If spring and summer aren’t your thing, perhaps you’re planning a cosy winter wedding in Northumberland? Northside Farm is a wonderful place to get married all year round, but there’s something particularly magical and romantic about the coldest months of the year.
However, there are a few inevitable challenges that go hand-in-hand with planning a winter wedding. With a little preparation and the right team of suppliers, you’ll have nothing to worry about. Here are our top tips.
If the forecast is looking grim, ask your suppliers how they’ll cope with the bad weather. Rain and snow can lead to heavy traffic and treacherous driving conditions. Holding your ceremony and reception at the same venue will limit the impact but you may have issues if you have guests driving from farther away. Allow plenty of travel time and try not to worry if anyone is delayed.
It gets dark a lot earlier in winter so make sure you schedule time with your photographer accordingly. Before you book, it’s important to ask whether they’ve had experience shooting in low light and/or bad weather. A skilled photographer will know how to get the best photos in the worst winter conditions.
It’s a good idea to invest in winter accessories for all your key players. There’s nothing worse than shivering through the day and looking icy-cold in your professional photos. Those in long dresses can slip thermal leggings underneath and handwarmers hidden in pockets will make a big difference.
Coats, cardis, wraps and blankets can look stylish and chic if you stick to your overall colour palette. Make sure you have nice umbrellas and wellies just in case you need them.
Your friends and family will appreciate a supply of blankets or pashminas should they get chilly indoors or decide to head outside. As people will probably arrive in their winter coats, some form of coat check is also a good idea. Guests will be grateful to be relieved of their coats, hats, scarves, gloves and wet umbrellas!
There’s so much you can do to make your winter wedding in Northumberland feel extra cosy and special. Candles and fairy lights come into their own at this time of year, as do rich, warm jewel tones and lots of natural greenery.
Serving warm drinks like Winter Pimms, mulled wine or hot chocolate is another nice touch. You could also opt for wintry wedding favours like sparklers, candy canes, miniature hot toddies or mulled wine spices.