Winter wedding warmers with Suffolk's The Wedding Planners

Image credit: Georgia Rachael Photography

Here, at Your East Anglian Wedding we think there's going to be a huge rise in winter weddings and weekday weddings after the postponements of the last two years!
If you are choosing to get married in the winter, what ways can you add warmth to your wedding day to create a cosy, snuggly day that will keep you and your guests warm whilst embracing the magic a winter wedding has to offer?
Here, Suffolk-based The Wedding Planners founded by Caroline and Victoria, offer lots of practical tips and advice.

"We are big Christmas fans here at The Wedding Planners and love everything about the winter season: darker colours, twinkly lights, warming food, cosy blankets and sofas, loads of candles and a festive movie on the TV. 
"We like to think of your wedding day, or indeed wedding weekend, as a series of celebrations that all perfectly flow into the next. So when it comes to adding some winter warmth, we like to work on the details section by section. 

"Let's start with your ceremony. Whatever type of location you have chosen to marry in, there's something quite magical about a ceremony by candlelight.  And they don't have to be real candles, there are some fantastic LED candles available that can help create the most romantic atmosphere. The shorter winter days mean darker, longer nights, so you don't have to wait until 10pm to get a darker atmosphere. A mid afternoon ceremony with plenty of candles will have a big impact and set that warming winter tone.  

"Now, on to the drinks reception, a time, post-ceremony, when you first get to interact with your guests now as a married couple. It's a sociable, but busy time. There's often drinks, canapés and photos to be taken, so firstly it's important to plan enough time for all these things to happen without it feeling like a rush(!) but it's also the perfect time to add a relaxing, warming touch for your guests. Mulled wine, mulled ciders and mulled juices. Those magical, aromatic, often boozy, festive treats. They are a real crowd pleaser, warming and can be styled in such a beautiful way. Think berries and orange slices, cinnamon sticks and 'to warm your heart' signs. We love this as an alternative to fizz or cocktails. 

"Time for dinner! Your wedding breakfast is the first meal you will enjoy as a married couple so why not make it one to remember. A classic roast is a popular choice for our winter wedding couples, with a warming dessert as well.  Chat to your caterer about some of your favourite winter meals. In terms of the decor and colours, think rich plums, forest greens, navys and berry reds, warm tones and textures, candles and fairy lights that add a glow rather than a bright white look.

"As the evening continues, why not include a heart warming hot chocolate station after the meal or to welcome evening guests. You can put out fun hot chocolate 'toppers' so guests can customise with marshmallows, cream or even something a little stronger! Much like a mulled wine offering, this is another great area where you can get creative with styling. Jars of sweets, candy cane mixers, little bottles of Irish cream or Amaretto to make that cocoa a little more adult, calligraphy signs and beautiful decanters and containers create a really elegant look. 

"For the evening party, you've got a great opportunity to bring in a winter-warmer. For those that don't feel like dancing or want to rest their dancing feet, lounge areas or fire pits with marshmallow toasting, sparklers and plenty of cosy blankets create a movie-like setting. And if you really want to wow your guests, get them snuggled under those blankets and enjoy a spectacular firework display. Another benefit of the shorter days means you don't have to wait until it's very late, and therefore very cold, to enjoy some fireworks. You could even use them to kick off the party immediately after dinner.

"Then at the end of the night, send them away with a warming treat. One of the most popular 'end of night' treats we've seen was one of our couples that gave guests hot sausage rolls at the end of the night - what a great way to end the evening!
"Don't forget to think beyond the wedding day itself; arguably one of the biggest benefits to a winter wedding is the excellent winter sun honeymoon destinations available! December is the best time to visit places like the Maldives, South Africa or the Caribbean. Alternatively stay closer to home and embrace the English winter, rent a cottage in the charming Cotswolds alla The Holiday where you can cosy up in front of a roaring fire and enjoy your first few days as newlyweds."

Check out: thewedplanners.co.uk