Weddings are joyful occasions, but they also require a lot of forward planning. If you’ve decided to get married during the winter, then there are some added considerations to keep in mind. The following top tips will help make the whole experience a little less stressful, and ensure you create the wedding day of your dreams…
Choose the date
Deciding when you want your wedding to take place is the first step towards organising your winter event. These months tend to be quite busy, so its important to lock down a date as early as possible. This will allow you to notify guests, pick a venue which can accommodate you, and get everything else underway for the big day.
Research venues
The next step is to find your dream wedding venue. If you’re planning a wedding in London, then look for spaces which offer you both the facilities you need, and a little added value. Additional benefits such as the Montcalm Club Lounge could be exactly what you need to make your wedding day extra-luxurious, with The Montcalm London Marble Arch and The Montcalm at The Brewery London all providing space to relax while reading a newspaper or enjoying a few snacks and beverages.
Compile a shortlist, and arrange a call with each location to assess their facilities and check whether they are available on the date you have planned.
Visit your shortlisted venues
Ideally, before making a final choice you should arrange to visit a few of your shortlisted wedding venues for both your ceremony and reception. This will help you get a real feel for each place, and also give you the opportunity to meet with key staff members who will help bring your wedding plans to life.
Visiting needn’t break your wedding budget; look out for the best London hotels special offers and plan the trip accordingly.
Ask key questions
Remember to compile a few key questions to ask at the outset. This will help you decide which space can accommodate the areas which truly matter to you. If your heart is set on an outdoor area and the venue doesn’t have one, or you have a specific menu in mind which can’t be facilitated at your reception, then you need to know this before you go to far into the wedding planning process.
Staff at our restaurant near Finsbury Square at the Montcalm will be happy to discuss any dietary requirements with you, but some alternative spaces may not be able to assist.
Likewise, if you are dedicated to a specific type of wedding décor, then its best to ensure your selected venue is capable of making your plans a reality.
Ideally, you should speak to a manager or a dedicated wedding planner. Select the venue which you feel is best suited to your needs, and begin charging ahead with the rest of your wedding plans.
Send invitations
Send out your invitations as soon as you have finalised the date and venue. Where possible, ask for an RSVP to ensure you know exactly how many people you need to cater for and provide seating for.
Remember winter accessories
You’ll want to ensure you and your guests wrap up warm on the wedding day, so advise they adopt the tried and tested winter clothing technique of layering – and bring a few extra wraps or cover-ups for your bridesmaids. This will make sure they still match, but avoid the winter chill.
Your own wedding attire can be adapted to suit the colder climate, without sacrificing on style. Think in terms of slightly thicker fabrics, faux fur and tweed - and look for wedding dresses and suits which are specifically designed for autumn and winter weddings.
Keep guests cosy
Ensuring a suitable temperature at your wedding venue is an important part of planning, as is making sure you have a few umbrellas available for anyone venturing outside! There’s no need to turn the heating up full, but if you’re concerned about your wedding venue being a little chilly, have a chat with your wedding planner or the manager of your venue about how you can keep everyone warm.
This is particularly important if you’re planning to add an outdoor element to your event, such as incorporating the Finsbury Square Hotel rooftop space into the day. Just because it’s winter, you don’t need to be cooped up indoors – but you do need to plan carefully to get the seasonal balance just right.
Choose seasonal décor and dishes
If you’re having a wedding during the winter months, don’t be afraid to really run with the concept. There’s no point in trying to decorate as though it’s spring or summer, but you can certainly make the most of the time of year by adding seasonal winter elements. You might wish to make your wedding a little festive, and you can certainly create a cosy and welcoming space, complete with warming drinks and dishes in direct contrast with the airy, open wedding format which dominates the warmer months of the year.Prepare for rain
Always be aware that it could rain on your wedding day – so if you are using a lot of outside space, ensure there’s plenty of available shelter to keep guests warm and dry. This is an important thing to remember, as despite all your best intentions, guests could easily forget to wrap up warm.
Bring spare shoes
Smart shoes often get ruined in the winter; snow, rain and mud are all real hazards, even in a city like London. We highly recommend that you bring a spare pair, just in case – this will make sure you still look and feel your best, and can relax safe in the knowledge you’ve got a change ready for emergencies. If you’re hosting your wedding at the Montcalm London, ask where you can keep your spares to help you plan in advance.
Plan extra travel time
Arriving to your wedding late is a nightmare, and winter weather can wreak havoc with even the most comprehensive wedding plans. Be sure to allocate plenty of extra travel time, and ask your wedding guests to do the same.
This will help everything run to schedule no matter what the weather has in store for your winter wedding.
