Winter Wedding Hacks

 

Even though KZN is known to have hot weather most times, certain parts of the province do experience a cold winter, so depending on your chosen destination, if you have selected a date to wed in the colder months, here are a few things to note:

Your chosen location:

• If the area you have chosen has unpredictable weather, opt for an indoor ceremony and indoor reception.
• Opt for a venue that can accommodate both the ceremony and the reception as guests do not have to travel or walk too far in the cold. Country weddings have become quite popular recently and many are held at venues in or near the KZN Midlands which are able to host both events in one location.
• As temperatures drop in the evening, ensure there are enough blankets, heaters and warm drinks on offer to keep guests happy and comfortable. “The country is absolutely beautiful all year round, but even though the sun is shining in winter, the temperatures can drop into single digits. At Granny Mouse Country House & Spa we have ensured that all our bases are covered when we host winter weddings. All our public areas including our bedrooms and the function venue have got fire places. Our Chapel and Function venue also have air conditioner heaters. Our bedrooms have electric blankets and extra blankets in the cupboards with our bathrooms having underfloor heating. We do make provision for umbrellas in the rain, and we transport our brides in a golf cart from the Honeymoon Suite to the Chapel. I always advise brides to bring shawls for covering their shoulders if the weather is chilly,” says Veronica Sookdin, the Banqueting Manager at Granny Mouse Country House & Spa.
• The bride should also consider choosing long-sleeved dresses for her bridesmaids and a warm shawl that will look good in photographs, unless the weather is bearable without them for the photographs.

Look and feel:

Luckily with winter, you can easily get away with rich, darker tones for your decor, if that is what you prefer.

Masala, maroon, burgundy, wine, pink, coral, tan, brown, champagne, marigold, gold, orange, reds, purple and beige’s are all still popular choices for a winter wedding.

Some wedding schemes can include Burgundy, wine, pink, tan and champagne which all complement each other for a romantic setting. There is also maroon and gold, which give the wedding a rich and slightly Victorian feel. Rustic coppers, woods and foliage have also recently started featuring in winter wedding décor.

A warm ambiance is also important for setting the “cosy” tone of your winter wedding. Incorporate candles, or fairy lights and perhaps make use of any chandeliers permanently fixed at the wedding venue for your lighting.

For your flowers you have to be careful in planning to use flora that is in season. These include tulips, hyacinth, irises, lilies, orchids, protea’s, daffodils, camellias, Lavender and roses. Your florist is sure to advise you on the best options to suit your theme, the season and your preferences.

The spread:

For your menu selection, ensure there are warm options that complement the cold temperatures. Soup starters, breads, curries, casserole’s, roasted meats, baked dishes and warm, sweet desserts with warm custard instead of cold ice cream are common choices for the menu of colder weddings.

In recent times and with the rise of social media, beautiful looking food has become quite a focused area of many weddings. Bite-sized pretty Appetizers make their appearance in the form of soup sips in shot glasses or mini mugs, macaroni and cheese bites, meat skewers, and desserts have included hot chocolate bars, s’more bars, and even macaroon bars. If you are hosting your wedding at a venue that is a popular wedding venue, then it is likely to have an experienced chef to guide you through the best menu options for a winter wedding. Bridal couples should also consider what produce is available for the season, however many venues have set menu’s that are suited to each season. This can make it easier to choose your menu, but if there is something you are wanting that is out-of-the-ordinary, then discuss this with the chef or culinary artist.

Picture perfect:

Most important of all, the photographs are kept for a lifetime, so it is best to ensure you have them taken at the right time before the light fades, as this is crucial in winter when the sun sets earlier. Visit the venue with your photographer beforehand (if you can) and make a list of areas you want to take the photos on the day, so that you are prepared. This saves time and gets the photos done timeously, so you can get back to your guests and enjoy making memories.

A photo booth with printer is also a great way to entertain guests while you are out and about getting your photos taken. These are also a great keepsake.

Looking at hosting your wedding in the Midlands? Then give Granny Mouse a call on 033 234 4071 to discuss your ideas and check the packages on offer.