If you are considering a winter wedding or have started the hard task of planning a winter wedding, then this post is for you. It's no secret that planning a wedding can be a stressful time, especially when you want for everything to be perfect. We would like to help, to share our top tips on these blog pages to make the planning a little easier.

Winter is a beautiful time of year, and choosing to have your wedding at this time will be a truly magical, romantic and unforgettable experience. It undoubtedly comes with a few challenges, so we’ve created this guide to help you create the wedding day of your dreams.

Be Prepared for Unpredictable Weather

First things first, the weather in the south of France can be unpredictable. We have seen snow, hail, rain and sun all in one day. Frost and snow can wreak havoc on a wedding day, causing delays on the roads. Please do set enough time for your wedding suppliers and guests to arrive at the venue. If your guests themselves are travelling quite some distance, night before the wedding accommodation either at your venue (if this is possible), or nearby may be something to think about.

During these winter months, outdoor photographs can be beautiful, with frost covered lawns and winter sun – for those rainy days, however, do discuss a backup plan with your photographer.

Have your guests, those who plan to travel back home in the evening thought that the weather may prevent them from doing so? Do they have accommodation in mind?

It Could Potentially be Cheaper

Did you know that January and February are not always the busiest times of the year for some venues and wedding suppliers? With that in mind, do your research, there is maybe wonderfully convenient packages for those months only, so ask around and see what is available.

Winter Days  

Do try and make the most of the natural daylight, certainly for your photographs. With shorter days, you may choose an earlier ceremony time. This will, however, mean a longer day for your guests – mince pies and mulled wine during your afternoon reception, perhaps a cheese board or late night snack will help to keep your guests going all day long.

Those darker evenings are perfect for creating warm, cosy ambience with soft twinkling lighting. Candles are perfect for creating that romantic atmosphere – line your ceremony aisle with candle filled lanterns that can be used to decorate the venue afterwards. Leave blankets out for your guests to wrap themselves up in, bring sparklers along – there are really a many number of things that you can do to take advantage of just how magical a dark winter evening can be.

A Heart-Warming Menu

One of the best things about winter is the delicious food. Warming roast dinners, soups, stews and casseroles are all home comforts that come in vegetarian and vegan options allowing you to cater to the needs of all of your guests. Do speak with your caterer or venue about seasonal food and drink.

Your winter wedding should celebrate the love you and your partner have for each other, alongside the love and commitment you have for delicious comforting meals that have been with you throughout your life.

Think About your Wedding Attire

Get cosy! Whilst summer brides are worrying about overheating in their gowns, you get to layer - luxurious capes, fur stoles, even a cute jumper over your dress. Why not skip heels entirely in favour of comfy boots under your dress. Be practical, but most importantly, comfortable.

Winter grooms will be aisle ready in tweed – chic, whimsical and quintessentially British – designed for the often rainy British outdoors, nothing looks better against a backdrop of hills. If tweed isn’t your thing, you could add a waistcoat to the suit of your choosing or warm up with a wool/cashmere blend – luxurious and comfortable, you’ll be warm all day.

We hope that our advice will help those considering a Winter Wedding. For more information about Winter Weddings at Chateau de Saint-Martory, please do get in touch. We would be delighted to answer any questions that you may have. You can reach us by making an enquiry, or email us at info@saintmartory.com