There’s something quite magical about winter weddings. The crisp air, the cosy ambiance, the glistening frost, possibly even promises of snow – they all make it one of the most romantic times of the year to tie the knot. If you’re thinking of having a winter wedding and are looking for winter wedding ideas on a budget, this blog post is for you!
Why a Winter Wedding?
A summer wedding radiates vibrant beauty, a spring one blossoms with hope and promise, an autumn wedding dazzles with a kaleidoscope of harvest colours, but a winter wedding in the colder months holds its own unique enchantment.
From the warm glow of candlelight on a dim foggy afternoon, to the scent of burning logs, the stunning backdrop for beautiful photos, to hot cocktail hour treats – winter weddings offer a unique, romantic experience for wonderful lasting memories.
A Season of Savings
Winter is one of the best wedding budget secrets.
Prime wedding season in the UK is from May to October, so choosing a date outside of that can offer significant savings. Venues, vendors and wedding expert advice is typically less in demand during winter months, so it’s a perfect time for cost-conscious couples to benefit from seasonal deals.
Choosing a weekday is another top tip and could reduce your costs even further.
Another budget tip is, if you choose a Christmas wedding in December, you could piggyback off Christmas decorations at your wedding venue.
Most venues will have a Christmas tree up as well as other festive decorations, meaning you can save even more of your budget.
Embracing the Weather
Create a magical wonderland atmosphere by embracing the weather.
Consider fun activities like sleigh rides to make your big day memorable for both you and your guests.
Offer a hot beverage bar with treats such as hot chocolate, spiked or plain, (and some like hot apple cider), which people can help themselves to.
Give blankets or pashminas as favours to keep guests and family members warm during outdoor ceremonies, and you’ll be killing two birds with one stone for your budget.
Set up outdoor heaters or fire pits to create a warm and inviting atmosphere for outdoor events.
And don’t forget to be prepared for rain, snow, or other unexpected weather, by having options to move any planned outdoor activities indoors.
Create Crafty Stationery
Crafting your own wedding elements, from bespoke handmade wedding invitations to heartfelt thank-you notes, can significantly elevate the charm of your wedding without straining the budget.
But why stop there? You could design and create all your own wedding stationery – table place cards using miniature pinecones, twigs, and calligraphy, menus, the table plan notice board, and more…
Tailoring each detail to your personal theme and style while also making serious savings.
A wedding on a budget becomes all the more enchanting and memorable with handcrafted touches.
Bespoke Winter Wedding Decorations
With a little creativity, you can fashion an enchanting wintery atmosphere for a stunning winter wonderland wedding, with bespoke decorations.
Winter Colour Theme Ideas
- Consider incorporating navy, blues, silvers, and whites into your colour scheme for that frosty feel.
- For a more cosy feel, opt for deep burgundy, gold, and forest green.
- To make a statement, add jewel-toned accents such as emerald green, sapphire blue, or ruby red against a neutral backdrop.
- Embrace neutral tones like champagne, rose gold, or taupe for a more elegant touch.
These colour themes will bring a magical touch to your wedding decor and create a beautiful setting for your big day.
Why Not DIY Your Venue Decor?
For a budget-friendly wedding, DIY-ing your venue decor is a great way to add a personal touch to your big day whilst also making savvy savings.
Create stunning table centerpieces by filling glass vases with snowflake ornaments, pinecones, and indoor candles.
Or use tall branches or simple foliage adorned with hanging crystals or fairy lights.
Design your own DIY signs using chalkboards, glitter, and winter-themed stencils.
Consider adding festive elements too, like Christmas baubles for a touch of holiday season spirit.
Use your wedding cake as a delightful highlight in your DIY decor. Instead of a traditional wedding cake, consider having a cake bar where guests can choose from a variety of smaller cakes or cupcakes, each decorated in your theme, or which guests can decorate themselves. As a bonus you can easily make these yourself or with the help of friends and family, to keep things even more budget friendly.
The possibilities are endless!
Incorporating Winter Florals
When it comes to incorporating winter flowers into your wedding, there are actually plenty of options to choose from.
Opt for seasonal blooms like amaryllis, anemones, or hellebores for a beautiful winter wedding bouquet.
Add berries, pine cones, and deep green winter foliage in garlands.
To capture the luxurious feel of the winter season, choose flowers in rich and deep colours like burgundy, plum, or dark purple, which will look stunning in the bridal bouquet.
For a unique touch, you can combine seasonal flowers with non-floral elements like feathers, or cotton branches for your wedding flowers and table decorations.
Wedding Favour Savings
There are plenty of budget-friendly options when choosing thoughtful favours for your wedding guests.
One great way to cut costs is by DIY-ing edible treats like homemade cookies. And for a delightful winter-themed favour, consider hot cocoa kits complete with marshmallows and a personalized mug. Aren’t these always a welcome treat in cold winter months?! And the mug can serve as a charming reminder long into the future!
Another great idea and an eco-friendly option is plantable seeds, which guests can use in their own gardens come spring.
Handmade scented candles in seasonal scents are also a thoughtful and cost-effective choice.
There are lots of ways to save without sacrificing the magic of your big day.
Warming Custom Winter Menu
On a cold day you’ll want to offer a warming menu with a hearty and comforting meal.
Roasted meats, winter vegetables, steaming gravy, creamy soups are all excellent options that will warm your guests on a chilly day.
Additionally, craft a warm cocktail your guests can enjoy, using flavours like cranberry and cinnamon to add a festive touch to the celebrations. Or offer mulled wine or hot spiked chocolate.
Incorporating these delicious and cosy elements into your wedding menu is sure to delight your wedding guest.
Winter Wedding Attire Budget Tips
When planning a winter wedding on a budget, there are several ways to save on outfits without sacrificing style.
Consider renting both the bride’s dress and the bridesmaids’ dresses. It can be a very cost-effective as well as eco friendly option.
Opt for a long-sleeved wedding dress, which will not only keep you warmer but will also add an elegant touch to your bridal look.
To complete the winter theme, add accessories such as faux fur wraps or cosy shawls.
It only takes small touches like these to elevate your look, while also taking care of the budget.
Capturing the Winter Magic
Utilizing natural light and the serene backdrop of cold landscapes will give you truly stunning photos that will showcase the enchanting essence of the celebrations.
To capture the magic, there’s no better way than to ensure you communicate your vision to your photographer, so he or she can help you achieve it.
Remember to capture candid moments and emotions too throughout your big day, as these unscripted shots always add an extra layer of fun and authenticity to your photo album and social media.
Celebrating Winter Wedding Ideas on a Budget
So, to make your day truly magical and budget friendly, embrace the season’s natural splendour.
Get creative with your decorations, from choosing a winter colour palette, to integrating seasonal florals, crafting bespoke DIY accents, and making use of existing seasonal decorations.
Enhance the experience for your guests with cosy touches like warm beverages and inviting heated outdoor spaces.
Plan ahead to take advantage of off-season discounts, to stretch your budget further.
A winter wedding not only offers a unique and enchanting backdrop but with the right winter wedding ideas on a budget, it also offers an opportunity for cost-effective elegance, ensuring your special day is both memorable and affordable.
