Baby its cold outside: 5 winter wedding ideas

on January 9, 2013

Having a winter wedding? If so, you likely began planning when it was a balmy 93-degrees outside and its easy to forget how chilly (and wet) the winter months can be. While we are lucky that Southern California weather tends to be mild, December through April can be unpredictable and challenging. Here are five tips for last minute additions to make your wedding warm and cozy for you and your guests!

photo by Punam Bean Photography via Ruffled blog

Heaters: especially if a portion of the event will be outside. Consider one near your outdoor bars, near cocktail tables and designated seating or gathering places. One place often forgotten is valet — if guests are waiting for their cars, even briefly, a heater will be a welcome (and appreciated) amenity. You know what else would be a welcomed offering…??
…Hot Cocoa/ Cider: during a holiday party at The Ebell, our service staff presented trays of hot cocoa with marshmallows for guests awaiting valet; this simple gesture brought out the kid in them and it was a fantastic finish to a wonderful event. Why not consider a hot toddy for your specialty drink at the bar? Or a full beverage station offering both so guests can create their own blends: mini chocolate chips or shavings, whipped cream, marshmallows, peppermint sticks, cinnamon (maybe a spiced rum or schnapps?).
Toasted almonds: Roasted almonds are delicious; roasted almonds served warm are amazing! Offer a variety of styles – salted, or lightly glazed, or sweet and spicy – passed to guests in paper bags as an hors d’oeuvres would be stylishly delightful!
Wraps & Scarves: ladies will especially appreciate the offering of a warm pashmina wrap (and they make gifts, too!) Or toss some warm faux-fur throws on lounge furniture.
Umbrellas: if rain is in the forecast, invest in some umbrellas and talk with the venue about a place where dripping rain accessories can be collected and stored for guests. Even if coat check isn’t available, renting a portable garment rack and lining a box or can for collecting umbrellas will be a great save to your well designed and presented ceremony and reception. Be sure to place the elements close to the entry door to save floors from getting wet and save guests from slipping.

BONUS…! “I just toured the Ebell with a woman named Felecia who is planning her wedding. She mentioned a unique winter wedding party favor: soup! She recalled crafting a soup recipe with her friends when they were engaged. The three of them tested and tweaked until they got the batch just right, then compiled all the ingredients into a basket to give to each guest as a special take-home gift. This then went from ‘wedding soup’ to ‘anniversary soup’ and started an annual tradition! I loved this troy and had to share it (with Felecia’s permission, of course!) and having just posted soup recipes on the blog, I find the timing to be perfect!” — Melissa

Visit our Pinterest Board, new ideas being added! Let us know what you think!

Samples and ideas are posted on our Winter Wedding Pinterest Board – please share with us your can-dos for winter weather warmth by posting a comment.

“I’ve got my love to keep me warm…”

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Amen to that!!!