Top Tips for a Winter Wedding
Photo Credit: Tomasz Kornas
Here at Cloughjordan House there isn’t a month that goes by when we don’t have a least one wedding. This means we are experts on the Winter Wedding and how, despite any weather, you can have a fantastic day.
There are however a few words of advice for couples looking to tie the knot during the winter months; below are our two cents’ worth!
Winter weddings are a great excuse in integrate darker, richer colours into your décor
Photo Credit: Tomasz Kornas
Décor & Colours
We love when our couples use the winter months to take inspiration from nature, a great excuse to integrate the likes of deep cranberry and dark forest green, often combined with gold or silver highlights.
The wedding marquee and ballroom here at Cloughjordan House really lend themselves to a rustic vibe, and we frequently use elements from nature in our décor. Wood such as birch trees, pinecones and pine boughs create a warm feeling, especially in combination with candlelight - perfect for the colder and darker winter months.
Suitable centrepieces might be small birch logs with candles, while small trees or branches throughout the reception space create a forest-like feel.
Pinterest is a great source of inspiration, try our Winter Wedding Inspo Board to get some ideas!
A winter wedding means you can go for a bolder eye and impactful lip colour
Photo Credit: SOSAC Photography
Hair & Makeup
In the colder months you have a great excuse to get those darker lips and bold eyes done – be daring! A classic red lipstick with a subtle cat eye, or even a dark red lip both look amazing in the darkness of winter.
Weddingomania has a great article about Winter Wedding Makeup Tips And Ideas.
Unfortunately, rain or even snow is commonplace in the winter months, we therefore always suggest to our brides to choose a hairstyle that can be easily touched up throughout the day. Make sure you schedule in some touch-up time and have the essential supplies handy; for you and your wedding party.
Always have those umbrellas handy, you don’t want ruined hair or make up!
Photo Credit: SOSAC Photography
Photography
Always check what time the sun will set on your wedding day, keep in mind that in some parts of the country it could be dark by 4.30pm. Working backwards you will likely need to book an early wedding ceremony, otherwise you will run out of daylight altogether.
A good wedding photographer will be able to give you a rundown of the best timings based on the light and the shots you want to achieve.
As they say, there’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing. This is certainly true for a winter wedding and when preparing for your photographs. Have nice umbrellas handy for outdoor wedding photographs, and spare pairs of shoes for everyone in the wedding party – keep those feet warm and your shoes mud free!
If it is cold, give your bridal party hand warmers and blankets for between shots – no one wants blue lips in the photographs!
Here is some more useful advice from Daniel, a professional wedding photographer: 10 Top Tips to help Plan a Winter Wedding in Ireland.
It may be chilly outside, but it is likely to be hot to trot on the dance floor!
Photo Credit: Darek Smietana
Think about your guests!
While you may have covered all bases for you and your wedding party, it is important to remember your guests. No one wants guest’s shivering with their teeth chattering throughout the ceremony!
Considering buying instant hand warmers and light blankets to have on hand for your guests, or gloves are a great party favour.
Another key consideration for a winter wedding is the distance between the church or ceremony and the reception. Of course, if your ceremony is happening on site here in the Woodshed you are just a short walk from the open fires of the main house...
While might be cold outside, things could get heated on the dance floor! If guests are breaking a sweat, don’t worry we will adjust the heating for you.
Lastly, a winter wedding offers a multitude of fun party favour options - check out these ideas for 20 Festive Favours.
Food and Beverages
Winter weddings really reap the benefits of serving rich and moreish comfort foods and scrumptious sweets. Hearty creamy canapés, roasted root vegetables and game meats are all favourites on the menu here at Cloughjordan House during winter wedding season. Luckily our garden provides an abundance of winter vegetables!
One highlight during winter weddings is the opportunity for winter-themed cocktails. Spicy mulled wine, hot toddies, or even a warm warm apple cider are all crowd pleasers on a cold winter’s night. For more festival drink ideas, Delish offers 36 recipes for your perfect winter wedding bar menu.
Remember, it is always good to bear in mind that the date of your wedding will influence what foods (and florals) are in season.
Talk with your wedding chef and florist well in advance to help you to plan!
We hope the above has been useful for you – there should be nothing stopping you from having a beautiful winter wedding. All you need is some careful planning, and you will have a wonderful winter wedding day!