Tips for the Perfect Winter Wedding
Winter weddings can be exceptional, as the magic of winter’s
enchanting atmosphere and cosy ambiance transforms the entire event into a fairytale-like experience. The blend of elegance, warmth, and enchantment can make your special day truly unforgettable. Whether it’s the misty surroundings, the warm glow of candles, or the rich use of colours, winter weddings offer a distinctive and memorable celebration.
Award-winning Granny Mouse Country House & Spa is considered one of the most romantic venues in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands and weddings at Granny Mouse are truly spectacular, with everything you could need based on-site. From the chapel with panoramic views over the Caversham Valley, a reception venue catering for up to 120 guests, and a culinary team ready to create your unique wedding feast to surprise and delight, there really is no place that could compare.
According to Granny Mouse General Manager, Sean Granger, “by embracing the season’s unique qualities and planning thoughtfully, you can create a magical winter wedding that you and your guests will cherish forever.”
There’s nothing more romantic than overstuffed couches, a roaring
fire, and the sound of the rain or wintry wind outdoors. When planning a winter wedding, always look for a spot with a central, eye-catching fireplace or two, where your guests will congregate and sip an Irish coffee until the wee hours of the morning.
Here are more tips and reasons to consider a winter wedding.
Choose the Right Venue: Opt for a venue that can accommodate an indoor ceremony and reception comfortably, providing the perfect setting for a winter wonderland wedding. Make sure the venue can accommodate your guests too, that way you don’t have to worry about your loved ones driving somewhere in the dark, and this also allows you to enjoy a breakfast together the day after your wedding. Accommodation in South Africa is usually cheaper in the winter months, so you can stretch the budget for a full-on wedding weekend.
Choose a setting with atmosphere: While you may not be getting married outdoors, you’ll still want to wed somewhere with a picturesque setting. No matter the weather, look for an undercover terrace or large room with stacking doors where you can create an indoor/outdoor feel, also allowing for great pictures of the ceremony and reception.
The light is also magical in winter so to make the most of it, you’ll
want somewhere with a pretty, natural environment.
Invitations and Stationery: Let the wintery theme be reflected through your invitations and stationery. Use materials like velvet or
incorporate winter motifs such as snowflakes, icicles, and pine trees
to set the tone for your wedding right from the start.
Choose a seasonal menu: One of the most memorable things about any wedding is the food. Delight your guests with a seasonal menu
featuring comfort foods like roasted meats, root vegetables, and hot
beverages. Apart from the usual, incorporate a hot chocolate bar,
mulled wine station, rich local cheeses and warm apple ciders. You can even up the ante on the dessert station to include a chocolate
fountain, doughnuts, warm stone fruits and malva pudding – this can add a festive twist and get everyone in a celebratory mood. Remember guests will eat more if it’s cold, so keep the food coming.
Embrace Winter floral ideas: Choose flowers that are in season and
thrive in cooler temperatures. This will mean they will last a lot
longer and be more affordable. Using pine trees or greenery is a great winter look. We also love warm reds, burgundy, plum, olive and creams.
Elegant greens such as emerald also work well. Another look is using lots of wooden textures. Gold or rose gold is great to add to the above colours to make them pop. Be careful when using blues, silver and grey as it can be a cold look- but if you use them wisely, they will create magic.
Winter décor and lighting: Using lots of candles is a perfect idea for
winter. It not only gives the venue a romantic glow but heats up the
room naturally. Using lighting effects can create a magical feel –
fairy lights, naked bulbs, wall lights are all stunning to create
warmth. A quick tip, fill glass jars with battery operated fairy
lights and place these on the tables amongst greenery to add that
sparkle. Use fire knockers or lanterns outside for more atmosphere.
Consider dried oak leaves as a substitute for confetti and fluffy
cotton flowers to create the illusion of snow on the tables.
Wedding Favours: If you know your wedding is going to be chilly,
keeping your guests warm is essential. Buy blankets or scarves for
guests to use throughout the wedding. These can also double up as a wedding favour. Gloves is another cute idea for wedding favours.
Toffee apples or bags of marshmallows is another fun way to keep
guests happy. Mugs are great as gifts too. They can be placed on the bar to be used or taken home.
Choose warm attire for your bridal party: Ensure you and your bridal party stay warm without compromising on style. Consider wearing elegant capes, faux fur wraps, or stylish long-sleeved gowns.
Photographic Opportunities: Take advantage of the stunning winter
landscape for your wedding photos. The soft light and natural
backdrops create magical, timeless images. Just be sure to chat to
your photographer regarding the time of your ceremony and reception to maximise the soft winter light when it is at its best.
By thoughtfully planning each aspect of your winter wedding, you can ensure a magical and memorable experience for you and your guests. The key is to embrace the season’s unique qualities and create a cosy, enchanting atmosphere that celebrates the beauty of winter.
For more information about planning the perfect winter wedding,
contact the Granny Mouse team via email: [email protected]