Winter may bring darkness and weather-related travel challenges, but a wedding in the coldest season of the year can be elegant and romantic. If you’re planning wintertime nuptials, there are a few important tips that can help you navigate any unforeseeable burdens brought on by mother nature. Discover some practical tips for a hassle-free and flawless day below.

5 Tips for a Successful Wedding in the Winter

1. Have a Single Indoor Venue

During the wintertime, choosing a single indoor venue for both your ceremony and reception is a wise choice. This will prevent your guests from having to travel more than needed if any inclement weather takes place. Plus, they can settle in as soon as they arrive and won’t have to worry about getting chilly while moving from venue to venue.

2. Allow for Extra Travel Time

While it’s always a good practice to allot extra time for travel, give yourself and your bridal party even more time for arriving on your big day. If there is bad weather, there could also be traffic. Plan for possible travel complications by exploring alternate routes in advance.

3. Keep Guests Cozy

Consider having warm refreshments, such as hot cocoa, cider, or any other seasonal drinks served for guests upon arrival. Giving out blankets, cookies, and s’mores as favors also works well for setting a cozy ambiance. Candles can also create an enchanting winter scene that can be factored into your centerpieces.

4. Time Your Pictures Right

In the winter, the sun sets much earlier. Depending on the time of your ceremony, you may need to take some photos before you say, “I do,” to avoid losing the natural light. Discuss timing with your photographer for your wedding portraits to prevent any lighting complications.

5. Incorporate Winter Colors

Winter is the perfect time to choose dramatic, rich wedding colors. Berry red, plum, and emerald green work well for this season. Eggplant, frost blue, and teal are also modern, attractive options. If you prefer a little sparkle, now is also the perfect time for metallics.

If you’re searching for the perfect venue for a beautiful winter wedding, look no further than Makoy Center. As Franklin County, OH’s trusted event center, this venue has spaces for receptions and ceremonies to ensure your entire group of guests is kept warm and well-fed on your big day. Browse through their gallery of stunning receptions online, and call (614) 777-1211 to start discussing your plans today.