Winter Wedding Tips | Colorado Winter Wedding
Winter Wedding In The Mountains | Snowy Mountain Wedding
Winters in Colorado are a different monster. But more like a friendly animation monster you grew up with. With snowcapped mountains, cozy venues, and breath taking atmosphere, a winter wedding can create unforgettable memories for you and your guests. However, planning a winter wedding comes with its unique challenges and considerations. Here are a few points and tips to help you walk through this process comfortably.
1. Choose the Right Venue
The Venue is a great place to start for any wedding, but specially for your winter wedding in Colorado. This will be specific to your wedding size, family travels, accommodations. Here are a few things to consider.
Indoor vs. Outdoor: If you envision an outdoor ceremony with epic mountain views, choose a venue that offers indoor options in case Colorado does Colorado things, like Friday being 60 degrees and sunny, then Saturday (your wedding) 20 degrees and 80% chance of snow. Thats the gamble of it all, and joy at the same time.
Accessibility: Make sure your venue is easily accessible for your guests, especially if they need to travel through snow or icy roads. Specially if they are traveling in from out of state. Keep it in mind that they have to travel from the airport to the location or hotel. AWD Rental cars needed for winter conditions could be slim if it’s a busy weekend for travel too. Lots of things to consider.
Accommodations: Piggy backing on traveling, If it is a mountain venue, one thing to consider is if the location has lodging with the venue or close by that will accommodate all your guests. Blocking hotel rooms and providing a range of options, to accommodate everyone. Some places include a discount also, for bulk blocking. So, if there’s a blizzard, it would be reassuring to know that your loved ones are already staying in the place you are having your wedding at. Checking the box on all of these before will ease the experience of this great day ahead. Attaching as much positive mojo energy to your wedding day is key to the memories that will be attached to it.
Transportation Services: If lodging at location isn’t an option, organize transportation options such as shuttles or car services to assist guests from hotels to the venue, especially if your wedding involves traveling through potentially hazardous weather.
Ambiance: Looking for venues that provide a warm, inviting atmosphere. Space with fireplaces and fire pits outside, large windows that showcase views from the inside, and a touch of Colorado rustic vibes can enhance the winter wonderland feelings.
2. Plan for Weather Considerations
This piggy backs on some of the points made above. I think the biggest separation from a Colorado winter wedding to a summer one is the unpredictable weather.
Backup Plan: Always have a backup plan in place for outdoor ceremonies. Whether it involves moving indoors or having an alternative location. Most mountain venues have this covered. It is a given. Never the less, if you are having your wedding at a venue, hotel, or a Airbnb, a plan B should always be in place.
Dress Code: Communicate the winter setting in your invitations, encouraging guests to dress appropriately for the weather. Options such as layers, warm accessories, and stylish outerwear can be part of your wedding planning. More cloths, can mean more style.
Travel Essentials List: Provide a checklist on your wedding website or include in your invitations for guests traveling in winter. This can include recommended routes, local lodging options, and list of emergency car package like tire chains and blankets, especially if your guests are unfamiliar with the area.
3. Don’t Forget the Comfort of Your Guests
The atmosphere is part of the creation of moments and memories. The smell, taste, view, all accommodate the experience.
Warm Beverages: Offer warm beverages like hot cocoa, coffee or spiced cider at your cocktail hour to welcome guests and make them feel cozy. Higher a barista to serve a specialty named drink. Make it classy, warm and inviting.
Comfort Foods: Think about including comfort food options like grilled cheese sandwiches served with tomato soup, or a warm desert bar featuring pies and cobblers, s’mores station that gives off that mountain winter setting and vibe.
Heated Spaces: If you’re hosting an outdoor ceremony, make sure there are heated areas available for guests to warm up after the ceremony and during cocktail hour. Consider portable heaters or fire pits for outdoor settings.
Comfort Packs: Provide cozy comfort packs for guests that could include items like blankets, mittens, or hand warmers.
4. Personalize Your Winter Wedding
Unique Touches: Add personal elements that reflect your relationship an story. Why a winter wedding? Maybe reflect on what it is that gravitated you towards this and make your vision come alive. Custom signage, photo displays, floral arrangements or memory candles can bring a unique winter flare to your wedding.
Interactive Elements: How about a photo booth with winter props like fuzzy hats, scarves, mittens, etc. Or instead of a traditional guestbook, consider a winter-themed canvas that guests can take a polaroid and sign. Or have an old camcorder facing a snow capped background were guests can leave you a message that will last a lifetime.
Conclusion
A winter wedding in Colorado presents a unique experience for you and your guests. Specially if they have never been. By putting a little extra effort in planning things like venue choice, decor, comfort, and seasonal detail, you can bring a unique experience for yourselves and your loved ones. Happy planning!
If you have any questions on your specific day and timeline, I am an open book. Please feel free to message me anytime. And if you want to no more about my booking process or availability, I look forward to hearing from you.
