Planning a winter wedding can be a little tricky. The weather can be unpredictable, so it’s important to keep in mind a few logistical details. Luckily, our friends at Be Inspired PR have rounded up a few pro tips to mull over while planning your winter wedding.

Photographer: Rodeo & Co. Photography

Plan your date accordingly. “Winter is considered “off-season” for weddings, which benefits you in several ways. The biggest benefit is that off-season weddings are typically less expensive. If you’re on a budget you’ll get the most bang for your buck from December–February or even early March. You’ll also have a wider selection of available dates. Since winter isn’t exactly wedding prime time, your venue and vendors should have more availability on their calendars—which means you’ll have a better chance of securing the date of your dreams with your favorite venue + vendor team. And lastly, your guests won’t be slammed with wedding invites. Or travel plans! Which means more of them will be eager to attend your event. Just be aware that winter’s got a lot of holidays, so plan your date accordingly. The bottom line is, winter weddings are great for your bottom line! In the winter months your wedding budget can potentially stretch much further, you’ll have a better chance of securing your most coveted venue and vendors, and your guests won’t be suffering from wedding burnout—so they’ll be ready to partayyy!” – Jenna Miller, Creative Director of Here Comes The Guide

Blanket: The Handkerchief Shop; Photographer: Love Me Do Photography

Stay practical when it comes to photo moments outdoors. “Planning outdoor photos? Plan accordingly for chilly weather with chic wraps for yourself and your bridesmaids. Custom blankets can do double-duty for guests as a design element (drape them over the back of guest chairs) and as a favor to take home.” – Mandy Connor, Owner, Hummingbird Events and Design

Planner: Bridal Bliss; Photographer: Rebecca Lueck Photography 

Figure out your Plan B early! “If you are planning a winter wedding in a location that experiences “true” winter weather (i.e. snow/ice), make sure that contingency planning is a topic of discussion early on! As a planner who works with many couples getting married in the Northeast US, I have the “snow talk” with anyone getting married November through April. Weather can be unpredictable and the last thing you want to deal with in the days leading up to your wedding is worrying about the logistics of winter weather. This means identifying a Plan B for vendors and guests to get to your venue in case of difficult travel conditions, discussing force majeure/postponement clauses with both vendors and the venue ahead of time, and understanding the thresholds of things that can and cannot happen based on certain weather-related circumstances. Being fully prepared in case of challenging weather is the best approach to a stress-free wedding celebration in winter months!” – Alexandra Denniston, Owner & Lead Planner, Eventlightenment Planning

Planner/Designer – Hummingbird Events and Design; Photographer – Abby Lorenz; Florist – Bittersweet Gardens

Be prepared to add extra time into your photo schedule. “Plan for extra portrait time to take warm-up breaks…both for the two of you AND your photographer…fingers, red noses & camera batteries all can benefit from quick warm-ups. Hand warmers and toe warmers are a must-have {and also a great for welcome bags!} Slip on winter boots before heading outdoors for portraits – not only for warmth, but you don’t want to slip on snow on your wedding day.” – Meg McGovern Hamilton, Rodeo & Co. Photography

Planner: Feathered Arrow Events; Photographer: Chloe Moore Photography

Keep guest comfort front of mind when planning logistics. “Guest comfort should be top of mind when planning any event, but winter events will have some specific bullet points to follow:

• Parking — Is this a paved lot? Do guests need a change of shoes to get to their vehicles? If it’s snowed or is icy, will it have been plowed/salted prior to guest arrival?
• Restrooms — Are they indoors and are they heated? If outdoors, will the path be salted/shoveled prior to guest arrival?
• Indoor climate — It can be tricky to strike a balance between comfort and sweltering when it comes to the winter months. Guests should be warmer when indulging in the evening’s menu, and then take it down a few degrees to allow folks to heat up when they hit the dance floor.
• Outdoor climate — Sometimes you just can’t resist the view. If under 64 degrees, blankets at each guest’s chair and scattered heaters should accompany your tent choice.” – Ashley Lachney, Owner of Alston Mayger Events

 Photographer: Rodeo & Co. Photography

Plan your schedule around temperature fluctuations. “For winter weddings, the most important thing to keep in mind is the weather and the unexpected things that come with that. For example, if you’re getting married outside, think of the time of day that the ceremony starts as the sun will set earlier and the temperature can drop easily. Keeping your guests comfortable by providing heaters or blankets is key to making everyone feel comfortable and relaxed. If you can have a fireplace going, even better! Temperature fluctuations are key to remember and plan for as your winter wedding approaches.” – Kari Dirksen, CEO + Lead Planner, Feathered Arrow Events