The Sunday Mail
Winter, for many, is not the ideal time to have a wedding. But love does not have a season, and the heart will do as it will.
Tafadzwa Zimoyo – Bridal Writer
This is true for those people who have their weddings in winter, which is a season that can be turned into a truly romantic period if the people involved in are creative in making a remarkable, memorable and “hot” event.
Hot indeed, if the venue of the wedding is cosy, warm and an indoor affair where the guests will not hesitate to attend.
While most weddings are held when temperatures are warmer thus requiring dress codes which are airy; cold-weather nuptials dictate that people show off their best winter-wear.
Malcolm Banda, a wedding planner, says rich seasonal colours make this a great season for weddings, although, there are potential winter wedding problems one needs to keep in mind.
“The first potential pitfall for weddings in most parts of the country is, obviously, the chilly temperatures. Your first line of defence is dressing your wedding party weather-appropriate. You can still choose strapless dresses or bridesmaids’ dresses with shorter hems, but consider incorporating wraps in an accenting colour or even opaque tights if they will be spending a significant amount of time outdoors.
“They can always take them off later if things heat up at the reception. And while you probably won’t want to plan an outdoor winter wedding reception, there are still lots of ways to bring the beauty of the season indoors.”
Banda says you can hang garlands of greenery or icicle-like crystals to highlight your dance floor or cake table and incorporate plenty of candles, pinecones and glittery details into your centerpieces.
“Another way to create a cosy reception is by using plenty of lush, soft textures like velvet, chenille or tweed into your decor.
“You can even bring the best of the season with winter wedding catering ideas. Serve tasty soup shooters during the reception hour, hearty comfort food during the dinner and pass out shortbread cookies and spiced cider for your midnight snack,” he advises.
It is also a moment to go creative in terms of colour themes and accessories that are associated with the season of winter from the attire, decor, right up to the cake at the wedding.
There are flowers that blossom well in winter and these can make a statement during such time. Why not make the best out of red roses, lilies as well as amaryllis?
Since the colour black is known to fend off heat, black outfits can also be part of your colour theme.
Music themed around winter can also help in heightening the mood and lifting the veil of winter and bring in some warmth.
Drinks also need to be of a nature that brings in some warmth.
