Everything you need to plan a winter wedding, from heated venues and coat check logistics to seasonal flowers, photography in shorter daylight, and avoiding holiday scheduling conflicts.
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Venue and Heating
Confirm the venue has adequate heating for all event spaces
Indoor venues should maintain 68-72°F throughout the event. Ask about backup heating — if the main system fails on a 20°F night, you need a plan. Space heaters for a 2,000 sq ft room cost $200-$500 to rent.
Check that cocktail hour areas and hallways are heated too
Ask if the venue charges extra for heating during off-peak months
Set up a coat check station near the entrance
Expect every guest to bring a heavy coat, plus scarves and gloves. You need 1 rack per 30 coats and 2 attendants for groups over 80. Coat check service runs $200-$500 for the evening.
Provide numbered claim tickets to prevent mix-ups
Designate a secure, visible area away from exits
Plan indoor ceremony and photo backup locations
Winter storms can arrive with little warning. Have a fully planned indoor ceremony layout ready to go — not just a vague backup. Walk the indoor space and mark where the officiant, couple, and guests will stand.
Check venue accessibility during winter weather
Confirm the venue handles snow removal on walkways and parking lots. Ask who is responsible — the venue or a contractor — and whether it's included in your fee or costs an extra $200-$400.
Warm Food and Drink Stations
Set up a hot drinks station for guests
Offer hot chocolate, cider, and coffee. A self-serve hot beverage station for 100 guests costs $300-$600 through your caterer. Set it up near the entrance so guests warm up immediately.
Include toppings like marshmallows, cinnamon sticks, and whipped cream
Offer a spiked version with bourbon or peppermint liqueur
Plan a winter-appropriate menu with warm dishes
Hearty soups, braised meats, and root vegetables feel right for the season. Passed appetizers cool fast — choose items that taste good at room temperature or serve from chafing dishes.
Provide warm welcome gifts for arriving guests
Hand warmers cost $0.50-$1.00 each in bulk and guests love them. Pair with a cozy blanket for outdoor photo spots. Budget $3-$8 per guest for a small winter comfort kit.
Photography and Lighting
Adjust the photography timeline for shorter daylight hours
In December, sunset can be as early as 4:30 PM depending on your location. Schedule all outdoor portraits for 1-2 hours before sunset. Golden hour is shorter in winter — you get about 20-30 minutes.
Plan a first look earlier in the day to maximize natural light
Scout indoor locations with large windows as a low-light backup
Add extra lighting to the reception space
Winter events rely heavily on artificial light. Uplighting in your wedding colors costs $300-$800. Candles add warmth but check the venue's open flame policy — many restrict them to enclosed holders.
Brief the photographer on cold-weather considerations
Camera batteries drain 40-60% faster in cold weather. Your photographer should bring 3-4 extra batteries. Limit outdoor group photos to 10-15 minutes so nobody freezes.
Transportation and Guest Safety
Arrange transportation that handles winter roads safely
Book shuttle buses or vans with snow-rated tires. A shuttle service for 80-120 guests between hotel and venue costs $800-$2,000. Confirm the company has a cancellation or delay policy for severe weather.
Share hotel block information with guests at least 3 months ahead
Include road condition updates on your wedding website the week of the event
Stock a winter emergency kit at the venue
Include rock salt, a snow shovel, flashlights, a first aid kit, and extra hand warmers. Place non-slip mats at every entrance. This kit costs about $50-$100 to assemble.
Designate covered drop-off and pick-up zones
Guests in formal attire should not walk through snow or sleet. If the venue lacks a covered entrance, rent a pop-up canopy for the drop-off zone — $100-$250 for the day.
Seasonal Flowers and Décor
Select flowers that are in season during winter months
Amaryllis, anemones, ranunculus, and hellebores are winter-available and cost 20-30% less than out-of-season blooms. Roses and carnations are available year-round. Avoid peonies and dahlias — they're not available November through March.
Add evergreen branches, pine cones, or berries for texture
Request a sample arrangement 2 months before the wedding
Plan a winter color palette for the décor
Deep burgundy, forest green, navy, and gold photograph beautifully against winter backdrops. White-on-white looks stunning but requires careful lighting to avoid washing out in photos.
Use candles and warm lighting as focal décor elements
Candles are 30-50% cheaper than equivalent floral centerpieces and create a cozy winter atmosphere. Pillar candles on mirrors make a simple, elegant centerpiece for $15-$25 per table.
Scheduling Around Holidays
Avoid dates that conflict with major holidays
The weeks of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's have the highest travel costs and lowest guest attendance. If you must pick a holiday weekend, send save-the-dates 8-10 months ahead instead of the usual 6.
Check for religious observances your guest list may follow
Verify vendor availability — many take holiday weeks off
Negotiate off-peak pricing with vendors
January and February are the slowest months for wedding vendors. Expect 15-30% discounts on venues, photographers, and florists. Sunday weddings in winter can save an additional 10-20%.
Send invitations earlier than standard timelines
Mail invitations 10-12 weeks before a winter wedding instead of the usual 6-8. Guests need extra time to plan around holiday travel, school breaks, and end-of-year work deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions
What months are considered winter wedding season?
Winter wedding season runs from November through February, with December and January being the peak months. These months are considered off-peak for the wedding industry, which means lower vendor prices — venues often discount 20-40% compared to June-September rates. However, holiday weekends (Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's) command premium pricing and compete with family travel plans.
How do I keep guests warm at a winter wedding?
For outdoor ceremony portions, provide fleece blankets ($3-$5 each in bulk), hand warmers ($0.50 each), and limit outdoor exposure to 20-25 minutes. Indoor receptions should keep thermostats at 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit. Offer a hot drink station with cocoa, cider, or coffee as guests arrive. Fur wraps or pashminas as bridesmaid gifts serve double duty — they photograph beautifully and keep the wedding party warm during outdoor photos.
What flowers are available for winter weddings?
In-season winter flowers include anemones, ranunculus, amaryllis, hellebores (Christmas roses), paperwhites, and camellias. Roses and carnations are available year-round at stable prices. Evergreen branches, pine cones, cedar, and eucalyptus add texture and seasonal feel at low cost. Out-of-season peonies or garden roses in winter cost 2-3x their spring price, so substituting with ranunculus saves significantly while achieving a similar look.
Are winter weddings cheaper than summer weddings?
Yes — winter weddings (excluding major holidays) cost 20-30% less on average than peak-season weddings. Venue rates drop significantly from November to March. Photographers and DJs often offer off-season discounts of 10-20% since they have fewer bookings. The main exception is floral costs — importing out-of-season blooms can offset savings, so stick with winter-native flowers to maximize the budget advantage.