How to Plan Your Winter Wedding Without a Planner
So, you decided on a winter wedding …without a planner.
Bolddd move, and I love it.
It’s cozy, it’s magical, but also a little tricky.
Thankfully...the good news is, you don’t always need a wedding planner to successfully pull off a wedding
You just need a clear plan and that is what i'm going to be giving you in this blog.
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So, let's get into it...
1.) Start With the Vibe
Before you get lost in the pinterest lala land; sit down with your partner and discuss:
what you want the wedding to feel like?
Do you picture cozy Christmas wedding with evergreens and fairy lights?
Or more of a romantic January mood ...candles everywhere, deep jewel tones, kind of moody and intimate?
Or maybe an icy February wedding ...silver, whites, soft blues, very clean and modern?
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Your vibe is like your north star.
And knowing it will help guide every decision - venue, flowers, food ...the whole thing.
2.) Pick a Venue That Can Handle Winter
I can't stress this enough.
Winter weddings live and die on the venue.
So because of the weather;
Make sure the place has a good indoor option (cos you'll be inside most of the time).
So high ceiling, lots of windows, good heating? ...those are your best friends
And if you can find a venue that host reception and ceremony in the same place?
...that's a huge bonus also.
That way, guests won’t have to travel through the cold, and you’ll save on transportation costs.
Ask very practical questions: Is there heating? How is their parking situation?
Do they have coat racks/storage ... so people aren’t throwing jackets over chairs?
And also make sure you understand their bad weather policy (that is ...what happens if a snowstorm delays vendors or travel?)
3.) Build Your Guest List & Budget (at the Same Time)
Your guest list and budget are basically twins - so you can’t separate them.
The more people you invite, the more food, rentals, and space you’ll need.
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And fortunately or unfortunately (depends on how you see it) ...winter weddings falls around the holidays, so some people might not be able to come anyway.
But overall just know that
...reducing your guest list is one of the easiest ways to cut costs
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If you want more guidance i will link below the blog post i wrote on how to create your Guest list.
4.) Book Your Key Vendors Early
Even though winter isn’t as cutthroat as June, the major vendors will still get booked out fast.
So;
Photographer, caterer, florist should be your top priority.
Also double-check their contracts for snow/weather delays (...just in case).
And when it comes to photography, ask about indoor options
(especially if you're not doing a first look - then you'll need photographers who can shoot indoors and ...shoot it well).
You can ask for examples of indoor/winter weddings in their portfolio.
5.) Sort Out Seasonal Décor + Florals
Thankfully for winter weddings, you don't really have to over do with the decor.
The season is already a vibe.
So for;
Florals: Think evergreens, amaryllis, roses, berries, eucalyptus.
If you’re worried about cost, using greenery-heavy arrangements still look lush & wintery ...and are alot cheaper.
For Décor: Prioritize lighting before any extra décor.
So uplighting, string lights, candles, fireplaces - anything that creates warmth will make your venue feel magical.
Even adding other things like faux fur or velvet linens... will really elevate it.
Ughh i'm already excited thinking about it.
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Also extra tip before we move to the next;
Avoid too much white on white (snow on white linens on white dress).
It will make your photos look washed out
Instead add some pops of color or texture.
6. Create Your Timeline Around Daylight
I already have a full blog post where i explained in depth - how to do it.
...and i will also link it below
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But to touch on it a bit.
Winter weddings run on a different clock
So google the setting time for your wedding date and location then work backwards from there.
You should be done with your ceremony at least 1hr before the sun sets (especially if you're not doing a first look).
So you can still have light for family and couple pictures.
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Don't worry
I went more in depth with this in the timeline blog post ...so you can read it after this one.
7. Outfits, Hair and Makeup ...should be Winter proof
For your Outfit
It has to be stunning but also practical.
So
Brides: Heavier fabrics like velvet, satin, or crepe are luxe and warmer.
Then pair it with a wrap or faux fur and you'll be looking like a mafia boss wifee.
Bridesmaids: long dresses + shawls.
Grooms: wool suits or tuxes over those lightweight summer ones.
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For hair and makeup...you want them to be able to last through the cold.
So;
Tell your hairstylist (or whoever’s doing your hair) to style your hair in a way that holds up in cold air.
...Think sleek buns, low ponytails, or waves that won’t totally collapse when it’s damp out.
For makeup, make sure you set everything in.
8.Have Food and Drinks that fit the Season
Give people cozy, seasonal food and they’ll love you forever
So for;
Appetizers: mini grilled cheese + soup shooters, warm dips, sliders.
Mains: braised meats, pastas, roasted veggies (all those hearty dishes)
Dessert: pie bar, cookies, hot cocoa stations, warm cookies ...(or even a s’mores bar inside? gurll)
9. Build Your Support System
When you're doing this by yourself - you need as much help as you can get.
Don’t make the mistake trying to DIY everything ...you'll just burnout like crazy
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So...
Assign roles to your wedding party or close friends.
Have someone to wrangle guests, someone to handle décor details, someone to communicate with vendors on the day-of etc ...
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Or a better alternative if you don't want to over burden you friends and family
Is to hire a day-of coordinator
They’re cheaper than full planners, but worth every penny.
So you don't end up being the planner and the bride on the same day.
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Noww
If you need more help
...not just for the day of the wedding
But for the months leading up to it
The months where you'll tracking, planning and organizing everything
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I created a tool ...my Wedding Planning Bundle - for brides who are trying to save cost by planning their wedding on their own...
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So if you wanna check out
...and see maybe if that's what you need?
10. Finally - don’t forget about little things
We've have already touched on some of these.
But adding little details like;
Coat check or a space for jackets.
Warm drinks like hot cocoa, mulled wine, spiced cider - to keep everyone happy.
Little disposable hand warmers by the door - if you’ve being outside.
Winter-friendly favors – like mini candles, tea blends, jars of honey etc.
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These are what will make your guests feel taken care of.
It's time to wrap it up...
Alright brides...
That’s pretty much it.
Planning any wedding (regardless of the season) without a wedding planner is not easy.
But if you take it step by step, you lean on your people
You’ll be fine.
I wish the best, smoothest wedding planning season.
Byeeeeee💗
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P.S: Don't leave here without at leastt checking out my Wedding Planning Bundle
Who knows ...it might just be exactly what you've being looking for.
You’ve GOT to read this next...
Winter weddings are stunning, but if you don’t get the timing right
...you’ll blink and suddenly it’s pitch black before even you cut your cake.
Nobody wants that.
So let me teach you how to create a timeline that works for you - by yourself
Trying to figure out how to create a guest list without losing your mind (or inviting your mum’s entire church)?
This guide breaks it down step-by-step - super easy ...super practical