Why You Should Consider a Winter or Holiday Wedding

Being a four-season Maine wedding venue, we know a thing or two about all the different shapes and sizes of weddings. This time of year we are fortunate to host winter and holiday-themed weddings and they are just stunning. Holiday weddings can be so elegant and you can keep the holiday tones subtle.

We have had the pleasure to work with Nicole Mower on multiple winter weddings at Hardy Farm in the past few years and we feel like she does an absolutely amazing job.

After the most recent holiday wedding the other weekend, we got to touch base with her and get a few tips for anyone planning or worried about planning a winter wedding in Maine.

Winter Weddings are Unique

First and foremost couples are trying to make their day unique and something unlike what someone else has done. Nicole says a winter wedding is one of the easiest ways to ensure uniqueness to your day. “A great way to customize your wedding is by having in a different season.”

It Isn’t All About Red and Green

Nicole says not to worry about your wedding looking ‘too much’ by leaning too far into reds and greens. You can find subtle ways to work them into the day. For this past wedding, she opted for more navy blues and velvet. There were fun plaid cocktail tables and pretty blue taper candles on all the tables.

Don’t Be Afraid of an Outdoor Ceremony

Just because you host a winter wedding in Maine doesn’t mean you have to shy away from an outdoor ceremony. Nicole says ‘it will be stunning!’ She recommends you make sure to inform your guests on either your invitation or on your wedding website. Encourage people to bring their winter boots and coats and to bring a pair of shoes to change into after the ceremony. She says you can also leave a reminder card with hand warmers with their welcome bags.

Have Fun With the Food

There are fun food options for winter weddings too. Nicole recommended considering hearty warm salads with cranberries and quinoa and warm soups. She also said to add some hot toddies to the cocktail list. See if your venue has a fire pit or patio warmers and you can even still have your cocktail hour outside.

For dessert you can set up a beautiful Christmas cookie table. If you want to pull in traditions from your family holiday traditions, you could collect pie and dessert recipes from your family and have your baker make something similar for your day.

Keep an Eye on Sunset

One thing to be aware of with a winter wedding is the earlier sunset. Plan to have your ceremony early enough to leave plenty of time for daylight. Nicole recommends having a ‘first look’ before the ceremony so you can make sure to capture the daylight for this special moment. She also pointed out, an earlier ceremony means longer party time for your guests too!

We have to say, there is just something extra romantic about a winter wedding! If you want something unique, a winter wedding might be just what you are looking for. It just takes a little bit of planning but it is oh so worth it!