If you’re D R E A M I N G of a magical winter wonderland wedding or a woodsy, fall inspired wedding; what do you do about the cold weather? When you’re planning a wedding in the off season (November - March), those unpermitted weather conditions are a bigger challenge to your wedding planning.

And if you’re like most brides, of course want your big day to be PERFECT, so we compiled a list of 5 ways to keep your guests, but more importantly YOU and your groom warm on your big day!

1. Set Expectations

Make extra sure to set expectations with your guests, which means to ensure they will dress correctly for the event. An easy, no pressure way to do this is through your wedding website! For example, let your guests know if there will be a lot of outdoor time and what the expected average temperature will be at the location of your event when it’s happening.

Photo by JuneBugWeddings

2. Hot drinks and warm food options

Hot Coffee/Cocoa/Cider Station -

  • Offer a fun drink station with a barista who can custom create coffees for your guests. 

    • **very often coffee runs out on cooler days. Make sure your venue is prepared if they have a coffee station

    • **spice it up with a spiked liquor addition

Hot Plate Options -

  • Meals include anything: baked, roasted, grilled. etc. such as meats, pastas, soups, rice dishes, warm vegetables, etc.

3. Outdoor heaters or a fireplace

A warm fireplace or multiple outdoor heaters for guests are sure to keep your wedding warm! Remember, these will be in your photos so we highly recommend renting options that are in good condition and pretty to look at. 

Also, don't skimp on the heaters if you want guests to stay all night. Use 1 heater per table and add a few for the cocktail area and at the bar for super colder nights. 

4. Cozy fashion!

Options:

  • Robes

  • Coats

  • Anything fluffy faux fur

  • Leggings under long dress

  • Wraps & shawls

  • Blankets

Offer your guests a warm option for them to take home as a favor. Place on a table in a large basket or place one at each seat. 

For yourself, have a cozy jacket or shawl that you wear as an accent piece to stay warm. We always love monogrammed jackets (like in the first photo we showed!)

5.  Tenting or Indoor spaces/venues

Party tents can often be used as summertime items because they allow us to stay cool in the shade and protect us from harmful UV rays, however they are great for cold weather too!

Heating a party tent is as simple as using tent heaters—specialized space heaters designed for safely keeping your party tent warm—and tent sidewalls, which keep the warmth in. A party tent heater can be used inside the tent, or just outside the tent with the addition of a diffuser.

Photo by Love & Lavender

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Ashley and Kyle - Santa Rosa Valley Wedding

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Brianna and Hanson's Wedding - Los Robles Greens