With numbers at indoor weddings limited to 15, many couples are considering an outdoor receptions as a way of increasing the numbers that can attend, by using marquees and tipi tents or indoor/outdoor spaces. But there's one major stumbling block, how do you keep warm outdoors in the winter.
Luckily in the UK unless we get a blast from the north again like a few years ago, our winters are reasonably mild, so the idea of an outdoor winter wedding is not a crazy as it seems and it is definitely possible. As well as having lots of heaters around such as patio heaters or a specialist blow heater to heat the space, there are also lots of other ways to create a warm, romantic and truly magical atmosphere.
Blankets
Makes sure there are lots of blankets available for guests to wrap themselves in when it gets cold. Place one for each guest on the back of their chairs and have spares rolled up in baskets scattered around the venue.
Venue: @thatamazingplace
Fur
Nothing says warmth better than fur (false of course). Spread fur rugs and throws over the floors and seats for both your ceremony and reception, not only does it create a luxury feel it will also add warmth and a cosy feel to any location.
Venue: @thewildmeadowkent
Hot Drinks
Instead of serving Prosecco, Beer or Cocktails why not serve a warm welcome drink. Mulled wine and cider are not just for Christmas. You could also serve a hot punch or warm sloe gin. Serve them in glass jars with frosted sugar around the top, candied fruit and herbs.
As an alternative to a dessert or sweet table, why not set up a hot chocolate bar, serving a selection of hot chocolates, marshmallows, sprinkles, chocolates and if your feeling cheeky a few spirit shots that can be added to the hot chocolate such as, brandy, rum, Baileys or similar. You could even have special mugs printed celebrating your nuptuals.
Venue & Picture @glenfallhouse
Fire Pits
What is it about fire pits that attract men; they just love standing around them, poking the coal or logs now and again, it brings the caveman out in them. So as well as keeping your groom's party entertained they will also bring heat and warmth to the rest of the guests.
Your guests can also use them to toast marshmallows or chestnuts and gather around the fire late into the night for a totally chilled vibe.
Photo: @theweddingomd
Candles
Not only do candles bring that beautiful golden romantic light to any venue and setting but they also give out a small amount of heat and create warmth. Use lots of candles everywhere, during the winter months it's dark early and some days it never seems light, so even if you light them early they'll create a beautiful atmosphere.
Use them as part of your tablescape using different heights of candlesticks, place lanterns around the room to create atmospheric lighting and carry on the theme outside with candles in pillar jars and lanterns and tealights in jam jars. Cluster them together using different heights and size candles.
Make sure you use slow burn candles, have lots of spares and a safety lighter for lighting.
Would you like help in planning your dream wedding, we offer a variety of services from full wedding planning, to creating mood boards and finding your venue and suppliers just to help you on your way. Get in touch via hello@magnoliandmeconsultancy.co.uk
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