding, as they certainly won't help protect your feet from the winter elements! Opt for closed toe heels to keep that warmth in, spray your shoes with leather or suede protector, if possible, to stop them from getting wet or muddy. You could even have a back-up pair of shoes at-hand should you need to go outside for photos. A pair of flat ballet pumps, or wedge heels to keep you comfy and to stop you sinking into the grass and mud! If you can hide a pair of trainers or wellies under your wedding dress for a short while, then do! Your feet will thank you later!
Winter Wedding Makeup
Everyone wants glowing skin on their wedding day, so ensure you’re prepared in the run up by using hydrating and moisture packed products to help battle the harsher elements. Ensuring your skin is hydrated will mean your makeup applies like a dream.
To make a statement with your makeup for the winter, step away from the glowing peachy tones that dominate summer weddings. Why not try some subtle (or daring!) smokey eyeshadows with sultry tones. If you’re feeling extra brave a dark lipstick will certainly set you apart from the crowd.
Winter Flowers
Out-of-season summer or tropical flowers will cost you a pretty penny, as well as having to be flown in, they won't look very fresh. Opt for seasonal flowers and blooms to keep costs low and accentuate the wintry feel of your wedding. Red and white shades complement winter weddings perfectly (think red roses or baby's breath), or you could try wintry foliage such as eucalyptus, holly and ivy.
Plan for the weather
One of the main things to think about with Winter Weddings is taking any potential weather conditions into consideration. It’s a good idea to plan for all the key events in your wedding to happen indoors. That way, any good weather on your big day is an added bonus and if the heavens open, there’ll be no need for any last minute stresses. Make sure you allow for any extra travelling time so that everything is on schedule.
It might be worth considering having a single venue for your ceremony and reception? Many venues across the UK are equipped to host both parts of your winter wedding and this means guests won’t need to travel between venues which could prove difficult in rainy or icy weather. If you do plan to have your ceremony and reception in different locations, ensure to arrange transportation for your guests between venues.
Thoughtful wedding favours
Cold and potentially wet weather calls for cosy and warming wedding favours. Consider providing cosy blankets for guests, or matching umbrellas for any moments outdoors. Gloves that fit your colour scheme are also a great option for keeping guests snug. Add exciting and festive wintry finishing touches with your wedding favours such as sparklers - they add to the celebratory atmosphere and look great in photographs! Why not go all out and have chocolate coins, candles, candy canes, glittery baubles, mini Christmas trees!? The possibilities are endless. Little touches such as these will make your winter wedding magical.
Getting everything right with your photographer
Remember that depending on the month of your winter wedding, the sun may set as early as 4pm. This means that any key events in your wedding may have to happen early, if you want them during daylight hours. Make sure you do a bit of research before to check when the sun sets and like mentioned earlier visit the venue at night to see what kind of lighting and atmosphere is created when it turns from dawn to dusk.
Whilst beautiful, Winter weddings can be a bit trickier to capture than summer weddings due to the amount and duration of the sunlight and it will take a good photographer who understands OFC (off camera flash) photography to provide you with a beautiful gallery - something I specialise in. As well as this, photographs need to be taken quickly before guests (and brides and grooms) get too cold. Your wedding photographer will have all the equipment they need such as flashes and low-light capable cameras. However, you may not want your bridal photos taken in the dark, but you should consider this and look at photos that have been taken in the dark as they can be incredibly beautiful and romantic. Don't fret that your photos will be dull if the sun isn't shining. A good photographer will be able to put some "wow" factor into those overcast winter days. When indoors, low light and candlelight are amazingly flattering, so don’t panic about it not being a bright, sunny day! Winter weddings don't mean you can't have great wedding photos. In fact, winter winter weddings produce some beautiful photos that are cosy, warming and full of love and festive feel.
Winter appropriate menus
Don't force the cold drinks and canapés! Go with the winter theme and keep the food and drinks warm and hearty. You can find some great ideas for a winter wedding menu here. Think comfort food for chilly weather, such as cheese fondue or mini-Yorkshires. For the main course, a roast, carved at the table. For dessert, a rich, sweet sticky toffee pudding. Hot, hot drinks! Hot drinks are always a winner and for those not drinking there are so many options to get creative with tea, coffee and hot chocolate. You could even set up a hot chocolate station complete with marshmallows and whipped cream. Get inspiration here. For the alcoholic options, consider mulled wine (a winter classic), mulled cider, Baileys and wintry cocktails such as an Old Fashioned or anything with Bourbon!
With the right planning, Winter Weddings are ones that really stick in people’s minds and blow them away…
No matter the reason you're considering a winter wedding, know that they are equally as stunning as sunny weddings in the summer. Simple adjustments such as timing, locations, and outfits are needed to make your winter wedding go off without a hitch. Go crazy with your theme, food and decorations to make your winter wedding a sparkling and magical affair.
