You don’t have to have your big day in the summer if that’s not your dream; winter weddings simply take a little more planning thanks to cold and snowy New England weather.

Here are 3 considerations to make for your wedding day.

1. PLAN FOR TRANSPORT

New England winters add plenty of unique issues that the other seasons simply don’t bring. Transportation is just one of those areas.

Ensure you and the wedding party can get safely to and from where you’re getting ready to the venue and back to your hotel or home for the night. You don’t want weather keeping the most important people from your special day.

Keep your ceremony and reception in the same location so that guests don’t need to worry about driving from one place to the other in potentially bad New England weather. Cutting down on travel in any way you can will alleviate delayed or no show guests at your wedding.

Offer guests valet parking or shuttle transport so that they don’t need to walk far from the parking lot to your venue. Remember that guests will be dressed up; they don’t necessarily have snow boots or are able to walk well in snowy or icy walkways.

2. DRESS FOR THE OCCASION 

It goes without saying that your wedding winter wardrobe needs to be heavier than it would in the spring, summer, or even fall. Here are a few ways to dress for the New England winter weather, while maintaining your wedding day style.

For the bride

• Purchase a shawl, coat, wrap, or shrug to stay warm if you plan on being outside for photos…or even the ceremony.

• Wear closed toe shoes to help keep your feet warm and consider bringing extra snow friendly shoes (like boots) for any time outdoors so that you don’t ruin your wedding shoes.
  
• Don’t discount other warm accessories, like gloves, tights or leggings, or ear muffs.

For the groom

• Luckily the groom won’t need too many extra layers, since he’ll be well covered in his suit or tux already. However, a nice matching coat will keep him cozy for any outdoor photographs.
  
• Consider adding a warm scarf in the wedding colors.

For the wedding party

• Bridesmaids, like the bride, can wear matching coverings like coats, shawls, shrugs, and so on.
  
• Groomsmen, like the groom, can wear matching coats and scarves.

For the guests

Communicate indoor/outdoor events to guests, but consider helping out those who are a little chilly with a basket of blankets or scarves.

3. CREATE A WARM SPACE

Winter decor is one thing, but warmth is another. Even if your wedding day will be inside, there’s something to be said for creating a comfortable, cozy space for your guests. Here are a few ways to create a warm, inviting space.

• Your venue is responsible for a safe entrance, but double check that precautions are being taken to keep walkways and entrances clear for guests arriving. Also, don’t forget about winter welcome mats so that your venue isn’t covered in sand or salt and melted snow.
  
• Guests will have winter weather gear, like coats and scarves, and potentially boots and more. Ensure you have a coat room and even an attendant to help manage all the cold weather clothing.
  
• Think about heating. If the entrance door comes right into the venue, your guests will likely be at the mercy of cold drafty air every time the door opens. Account for this by choosing a venue with plenty of room between main and reception entrances or a double layer entrance in your event tent rental. 

Your New England winter wedding doesn’t need to be a dream any longer. Make it a reality by following these 3 big considerations.

And for help with New England event rentals, give us a call at Sperry Tents Seacoast!