Five Reasons to Consider a Winter Wedding
COVID-19.
A term many of us couldn’t have comprehended just a few months ago but now rolls off the tongue all too easily; a term that has impacted our lives in just about every way possible.
Weddings around the world have been postponed as a result of restrictions put in place to curb the spread of coronavirus. While these restrictions have been crucial to ensuring community safety, it doesn’t make it any less stressful for those now faced with rescheduling a day that had been long in the planning.
Couples that had been due to marry in recent and coming months are scrambling to find a suitable date for a similar time next year. But with peak dates (especially Saturdays) for 2021 already booked out, may I suggest considering a winter wedding?
Read on for five reasons why a winter wedding may be right for you.
1. Vendor availability
Many wedding vendors book out anywhere between 12 – 24 months in advance, with the majority of weddings in Australia occurring in peak season (October – April).
As such, vendors are likely to already be booked for peak season dates until 2022, but may still have availability for winter dates, meaning you can marry sooner rather than later.
Whether you’re rescheduling your wedding or just starting the planning now, you have a better chance of securing your dream team on the date you want – especially if it is a Saturday – in winter.
2. Lower costs
While this may not be the case for every vendor, it isn’t unusual for venues and other suppliers to offer off-peak discounts. This could be in the form of a reduced minimum spend, lower package pricing, upgrades or bonus inclusions.
It’s an easy way to make your dollar stretch that bit further, allowing you to spend on other areas or pocket the savings (and perhaps splurge on your honeymoon!).
3. No need for Plan B
One of the reasons couples shy away from winter weddings is the weather. People assume it’s going to be cold, wet and rainy, but these conditions aren’t exclusive to winter - especially not in Melbourne!
I’ve conducted weddings in the height of summer that have been in squalling rain and freezing cold; similarly I’ve conducted weddings on the most stunning of crisp winter days.
Weather is the one thing you can’t control and if it doesn’t play along with your plans for an outdoor celebration, you may find that you spend the morning of your wedding ringing guests to advise that things have been moved to a new location.
Yet if you’ve chosen a winter wedding, you’ll most likely have opted for a venue/s that allows you to have your ceremony and reception indoors. And if you’re already indoors, what does it matter what the weather is doing?
4. Atmosphere
Flickering candlelight. The scent of delicious food in the air. The buzz of conversation, the crackling of a roaring fire, the warmth of a hearty red.
This is the atmosphere that you can create with a winter wedding.
Everyone you love in the one room, chatting away over a mouth-watering meal and good wine, warmed by the intimacy and cosiness of the environment.
It’s the ultimate feel-good dinner party.
5. Comfort
If your wedding is taking place in the warmer months, it’s highly likely that at some point you’ll feel the heat during an outdoor ceremony. Think about it - how many times have you been a guest at a wedding, sweltering in your suit or dress, even in the shade?
As a celebrant I can’t count the amount of times I’ve seen the shirts of grooms become transparent with perspiration. At a more extreme level, I’ve also seen guests and members of wedding parties collapse with heat exhaustion.
Marrying in winter means you’re more likely to still be fresh-faced and sweat free by the time you enter your reception. You’ll be comfortable and look it, too!
If you’re keen on a winter wedding and need someone to make you married, get in touch for an obligation-free Zoom chat over something warming (coffee, tea, mulled wine?).