Ten Reasons for a Winter Wedding

When someone announces that they are getting married, we typically expect a date somewhere between May and September. If we hear a winter time date, eyebrows are raised and lips are curled up. Winter! Who wants to go to a wedding in the winter? It's rainy and snowy and downright depressing. However, I'm beginning to believe that winter weddings have more appeal than the typical spring/summer wedding. Here are ten reasons why.

1. Your date is free! Venues have more availability during the winter months. When planning for a wedding in the summer or spring, you may have to secure a date 1 - 2 years out in order to get the place you want.
2. Save money! Because business is usually slower in the winter, venues and vendors usually offer services at a discount. If you are on a tight budget, this may definitely be the way to go. You have more room for cost negotiating.
3. Get exactly what you want! Because venues and vendors are less busy, they can accommodate your preferences easily. No settling or compromising.
4. Increased attendance! Friends and family may have less social commitments during the winter time and are more available to attend your special day.
5. Combine the beauty of outdoors with the warmth of indoors! Though it is cold, rainy and/or snowy, you can still have a wedding with an outdoor feel. Choose a venue with lots of windows and beautiful scenery - perhaps snowy landscapes or beautiful pine trees.
6. Stunning photography! Snowy backgrounds allow for the photographer to capture the emotion more intensely. Bright colors are accentuated because there isn't any competition from the natural colors of foliage and flowers. You can experiment with colors like silver, red, purple or even ice blue. Don't want bright colors? That's quite alright. Winter white also complements nature and rustic themes very nicely.
7. Creative food options! Who doesn't like a cup of hot chocolate or hot cinnamon, apple cider topped with whipped cream on a cold, winter day. You might consider serving a tasty soup like tomato basil with sandwiches.
8. Decorations galore! During the winter, decorations are very easy to come by. Thanksgiving and Christmas decorations can be used to add flavor to the atmosphere.
9. Glamorous attire! Dark shades of purple, red, gray and black can really set off the wedding party. Want something a little more flashy? Try silver or platinum. Consider making your wedding bouquet out of silver brooches or hair accessories.
10. It's just different! In addition to food and attire, winter weddings allow for several non-traditional options like a horse drawn sleigh, winter wonderland or magical themes and an intimate and cozy atmosphere. After all, winter is the season for romance.

Which one of these reasons inspire you to have a winter wedding? I'd like to know!