Dreaming of a winter wedding? If you have an affinity for the colder winter months, frosted windows, low lighting and twinkling fairy lights, this could well be the perfect season to plan and host your wedding day.
Although traditionally, the summer months are sought after when it comes to tying the knot, we think there is an understated beauty in an intimate wintery wedding celebration. At Heritage Park Hotel, we are well placed as a winter wedding venue, with high ceilings, oak beams, vintage chandeliers and rustic touches throughout, our venue, with its stunning Welsh-valley landscapes, is the perfect complimentary winter backdrop for your special day.
From décor to food and our top photography tips, if you’re looking for some winter wedding inspiration, our dedicated wedding team have put together these 5 tips to make your day even more magical.
Style for the Season
Saying ‘yes!’ to the dress is one of the highlights of your wedding planning journey. The moment you slip into your chosen wedding dress, you just know it’s the one – although it’s important to consider the styling elements of your dress, particularly if you’re planning on some outdoor wedding photos. Pick a long-sleeved gown, compliment your dress with a faux fur shawl, or choose a tailored jacket for extra layering.
For grooms and brides who prefer a suit, it’s all about the weight of your fabric. Choose wool, tweed, cashmere or herringbone for a classic look that will keep you feeling warm and cosy throughout. Velvet is another great option, particularly for those who want to make a style statement.
Find your Foliage
You may think that beautiful blooms are reserved for summer weddings – but we disagree! A perfectly picked winter bouquet can add a splash of vibrancy and colour to your celebration and there are lots of options when it comes to selecting your seasonal stems.
Anemones, carnations, tulips and roses are ideal choices for a winter bouquet, while reds, oranges and blues are perfect wintery colours. Style your spray with pinecones, berries and singular stems of pampas grass for a classic finishing touch.
Decorating your venue with foliage and complimentary flowers will tie your winter wedding theme together. Mirror the colours and stems from your bouquet, incorporating them into your centre pieces, wedding arch, floral favours and aisle décor.
At Heritage Park Hotel, we have connections with some of South Wales’ best wedding suppliers who we can put you in touch with to help finalise those finishing touches.
Candles and Cosy Comforts
Thinking about how you want your guests to feel on your big day is important. Winter weddings are ideal for creating cosy spaces and bringing home comforts into your venue set-up. To create the perfect romantic ambience, dress your aisle with pillar candles and scatter tealights on the tables.
Drape fairy string lights across the ceilings and if you’re saying ‘I Do’ in December and want to embrace the true magic of Christmas, decorate a tree to give your love celebration a festive feel.
At Heritage Park Hotel, we promise plenty of warmth for your guests, but for a personal touch, why not add in a blanket box and create a cosy corner in your reception room for guests to relax in when they’re not dancing the night away?
Fall into Festive Food
Let us set the stove for a winter wedding breakfast your guests will always remember. Think hot, warm soup, thick, sliced meats, crispy Yorkshire puddings, our rich heritage gravy and all the seasonal trimmings when it comes to serving your guests the most delicious dinner. Lots of couples consider a hog roast as the main element to their winter wedding breakfast and we are happy to cater to this at Heritage Park Hotel.
You could even make your buffet a full festive spread, with turkey and cranberry rolls, cheeseboards, mince pies and individual slices of Christmas cake.
Picture Perfect Photographs
When the day is done and the celebration has ceased, your lasting memories will be captured in an album book of treasured photographs – the most special keepsake from your wedding day. Light moves much quicker in winter, so make the most of that opportunity to take your outdoor wedding photos.
Venture outside for the stunning golden hour sun, then again when the skies start to dim, giving you that perfect purple hue as your backdrop. Speak to your photographer ahead of your wedding, so you can time your intimate wedding shoot for the best results.
Want to make that album sparkle? End your winter wonderland wedding with a colourful fireworks display and hand out sparklers to all your guests – we promise the photographs will be unforgettable!
To find out more about our wedding packages, for a venue tour, or to book your special day with Heritage Park Hotel, contact us today.
