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We’re diving back in with advice from the experts and this time, we’re getting seriously festive! We’ve been chatting to some of the UK’s leading wedding planners all about how you can pull off the perfect Christmas wedding. So, if you’re dreaming of holding your special day during this stunning season, get stuck in as there are plenty of helpful tips and advice to help you get started…
Lydia of Love Lydia Weddings & Events has been a part of the wedding industry for many years now and has certainly planned a winter wedding or two!
“Remember to allow extra time for travel to your ceremony no matter how close it may be, or better still, try to have just one venue for your ceremony and reception. Bear in mind that as it gets dark much earlier in the winter, you will have to adjust your photo schedule for more light, so talk to your professional photographer as they will let you know what will work. Consider warm drinks upon arrival of the guests, such as mulled wine or a hot beverage, keeping the theme running throughout with wintry wedding favours like pashminas, sparklers, cookies or a little bottle of coffee liquor. If you are getting married around Christmas, check whether your venue will have decorations in the room where your wedding will be. Ask whether you can view some photographs of them from last year perhaps and ask if they are happy to take the decorations down if they’re not to your taste.”
Images via www.lovelydia.co.uk via Howard's Photo
Planning luxurious weddings and events around London and the UK, you can count on Krissy of Sweetpea & Blossom to bring you some essential advice if you’re planning a Christmas wedding.
“For weddings prior to Christmas, it’s always nice to include a little nod towards the day. Rather than a standard table plan, fill your reception space with beautifully decorated Christmas trees adorned with personalised hanging baubles. You can personalise them with the name of each guest on each bauble in elegant calligraphy, as well as table numbers and names. Simply hang them on the tree and let your guests find their seat – the perfect combination of fun and luxe!”
Images via www.sweetpeaandblossom.com via Jay Rowden Photography
We loved chatting to the fabulous Charlotte Nichols about all things festive and are over the moon to share her expert advice with our GS readers.
“Winter is without a doubt my favourite time of year for a wedding. And over Christmas, you don’t need to incorporate all the festive clichés to create that really magical, atmospheric and romantic occasion that works so wonderfully at this special time of year. Instead, think about incorporating all the senses to make your wedding super special and nostalgic. Encapsulating and reminding your guests of all that they love about the season with just a few thoughtful details is all you need. Burn some spicy orange candles or place a few cinnamon sticks in the fireplace. You could book a jazz musician to play some festive bluesy tunes during your drinks reception, while serving your guests mulled wine or eggnog. The options are endless! Consider working with the natural winter landscape to create those wow factor decorations and centrepieces, such as bare branches and lanterns.
Images via www.charlottenichols.co.uk via Andy Rapkins Photography
Creating distinctive and inventive weddings across London, we couldn’t wait to hear Andri’s take on a festive celebration!
“When thinking about the overall design and look of the day, embrace the season! Think tactical and cosy textures, deep jewel colours and metallic surfaces and choose seasonal warming food and drink. If you’re having a late ceremony time, consider a first look in the daylight – your photographer will thank you for it! It’ll also be a chance for you and your partner to have a moment to connect before the hustle and bustle of the rest of the day. Think about adding lots of candles and fairy lights for ambience. Make sure there is enough general lighting too with amber uplighters to add the warm cosy glow without having to resort to nasty overhead venue lighting.”
Images via www.alwaysandri.co.uk via Babb Photo
Next up we’re getting the lowdown from the lovely Charlotte of La Fête, where you can find out how to add a stylish festive touch to your special day.
“When planning a Christmas wedding, it can be difficult to find the balance between festive and bridal. My key tip is injecting festive elements into a scaled back, refined look, as opposed to going all out and piling the metaphorical tinsel and baubles onto absolutely everything. You can easily incorporate a Christmas palette, from your floral arrangements to your linens, and elevate it further by opting for rich shades, such as jewel burgundies, bottle greens and metallic finishes. Beyond just colour schemes, think about what the season and the holidays mean to you: is it hot chocolate? Tartan throws? Sledges? Crackers? Gingerbread? Presents? You can take elements from all these items and add them into your décor seamlessly, such as Christmas cracker favours, a gingerbread flavoured wedding cake and a sledge themed photo-booth.”
Images via www.la-fete.com via Anneli Marinovich Photography
You can count on Katrina Otter Weddings to bring beautiful, timeless and classically elegant wedding design to life! Having planned hundreds of weddings, Kat’s Christmas planning tips are a must-read if you fancy the thought of a winter wedding.
“If you’re thinking of planning a winter / Christmas wedding, then you absolutely must take the time to think through any contingency. Plans. If it’s colder than you anticipated, you might need to curtail any outdoor activities at short notice or if it’s picture postcard pretty outside with snow or frost, you might want to have ensured that you have the necessary attire to get outside for an impromptu photoshoot. Bad weather might cause travel issues for some so always check and double check travel plans and if you’re in a marquee or older building, do check out the heating situation in advance too.
One brief nod to the festive season won’t go amiss. Think something small and subtle, whether that’s a scent, inclusion of a berry / fruit here or there, a festive cocktail or mulled beverage or even a strategically placed but tiny piece of mistletoe!”
Images via www.katrinaotterweddings.co.uk via David Jenkins Photography
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