Are you getting married soon and not sure how to keep guests warm at a winter wedding? You’re in the right spot to find out!
Winter weddings can have so many perks to them. In fact, I wrote all about winter weddings compared to those in other seasons in this post. Winter weddings are special. Not only are they usually more affordable, but they stand out. Snow can be very pretty, and there is an opportunity to make a winter wedding warm and cozy.
However, it can be tricky to keep guests warm at a winter wedding. Not only is keeping them warm important because it’s the right thing to do, but guests will stay longer if they are comfortable. They will have a better experience at your wedding. No one likes to be a bad host, and no one likes to be cold. It’s important to think ahead about how the weather at your wedding will impact your guests.
How To Keep Guests Warm At A Winter Wedding
This post is going to lay out how to keep guests warm at a winter wedding. It will share with you the right way to plan your winter wedding, how to think ahead so the weather doesn’t become an issue, and things you can purchase to help the comfort of everyone. Nothing is too complicated, and this list isn’t all inclusive. If you have the chance to try out something not on this list, go for it! Make your wedding your own.
Let’s get into it.
KEEP GUESTS WARM AT A WINTER WEDDING BY HAVING YOUR WEDDING INDOORS
The easiest way to keep guests warm at a winter wedding? Get married indoors, where the temperature can be controlled.
Now, this may defeat the purpose of your wedding being in the winter, in your eyes. Maybe you have visions of a ceremony outside in the snow, ala Phoebe in Friends. This may be true, and maybe it works for you and your guests. However, you may find that you can have the best of both worlds. Perhaps you can find a venue with a view of the outside, from inside? Or, you can have a quick ceremony outside, with most of the wedding held indoors. Just a thought.
RENT A TENT TO KEEP GUESTS WARM AT A WINTER WEDDING
Tents can be a lot of money, but they can also be a lifesaver.
With a tent, you’d be surprised what you can control. Not only will rain and snow be prevented from entering a well-made tent, but a tent with drop down walls will keep in the heat. Tents are also a compact space, with the opportunity to venture outside easily. I know that tents aren’t in everyone’s budget, but they can work very well to help keep your guests warm and cozy.
WARN GUESTS ABOUT THE TEMPERATURE AHEAD OF THE WEDDING
One easy way to keep guests warm at a winter wedding? Make sure they are dressed appropriately.
Now, there are a few ways to warn guests that your wedding may be chilly. Don’t assume that because your wedding takes place in the winter that they will know to dress warmly. They may assume that your wedding will be indoors, and if it’s not, they need to plan ahead.
Let guests know what to expect with the climate through your wedding website, a social media announcement, and word of mouth. You can also utilize your wedding welcome bags, if you put them together, with a note about the weather and attire. Guests will appreciate knowing that they should bring a jacket, or more, to your wedding.
PROVIDE BLANKETS, SHAWLS, MITTENS, OR WRAPS
One of the sweetest things you can find at a winter wedding is a comfort station with warm attire for guests.
Not only will baskets filled with blankets, shawls, mittens, or wraps keep guests cozy, and cared for, but they can be a really cute way to add décor to a space. A nicely laid out spread with a pretty sign can go a long way in presenting an inviting wedding. I, personally, would love to see warm options as I enter a wedding ceremony and would definitely appreciate the gesture.
BRING IN PORTABLE HEATERS TO KEEP GUESTS WARM AT A WINTER WEDDING
We all know what a portable heater is, right? We often see them at restaurants.
Portable heaters come in a lot of different shapes, but in general, they are a, well, portable heater. They can be strategically placed near tables or popular spots in your wedding to emit heat and ensure guests are toasty. In some situations, heaters can even be too much, and the cold is welcomed.
If you have portable heaters at your wedding, make sure you have people who can help move them and adjust them as needed. Sometimes they are tricky, hot, and heavy, so skilled people have to be available to transport them for guests, with minimal risk of getting hurt.
KEEP GUESTS WARM AT A WINTER WEDDING BY SERVING WARM DRINKS
Why keep your options to just warming your wedding guests up from the outside? Why not look for ways to warm them up from the inside?
Just as you would serve cold drinks at a warm summer’s wedding, serve warm drinks at your winter wedding. This can range from warm adult drinks, like hot toddies and mulled wine, to non-alcoholic options like tea and hot chocolate. If you are able to set up a hot chocolate station as your late night snack, guests will love it.
Think outside the box here to help keep guests warm, and make your wedding a bit more special.
DECORATE WITH CANDLES AT YOUR WINTER WEDDING
Candles are so romantic, it’s no wonder that they are a mainstay at many weddings.
If you are having a winter wedding, candles can help make your venue feel a bit warmer. No, they are not likely to give off a lot of heat, but the perception will be there. Guests will enjoy the ambiance and coziness that candles provide, and will feel warmer just being near them. If you are having a winter wedding, be sure to check with your venue about candles ahead of time. Hopefully they are allowed so you can take advantage of them.
LIGHT A BONFIRE TO KEEP GUESTS WARM AT A WINTER WEDDING
Now, a fire may be a way to keep guests warm at a winter wedding, but a fire isn’t right for every wedding.
If your venue allows it, look into having a bonfire near the end of your wedding. You may need to ensure there are logs to burn, and seating around the fire. I have been to a wedding on a cool night and there was a bonfire at the end of it. Most of the wedding guests had gone home at that point, and just a handful of us left. Those of us who were there had a ball sitting around the fire, sipping drinks, and talking about the experience we just had with the newlyweds. It was a great way to create a memory, and enjoy the time with everyone.
KEEP GUESTS WARM AT A WINTER WEDDING BY SERVING A WARM DESSERT
Last one! Keep your wedding guests warm by serving warm dessert.
What does this look like? Well, of course, the temperature of the dessert can be warm. Freshly baked cookies, heated pies, and molten cakes come to mind. The dessert itself can also be made with warming flavors. Certain spices, like cinnamon, cloves, and ginger, are all warming. Don’t be afraid to play up the season and skip the traditional vanilla or chocolate cake. Think about how to comfort guests and help keep them warm well after dessert is over.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
Friends, there are so many ways to help keep guests warm at a winter wedding. Many of the ways will allow your guests to be cozy and enjoy the ambiance and intimacy of your wedding, even if you’re having a big affair. Don’t be afraid to lean into the temperature, and play it up. Be sure to remind guests to wear layers, and be prepared ahead of your wedding with supplies and plans. Happy wedding planning!
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Good luck!