We adore Winter Weddings at Healing Manor Hotel; there’s something about the cool, crisp days, the winter beauty of the gardens and grounds and of course, the magic as night falls and the fairy-lights twinkle on. Even though the days are short and dark, winter weddings can be whatever you wish; from icy and magical to cosy and intimate. Let’s not forget the possibilities to create a themed wedding day too, with Narnia, Nordic, Christmas and Minimalist all a great look for the season.
Rebecca & William’s Winter Wedding
Our Wedding Barn is a wonderful, blank-canvas space that you can dress to suit your style, whilst the Cadogan suites and Restaurant are elegant and airy, with gorgeous views of the wintry landscape.
So how can you work with the winter season to make your day truly magical? We got in touch with our recommended Wedding Suppliers to get their expert advice on how to make a winter wedding special. If you’re planning a wedding in November, December, January or February, read on.
Stationery
Your suite of wedding stationery – save the dates, invitations, signage and table plans – can really set the tone for the theme and style of the day. It’s not just colour that you need to consider, though; texture can really play a part. Sarah, of wedding stationery company Raspberry Rose Designs, shares her tips for using texture and layering to create a wonderful winter wedding stationery suite.
“When it comes to designing winter wedding stationery and invitations, it’s so easy to jump straight into ‘Christmas colour’ florals, brown card and twine. For me, winter months are all about textures. Rough and tactile card such as cotton paper is a beautiful way to bring a sense of warmth and luxuriousness – all the things we crave during the colder months. Keep those colours crisp, clean and neutral.”
“Like with your winter wardrobe, layering is the best choice, and it’s the same with invitations. The perfect style would be a stack invitation in which you layer many card elements on top of one another, tied together with a thick ribbon or velvet which will complete the cosy winter feel.”
Winter wedding inspiration by Raspberry Rose Designs, captured by Holly Bryan Photography
Wedding Flowers
Taking inspiration from the winter landscape is a wonderful way to set the tone for your wedding, and you can really pick and choose to create the look and style you desire, whether that’s minimal or opulent. Gina of The Enchanted Garden has some great ideas on using natural, seasonal materials to style your wedding.
“When thinking about flowers, embrace the season! Winter is an absolutely beautiful season to get married. Take in the landscape; the colours and textures from crisp whites, frosty greys, seed heads and bare branches. If you add elements of these to your flowers they will coordinate with the landscape, giving you the perfect backdrop for stunning photos. If colour is more your thing, head over to the other spectrum of warm, deep tones of reds and pinks with glossy evergreen foliage. These colours pop against a looming grey sky, giving an opulent and dramatic effect.”
Nell’s bridal bouquet from The Enchanted Garden taken by James Green Studio
“A December wedding doesn’t mean you have to have Christmas flowers but if you are a fan of Christmas, consider adding a touch of sparkle. Some subtle gold foliage or pinecones can give a nod to Christmas without feeling full-on and intense. And when it comes to venue flowers, what better place than a barn to create a warm and cosy feel with lashings of foliage, plenty of candlelight and matching floral centrepieces?”
Rosie’s bridal bouquet by The Enchanted Garden taken by Christopher Waud Photography
Food
When it comes to wedding food, you can take your pick from a great selection at Healing Manor, and even work with our chefs to create your own bespoke menu. For an extra-special touch, why not select some seasonal treats for your guests? April of The Confectionery Lounge has some beautiful ideas to wow your wedding party.
“Food is always a winner with guests but something that’s engaging that they can get involved with and experience takes it to the next level. For a winter wedding, treats like brownies and blondies go down a storm. An alternative to wedding cake and a mix of flavours means there’s something for everyone. Set it up on a cart or on a dessert table to give added wow factor and to fit in with the styling of your day, and you take your food from nice to show-stopping.”
“Consider midnight snacks. An additional foodie option to finish the wedding on a delicious and warm high would be bacon or sausage sandwiches as guests leave, or a pizza/kebab supplier ready to capture any late night hunger. After a full day and night of celebrating, your guests will love you forever.”
Photography by James Green Studio
Entertainment
Garden games and chilling on the lawn are must-haves for spring and summer weddings, but in winter this just isn’t an option. Why not book an entertainer to circulate and keep your guests amused? For entertainer James Kirman Magician, winter weddings are an excellent platform for a magician to perform.
“When people are tucked up inside for the drinks reception, a magician such as myself can aid in creating an amazing atmosphere with lots of laughter. These moments can then be caught on camera to be remembered forever. In addition, winter weddings mean people have their jackets on, so more pockets for a pickpocket entertainer to have a look in!”
April of The Confectionery Lounge emphasises that simple entertainment options can often be the most effective.
“Entertainment doesn’t have to be elaborate to be thoroughly enjoyed. A photo booth or magic mirror for guests to capture their own memories of the night can keep them occupied for hours. That and a good live band to get guests on the dance floor, and there will be smiles all round.”
Make-Up
Every bride wants to look and feel wonderful on their wedding day, so how can you look your best in the winter months when your summer tan has faded and cold weather and central heating play havoc with your skin? Lauren of LC Makeup Artistry has some great tips to help with your bridal make-up.
“Ensure skin is hydrated. Starting a good moisturising routine around three months prior to the big day will ensure that skin is in good condition as the changes in seasons really does play havoc on our skin balance.”
“On the day, to check and ensure lighting in your prep location allows for a lot of natural lighting for make-up application. For your winter wedding, don’t be afraid to add a hint of sparkle to the eye, a pop of deeper blush and lipstick tone to complement the autumnal colours of your photography. Always remember to be true to what you’re comfortable with in relation to makeup, so that you wear it with full confidence.”
Tina Brocklebank Make-up Artist is passionate about winter weddings, and has further advice for brides planning their big day.
“In the months leading up to your wedding really focus on self-care. Eat healthily, try to get as much rest as you can and drink lots of water to hydrate your skin. Use a gentle exfoliant daily. This will encourage your skin to look more radiant and smooth.”
“Opt for a slightly richer moisturiser as it gets colder, or add a few drops of oil to your usual moisturiser. Use an SPF no lower than a 30. This will make all the difference for creating a beautiful canvas for your make-up on your wedding day. Avoid too much moisturiser or use one suitable for your skin type to ensure longevity and to prevent the foundation from creasing.”
Dress by Sanyukta Shrestha, flowers by Limewood Flowers, Make-up by Tina Brocklebank, captured by Kev Elkins Photography
“Winter wedding make-up can be a tricky one. Do you go natural, or just wear the same make-up you usually wear so you don’t feel too different? Maybe you should step out of your comfort zone or try a trend that you have seen and liked? Remember you don’t wear a wedding dress or special outfit every day, so your wedding make-up should reflect that. Do try to step out of your comfort zone slightly. You will need to wear slightly more make-up than you usually do (for photos and if you are wearing a light colour dress). It should still look like you and be soft and pretty. If your signature is a winged liner, you may feel not like yourself if you were not to do that, so work with that. You still need to be in your comfort zone. On your wedding day you should look like yourself but a more beautiful, polished version.”
“What should dictate your make-up for such a special occasion is your own colouring (hair, skin tone, eye colour) and then think about your wedding theme, flowers, bridesmaid dresses and time of the year.”
Make-up by Tina Brocklebank Makeup Artist captured by John Hope Photography
Wedding Style
There are so many options for bridal style when it comes to winter weddings, and so many beautiful ways in which you can dress for the season whilst remaining true to your own style. Wendy of Osh Gosh Gowns has shared these styling tips from wedding dress designer Morilee.
“You want to stand out at your winter wedding with a dress that feels like one-of-a-kind. Whether you opt for simple elegance that takes inspiration from the blank nature of a snowy day or embrace the rustic and traditional vibe of a snowy night with a lace wedding dress, there are many unique winter wedding dress styles and silhouettes that can make you look and feel amazing! We love a classic ball gown for a winter wedding. The silhouette is grand and regal and a perfect fit for a winter wonderland wedding. If you’re going for a more casual wedding, think cosy cabin elopement, a casual crepe gown in a simple sheath silhouette can look effortless and elegant. Dazzle all your guests with a glittering gown reminiscent of falling snow. Go for crystal beaded details, sparkling sequins, and metallic embroidery to bring in the merry and bright feeling that winter provides.”
“Besides being beautiful, long, lined sleeves are the ideal choice for keeping you warm while looking chic and timeless. Embrace the festive and whimsical feeling of the season with a flounced skirt. The layered tiers of tulle or organza create a delicate and beautiful effect made for twirling! Satin fabric is ideal for a winter wedding with its heavy weight and opaque look. Satin gowns often have a luminous glow and are great for bold ball gowns or structured mermaid and fit and flare styles.”
Morilee bridal design
We hope that this article has filled you with confidence about planning your Winter Wedding, and for more tips take a look here.
Thanks to all of our wonderful wedding suppliers who contributed to this feature; find out more about them on our Recommended Wedding Supplier list.
