Planning a Winter Wedding

While it may not be the most common time to host wedding ceremonies and receptions, winter can truly be a magical season to exchange your vows. After all, depending on your winter wedding venue and the forecast, you could say "I do" as shimmering snow falls gently outside. What could possibly be more romantic than a snowy winter wonderland wedding? 

Winter weddings also allow you to express yourself and incorporate color schemes and styles ranging from elegant jewel tones to cozy cabin vibes. You can gather with your loved ones and enjoy the wedding of your dreams while surrounded by unforgettable wintery backdrops. Since you'll be planning a winter wedding in what's traditionally considered the off-season, you most likely won't have any trouble booking your venue and vendors. 

If you do decide to host a winter wedding, though, it is important to know that some guests might be leery about attending an event when the temperatures start dropping — especially if you plan on hosting some or all of your wedding outdoors. Have ways to keep your guests warm and toasty and put a backup plan in place in case it's too cold to host your ceremony or reception outside.

If you've decided that a winter destination wedding is for you, Weddings at Baywood can help. Here are a few December and January wedding ideas to inspire you and help get you started. 

(Check out our Complete Wedding Guide)

Selecting Winter Wedding Flowers

There might not be as many flowers blooming in the winter, but that doesn't mean your wedding bouquet, boutonnieres and arrangements can't look just as good — if not better — than they would during any other time of year. Winter is the perfect time to embrace sophisticated color palettes and rustic accents that will make your winter wedding venue look simply stunning.

While garden roses are often used year-round, you can also get creative and incorporate other seasonal blooms such as amaryllis or carnations. Of course, don't forget to accent your bouquet with some wintery touches. Whether you add lush seasonal greenery, manzanita branches, pine cones or berries, you can express yourself while celebrating the natural beauty of the season.

For the perfect finishing touch on the bridal and bridesmaid bouquets, consider adding an elegant velvet ribbon to tie the entire look together.

What to Serve on the Wedding Menu

Winter menus are all about embracing the warm and cozy feel of the season. Start by serving a couple of hearty appetizers ranging from Moroccan lollipop lamb chops and mint and electric aioli to smoked brisket and blue cheese spring rolls. 

For the main course, you can keep your entire wedding party full and satisfied with dishes such as American wagyu strip steak, Cornish game hen "under the brick" or filet mignon. Rich sides such as whipped potatoes, smoked gouda macaroni and cheese, or herbed jasmine rice can round out the meal. 

Food stations are always a hit. If you want to serve up cozy comfort foods and create a more casual feel on your big day, you can have a taco or slider bar. For a special treat guests of all ages will enjoy, create a milk and cookie bar. 

In keeping with the season, you can consider rich wedding cake flavors such as red velvet, dark chocolate and caramel ganache. 

Choosing the Perfect Winter Wedding Outfit 

Since it will be chilly, a winter wedding is the perfect time to wear a long-sleeved or high-collared wedding gown. If you prefer sleeveless, simply drape a stylish faux-fur shawl over your shoulders for an elegant wintery look. For your accessories or bridesmaid dresses, you can incorporate winter wedding colors ranging from deep jewel tones to muted soft grays and ivory hues. If the dresses are floor length, don't be afraid to slip on a pair of thermal leggings for additional warmth.

The groom and groomsmen can either go with a traditional black-tie ensemble or experiment with burgundy suits or tweed blazers for a more eye-catching look. Groomsmen can even sport cardigans or sweater vests — don't forget a complementing wintery boutonniere to finish off the look!

Hand Out Winter-Inspired Party Favors 

No matter if you choose an indoor or outdoor winter wedding venue, your guests will appreciate receiving a cozy, seasonal gift from you on your big day. Thick flannel blankets will surely be popular, but you can also get creative and pass out other types of gifts that will keep your guests warm, such as pine cone fire starters. Other winter-inspired favors you might want to consider are individual pine tree saplings wrapped in burlap or woodsy or fir-scented candles. 

For a festive touch, treat your friends and family to peppermint hot cocoa spoons or mixes inside a ceramic mug. Other edible options include old-fashioned peppermint sticks or gingerbread.

Start Planning an All-Inclusive Winter Wedding With Weddings at Baywood

At Weddings at Baywood, we are ready to help you turn your wedding dreams into a reality. We take pride in being one of the only premier venues in Coastal Delaware with various winter wedding ceremony and reception locations located both indoors and outdoors. 

Outdoors, we have a ceremony garden with luscious landscaped greens, a stunning veranda, paver patio and tented reception, which is perfect for those chilly winter nights. If you prefer to exchange your vows indoors, we have an elegant ballroom and intimate library to choose from. 

Because we are an all-inclusive winter wedding destination, we can handle all your needs — ranging from your florals to food. Our wedding planning team will be by your side from start to finish, ensuring the finished result is exactly how you envisioned it. 

If you'd like to receive more information or are interested in planning your winter wedding at our venue in Delaware, fill out our contact form and we'll be in touch with you soon.