Whilst winter is coming and the nights may be darker, it definitely won’t dull your sparkle! 

When I imagine winter, I’m filled with a cozy sense of nostalgia. Warm log fires, cool fresh days and endless amounts of hot chocolate! It reminds me of my childhood at home, growing up not far from foggy Mount Macedon where we would see small glimpses of snow. These memories bring such a warmth to my heart (And I’m sure I’m not the only one!) that I believe it would be absolutely magical to incorporate such fondness into the structure of your wedding day. 

Whilst the idea of planning a wedding in the winter months can definitely feel daunting, I’m here to assure you that it isn’t as complicated as you might think! There is an abundance of options to ensure that you utilize the enchanting perks of the cooler months without feeling like you’re completely at the mercy of Mother Nature. 

With more interest in winter weddings slowly rising, it isn’t just the reduced vendor costs that are appealing to couples. Keep reading below for some tips and tricks to ensure you’re on your way to the perfect Melbourne winter wedding! 

1. It’s All About the Location.

It seems simple enough, but finding the right venue for your wedding is crucial, particularly in the colder months. Whilst you may have a little more flexibility in warmer weather, don’t count out an ethereal winter’s day! It’s all about efficient planning and seeking out alternative arrangements. (It’s never a bad idea to have backup plans regardless of the season, trust me.) Outside ceremonies are still possible, but I’d recommend asking if some alternative options for poor weather conditions can be arranged. Sometimes, instead of getting married outside a barn, it can be rearranged into an indoor ceremony to account for wet weather instead! It’s still beautiful, it’s still magical and you still get to marry the love of your life!

Another handy tip is to have your ceremony and reception at the same venue, or at the very least, in close proximity to each other. This will decrease any additional travel time, particularly if the weather is proving difficult. 

I’d also recommend touring the venue at night if that is an available option. What’s the vibe of the space? Is it warm and inviting? Once the sun has gone down, you’ll be able to envision the space and work out if you’d need any additional lighting or extras to further enhance the winter ambience! You can also bring your wedding photographer along too to discuss photo locations and establish a timeline to utilize all the natural lighting opportunities. 

2.  To Have and to Hold, In Case You Get Cold. 

The beauty of having your wedding day in the cooler months is those extra little details you can include to ensure your guests remain warm and toasty whilst being a part of your special day! This truly is an opportunity to let your creativity soar and leave guests with some additional heartwarming memories. 
One idea that I really love is incorporating blankets into your ceremony and reception for all of your guests to use. You can create them in your colour scheme or even have your initials and/or wedding date embroidered onto them. These can also be great gifts for guests or beautiful treasures for you to keep to remember your magical day! Alternatively, the same idea can also be used for umbrellas!

A second idea (and one of my personal favourites) is a hot beverage station! Nothing feels more inviting and cozy than a warm drink on a cold day. Whether that’s tea, coffee, hot chocolate (my personal fav) or all of the above, you can really have fun creating a little station fixed with the works: marshmallows, whipped cream, chocolate sprinkles! This also doesn’t have to deter you from offering the usual spirits too, but is more so a fun opportunity to include some warmer winter options for your guests! A mulled wine bar is another alternative that could be included too. 

3. Come On Over and Light My Fire.

Honestly, who doesn’t love a bit of sparkle? I sometimes forget how beautiful and romantic a space can be with the inclusion of the correct mood lighting. There is nothing quite like gathering around with your loved ones in a soft, warm glow. Whether that’s something as simple as tealights on your table settings or a roaring woodfire, lighting truly creates the atmosphere for a wedding space!

And I can’t forget to mention one of my all-time favourite things to photograph with my couples: and that’s fairy lights! Fairy lights can truly give your wedding that magical touch when they’re threaded through some trees or decorate a beautiful archway. There is no such thing as too many fairy lights and they can create such an enchanting backdrop to any wedding! 

4. Include Your Photographer.

Never forget that as photographers, we are here to help you! Don’t be afraid to ask for advice or seek another opinion. I’m more than happy to work alongside your planning process to establish a timeline for your wedding day. Regardless of the weather, some couples still want outdoor photos. (Which is completely fine and I encourage it!) I can work with you to incorporate those time periods throughout the day to suit the lighting and ensure everything runs as smoothly as possible. 

5. Finally, Don’t Forget to Wrap Up!

Embrace those winter accessories and explore your options to ensure that you are snug as a bug on your wedding day, too! Whether that’s velvet suits for the men or shawls for the girls, don’t be afraid to experiment with different attire. The beauty of it is that jackets and shawls can be taken on and off at your pleasure. Whilst you might need one when you’re walking around mingling with guests, it can just as easily be taken off when you’re making moves on the dance-floor! It’s important to feel comfortable and at ease, so go with what makes you happy!

At the end of the day, your wedding can be anything and everything you’ve ever dreamed of regardless of the weather! If you’re open to the idea of getting married in the off-season, I definitely encourage you to explore it further. There are so many perks and incredible ideas that can be incorporated into a winter wedding to create a truly magical day!

As always, if you ever have any questions or queries, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. Don’t be afraid to ask because if you never ask, you’ll never know and I’m an open book!