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!

Big, Fluffy, White Dress?

The younger I get (wink, wink), the more I think about what's really important. If I had it to do all over again, I'm not sure I would do the big, fluffy, costly expensive dress again. I paid hundreds of dollars for it to find its home in a trunk, in its special "keep it preserved" plastic bag.

Perhaps I would where a pant suit so I wouldn't have to worry about moving myself and the dress around. I wouldn't have to worry about people stepping on it or it getting caught and snagged on something.

Maybe I would where a beautiful sun dress so I wouldn't have to worry about the bottom of the dress dragging on concrete, carpet, dance floors and whatever other floors I have to walk on that day.

Perhaps I would just wear a totally different color dress or suit all together! Like pink or purple or blue. Well, maybe not - I'm sort of a natural colors girl. But that might work for you!

My favorite thought - is a white or white and black tea length dress. Now I can really get with that! What are your thoughts? Daring enough to step outside of tradition? I'd like to know.

The Bridal Party: To Accessorize or NOT?

Bridal party accessories are most often misunderstood. Most times they’re only looked upon as small gifts bestowed upon friends for agreeing for having “put up with your attitude” during one of the most stressful times in a bride and grooms life. However, bridal party accessories should be seen as more significant. They are sentiments of affections shared amongst those who both love and are loved by a couple enough to be apart of their ‘special day’. While these don’t have to be very expensive items, they should be items that will represent the bond shared between close friends. Most often, gifts shared are jewelry for bridesmaids and watches or cufflinks for groomsmen. Whatever you choose, give it as a gift of love…..

To Match or Not to Match?

Ever heard bridesmaids complain about their head to toe matching outfits? Have you ever been a bridesmaid and done the same? Bridesmaid is no longer synonymous with matching outfits. Why don't you give your bridesmaids the gift of looking and feeling their personal best! Here are a few ways you can accomplish this:


Sexy Silhouette Selection

Many times, bridesmaids are various weights and sizes. think about selecting the color, fabric and manufacturer while your bridesmaids choose a silhouette that is perfect for them. While one may be wearing a halter and the other an A-line, your bridesmaids will feel their best and give their best too!

Accessory Memory

Choose accessories that complement their styles and personalities. You can pick from satin or chiffon wraps, satin belts or even silk scarves. Let them choose how to wear their wraps or scarves. If you are really daring, their accessories can even be different colors that are in line with your wedding day color scheme.

Bouquet Play

Okay. So you're not sure that you want to divert from matching dresses. Customize their bouquets! Mix and match flowers. Vary the shape of the arrangements. Play with colors of ribbon to match their dresses.


Trust me! Your bridesmaids will thank you and remember your day for years to come.

Diamond alternative???

Today there are so many beautiful alternatives to diamonds; gemstones such as amethyst, sapphire, and topaz. What about crystal? Would you consider a ring that is not a diamond? Why or why not?

Ring sold at Swarovski

White Topaz ring sold at Zales

Now can you imagine that each of these rings costs less than $200?