10 Reasons to Love Winter Weddings

Winter weddings are growing in popularity — December is now the #3 wedding month for BG brides, behind May and June — and with good reason. Harriette Rose Katz, a top wedding planner in New York City, breaks down the top 10 reasons why winter weddings rock.

Photo courtesy of Harriette Rose Katz

1. Seasonal Décor Gives Your Wedding a Unique Touch 
A winter wedding allows you to experiment with a themed décor. An easy way to incorporate this is with natural components, such as frosted pinecones, pine leaves, snowflakes, or holiday lights to enhance your winter wedding wonderland.

Photo courtesy of Harriette Rose Katz

2. You'll Get Your First Choice Vendors
Although June and September weddings are a dream, they are two of the busiest months for weddings — so the chance that all of your top vendor picks will be available on the same date is pretty slim. But since December, January, and February are less popular among brides, they're your best bet to get who you want — and for less! You'll find that many vendors are willing to cut you a deal during these cold-weather months.

Photo courtesy of Bobby Borg

3. You Can Focus More on the Details
Since you're saving money on your vendors, you can invest in the details that'll make your wedding feel more personal. Try accessorizing your wedding party with commemorative scarves. For favors, give out gloves that your guests can use throughout the season. Check out more winter favor ideas ►

Photo Credit: Live View Studios

5. Your Fashion Options are Endless 
While there is a typical weather-driven dress style for every other season — sleeveless for spring, strapless for summer — a winter wedding allows for the bride to experiment with various glamorous looks. Wear long sleeves, or wear that strapless gown and accessorize with an embroidered coat, faux fur, or upper arm gloves for a warm yet stylish look. See 40 gorgeous winter gowns ►

Photo Credit: Deep Grey Photography on Polka Dot Bride via Lover.ly

7. Two Words: Comfort Food 
A winter wedding provides the perfect opportunity to put a luxury spin on wintry comfort foods. Try hearty dishes, like pasta, lasagna, casseroles and warm soups, but add a fancy twist with mini soup bowls and individual dishes. Also, get fun and creative with the dessert course and set up a hot chocolate bar or s’mores bar. Serve creamy eggnog cocktails and spicy mulled wines.

Photo Credit: Ananda Shorey of Bliss Fotography

8. Your Timing is Perfect for an Island Honeymoon 
Another big reason to love a winter wedding is the idea of an island honeymoon! Justify an escape from the cold, and fly to a warm and sunny island for a sweet honeymoon adventure. Check out Caribbean honeymoon options for every budget ►

Photo courtesy of Elite Island Resorts

9. Your Wedding Will Naturally Stand Out 
The entire wedding, from ceremony to reception, is guaranteed to make an impression in the memories of all your guests simply because it's different from all of the spring and summer weddings they typically attend. Plus, your wedding will provide something to look forward to in the colder months.

Photo Credit: Sorensen Foto

10. Winter Weddings Make You Believe in Magic
The ambience around a winter wedding is equivalent to that of the first winter snowfall — it’s magical and very romantic. Make sure you highlight and maximize the winter elements with faux snow or Christmas lights for a perfect winter scene.

Photo Credit: Dinofa Photography

Tell us: Would you consider having a winter wedding? Check out 100 ideas for the season!

—Harriette Rose Katz

Harriette is the Founder and President of Events/Gourmet Advisory Services, one of New York’s premiere event planning businesses. For over 35 years, Gourmet Advisory Services has orchestrated a wide array of beautiful wedding receptions that range from the intimate to the lavish. She was declared the “Number One Wedding Planner in Manhattan” by New York Metro and was inducted to the Hall of Fame for Biz Bash and the International Special Event Society. In addition, Harriette served 16 years as President and Chief Operating Officer of the Confrerie del a Chaine Des Rotisseurs, one of the world’s most prestigious food and wine organizations. She also made history last year for planning the Guinness Book of World Records Most Expensive Pet Wedding in New York for charity.