White wedding in the forecast? Sounds beautiful — just make sure you’re prepared for the winter weather.

By Anja Winikka

Dress Appropriately

You don’t have to forgo outdoor photos just because you’re getting married in the winter. Just make sure you’re prepared with warm attire to avoid shivering your way through your photo session.

• Find a warm shawl or a winter coat to go with your gown. (This could even be your “something blue.”)
• For shoes, go for a close-toed style. And if there’s a chance it’ll be icy, opt for a pair of white snow boots that you can change in and out of for traveling between venues.
• Also, consider adding white gloves, extra-warm tights, and even fuzzy white winter ear muffs.
• Don’t forget the groom! It would be a shame for him to have to cover up his slick, black tux. Instead, he can wear formal black coat to coordinate with his attire. For an added punch of color, have him pick out a cool scarf that goes along with your wedding colors and style.
• Include your bridal party when you’re considering winter attire too. We know one Aspen, Colorado, bride who bought all her bridesmaids matching white down coats for the festivities. Give the groomsmen coordinating scarves and ask that they wear formal dark coats.

Arrange Transportation

Make it easy for your guests to get from the ceremony to the reception.

• If snow and ice are a possibility, consider having your ceremony and reception at the same venue, saving your guests any travel trouble.
• If guests will be driving to the reception space, consider valet parking so that they don’t have to walk far from their cars to the entrance.
• Have the number of a car service on hand at the reception just in case the weather takes a turn for the worse. That way, you can be certain everyone gets home safely.

Prep Your Space

Take care to avoid any cold-weather mishaps when you make arrangements for your reception space.

• Have a place for all your guests to put their coats and scarves. For parties of 50 or more, you’ll most likely need to hire a coat-check attendant to take care of your guests as they enter and exit throughout the evening.
• At the entrance to the reception, make sure there’s a proper all-weather mat for guests to wipe their shoes on. This is especially important if the sidewalks are slushy.
• Choose a reception venue that has plenty of space between the door to the outside and the reception room. That way, you’ll keep the indoor environment toasty and warm. If your reception will take place in a tent, arrange for an extra tent layer and double-door tent to create an entryway and keep out the cold air.
• If you’re having a tented wedding, definitely make sure you order heat lamps. Place them around the room — one per ten guests should be enough.