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B A N Q U E T S , R E C E P T I O N S , S H O W E R S & P A R T I E S
C H I C A G O W E D D I N G & P A R T Y R E S O U R C E
W W W . C H I C A G O W E D D I N G R E S O U R C E . C O M4
7 Tips for a Stylish
Winter Wedding
Winter lends itself perfectly to creating a
magical, cozy wedding wonderland.
Here’s how to pull it off
By Anna Sachse, CTW Features
1. PICK A SOPHISTICATED
PALETTE
For a formal take on winter style, mix
metallics – think mercury glass, gold
and silver décor with cool platinum
up-lighting and ivory linens Cherry
red, pink, gray and white are great for a
vintagewintry vibe, or stickwith timeless
black and white, forest green, cream
and gold, or icy-blue hues and neutral
tones for a palette that says “winter chic”
rather than “holiday camp”
2. PLAY UP THE
POSITIVES
November to March can be awfully
dreary, but these chilly months also
have plenty of unique charm Pick
a venue with a beautiful fireplace to
amp up the cozy ambiance, using sea-
sonal décor like ice luminaries to line
an outdoor aisle or stairs of your ven-
ue, and indulging in a gorgeous (and
warm!) coat, cape or stole for pictures
The formal feel of cold weather events
also makes them a perfect time to go
for hot gown trends like sleeves, dra-
matic necklines and backs, and silver,
gold and blue materials
3. EMBRACE NATURE
Sure, peonies may be hard to find this
time of year, but why not add a bril-
liant pop of color with décor centered
around branches of crimson berries
and seasonal fruit such as cranberries
and oranges Other tasteful choices in-
clude evergreen garlands and wreaths
surrounding bowls of floating votives,
and wood elements like signs, center-
piece stands or chargers
4. PREPARE FOR
WEATHER SNAFUS
Snowed-in airports, icy roads and
even rainstorms can lead to late or ab-
sent guests Keep an open mind and
make sure you have a Plan B – maybe
you delay the ceremony 30 minutes if
only half your guests have managed to
slog through the downpour in time
Having your event at the venue where
you’re staying or providing transporta-
tion can help minimize delays
5. BE PRACTICAL
To ensure guests are comfortable, have
coat check so that guests don’t have
to lug around their heavy jackets, and
hire a valet service if there is a bit of
a hike between the venue and parking
lot If your ceremony is outdoors, rent
a fleet of heat lamps and offer baskets
of complimentary blankets, mittens
and hand warmers
6. INQUIRE ABOUT OFF-
SEASON PRICING
From wedding planners and caterers
to florists and photographers, many
vendors will trim their fees by five to
10-percent to fill their slower times of
year You’re also likely to find off-sea-
son deals on quaint bed and breakfasts
and charming inns (think venues,
lodging or honeymoon) The only ca-
veat: December can mean competition
with holiday parties and vacations
7. GET IN THE SPIRITS
Create automatic atmosphere and se-
riously good cheer with an apple cider
station (adult and kid options), trays
of hot toddies and mulled wine, or a
spiced – and spiked – coffee or hot co-
coa signature drink
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