Winter Weddings: A Destination Guide

When you think of a wedding abroad, for most people sun, sea and sand spring to mind, however not every couple opts for a sunny beach wedding. Winter weddings are becoming more popular each year as people yearn for something different, a unique way to celebrate their wedding abroad. So, as we say goodbye to those long summer days and we welcome the first frost of the season, now is the right time to share some ideas for dreamy winter wonderland weddings on the continent.

Belle talks to wedding planner extraordinaire Lisa Burton, who boasts a portfolio of more than 1,400 destination weddings to her name, about what couples should look for when looking to travel to Europe to marry.

Lisa launched Luvana.co.uk, a free-to-use online portal dedicated exclusively to couples planning an overseas wedding in Europe, in July. Here, she shares her 15 years’ planning experience and expert advice on making the most of a winter wedding…

The Alps, Italy

One of Luvana’s most popular searches and perfect for those couples that ski, the Italian Alps offer an exquisite setting of snow-capped mountains and crystalline lakes for the fun-filled brides and grooms. Couples will find several idyllic churches and chapels located in the Italian Alps which are surrounded by a beautiful snowy landscape and for skiers, it’s even possible to tie the knot on the snowy slopes of the Dolomites followed by mulled wine and hot cocoa!

Finland (Lapland)

Home to Father Christmas! Lapland is one of those places we’d all love to visit, no matter how old we are, and this magical location couldn’t be more perfect for a dreamy Christmas wedding. Here couples can experience a fairytale landscape while enjoying sleigh rides in the snow, cosy nights in front of an open fire and evenings admiring the star-studded night skies! My personal favourites are Lappish Kota where couples can exchange vows in a tepee with views of the night sky, or why not opt to enjoy an intimate Glass Igloo in Levi, overlooking the whole of Levi Fell.

Iceland

The home of dramatic landscapes, Iceland is perfect for a winter wedding. The dramatic green of summer turns into a magical winter wonderland in December and with the amazing volcanic beaches and the blue lagoon to explore, it’s the perfect location for the adventurous type. Say ‘I do’ inside a cave or beside the 30-metre wide, picture perfect waterfall Godafoss…stunning!

Austria

Austria is known worldwide for its effortless natural beauty, the stunning alpine scenery and pretty wonderful hospitality!  There’s no doubt the country will charm coupes and their guests – choose to exchange vows atop a mountain or inside the beautiful Kaprun Castle with its 600-year history.

Lisa says: “Once you have booked your venue, your thoughts will usually go straight to the decoration and styling. You’ll likely spend hours on Pinterest dreaming of how to make your wedding look and feel magical. However, winter weddings typically require a bit more time spent on planning.

“Local flowers can be limited due to the time of year and indoor venues often need more dressing. With a little thought and planning, a winter wedding can be simply magical; think of twinkling lights over fresh falling snow, bare branches covered in a touch of frost, glittering snowflakes and open fires.”

Winter hues

The most obvious colour theme for a winter wedding is white. This can look simply stunning and so glamorous. But the winter season also provides the perfect excuse to go with those richer, striking shades. Navy, cranberry, bottle green, or simply darker cream shades for table linen, give a stylish nod to the season and contrast the more traditional white winter wedding.

Romance, rustic or glamour…

If you want to add some sparkle, consider personalised tree baubles as name card holders. This is also a favour that your guests will be able to cherish forever.

Candlelight is a classic way to decorate that works well at any wedding but is a must-have at any winter wedding. Candles can add a warm, cosy ambience that is extremely romantic!

For a more rustic and natural feel, make the most of the season and bring the outside in by collecting a selection of twigs, branches, pinecones and berries to create a winter woodland.

Winter wedding bouquet

Many flowers tend to be out of season in winter, so make sure to speak to your florist about what is available, like the classic rose which can be found year-round. Use local flowers and save on the import costs or, use paper flowers, a growing trend in the Mediterranean where you can have a super glamorous, luxury look for a few thousand euros and you’ll be able to keep them as a memento. 

For an opulent look, choose dark reds and purples with winter berries to add a festive feel. Local greenery and pinecones can also add the perfect seasonal touch.

The unexpected

Feeling good on your wedding day is just as important as looking good, so remember to consider the temperature when choosing your dress. A long sleeved vintage inspired lace dress will look beautiful, as will a mid-tea length dress paired with a gorgeous fur wrap. For a dose of drama and surprise, opt for a dark coloured dress, such as a deep red or gold; your guests are unlikely to expect this! 

Winter warmers

To keep your guests feeling festively warm, offer hot welcome drinks like a Bailey’s hot chocolate or a glass of mulled wine with winter berries will do the trick. During the main affair, a hearty roast dinner will be sure to keep guests happy.

Will you be having a winter wedding? We’d love to know what you will be incorporating into your day! Join the debate on our Facebook page or comment below.

• Visit www.luvana.co.uk to find out more