Wonderful Winter Wedding Ideas

Winter weddings, although not as popular as summer ones, are just as fabulous. In fact, some would argue that they are very more romantic and luxurious, especially if you have the snow we are currently having in Scotland!

Here are some ideas to consider if you decide to hold your nuptials in the winter months....

Colours

Reds and greens are the traditional colours used at winter weddings, in keeping with the season. However, if overdone, they can make your wedding feel Christmassy rather than a wedding celebration. How about silvers and whites, creating a classy and glamourous feel. Crystals from the candelabras, white ribbons and hurricane candles up the altar.

Flowers

Red roses, calla lilies, and amaryllis are decidedly winter wedding flowers, but if you step outside the flower box, and you'll find a variety of options for winter blooms. Consider fuller flowers, such as white hydrangeas and soft ranunculuses. White boutonnieres can be handsome when they're accented with greenery, but they also look great with a simple white ribbon. Add sparkle to your bouquet by wrapping the stems in ribbon embellished with crystals.

Invitations

Winter weddings often call for a more formal invitations. Colours aforementioned such as whites and silvers are good. Consider also navy blue or chocolate-brown. Or how about Plexiglas invites to reflect the ice & frost of winter?

Centerpieces

Glowing candles to add both warmth and romance to your reception site, and using mirrors under them will reflect the light beautifully. To go for something slightly out of the norm, how about ice sculptures? Grand, a talking point, and not often as expensive as you would think.

Drinks

A winter wedding calls for warm, comforting drinks. As an alternative to a champagne reception, how about hot chocolate with a nip of alcohol? Baileys with warm milk is a yummy alternative to this. Or how about winter themed cocktails, such as Snowballs? (Advocaat, lemonade & lime).

The Cake

Again, a cake trimmed in red or green ribbon looks pretty, but bakers who are willing to push the fondant envelope can reflect the winter in totally creative ways. How about a white, vintage-style cake, dusted with edible silver powder. For accents, have your baker add a white sugar ribbon and crystal drops cascading down one side of the cake.

Favours

Food wedding favours are always a hit. Give out small packages of chocolate-covered cranberries or roasted chestnuts. Or, for a twist on the chocolate fountain station, have your caterer set up a hot chocolate station. A wedding we did last year had a 'Favour Tree'. A huge Christmas tree was decorated in decorations, which guests could choose from to take home as a memento. I have the one I was given by the Bride & Groom on my tree this year, and it is a lovely reminder of their fabulous day.

Honeymoons

While many couples flee the wintery weather for warmer climes, snowy escape can be even more romantic. Consider renting a cosy log cabin in the snowy mountains of France. Snuggling in front of a log-fire with your loved one.....blissful.

Premier Wedding Planners offer free wedding consultations to enable you to meet us for the first time and to discuss your thoughts on the type of wedding you dream of having.

Lucy

Top Grooming Tips for Grooms by Colin and Justin

Property and interior design presenters Colin McAllister and Justin Ryan (Colin and Justin) shot to prominence during BBC 2 TV’s hugely successful ‘Million Pound Property Experiment’. Their inimitable style, humour and flamboyance have endeared them to the public and press alike, and they are now as much in demand for their personalities as their interior design know-how. More recently you might recognise them from their appearance on 'I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here" on ITV.

These super stylish men are known for their eye for beauty and trends, and have given their top tips to the Autumn/Winter edition of the Scottish Wedding Directory to help you, the groom, shine on your big day.

The main points they made were:

Preparation:

In the months running up to your wedding, cut out the junk food and beer, and try to incorporate daily exercise. Not only will you feel better, but your partner will appreciate that you are putting in so much effort.

Personal Grooming:

Make sure your antiperspirant is up to the task on the big day. Also, wear your partner's favourite aftershave, the one she loves you to smell of!

Get a Manicure:

Remember that your nails and hands will be under close scrutiny in photos/signing the register/cutting the cake etc. You don't want to be showing off your bitten nails when you are showing off your ring!

Mr Smooth:

Make sure you are clean shaven on your big day by employing your normal shaving routine. Don't experiment for the first time with new systems on the morning of your wedding, in case your skin reacts badly. Consider a facial to unblock pores, and don't be afraid of tinted moisturisers - just don't overdo it or you'll end up with the Peter Andre effect! Try L'Oreal's Hydra Energetic Holiday Look Gradual Tanning Moisturiser.

Fashion:

Decide on your outfit well in advance - it will give you time to change your mind if needs be! Sometimes classic is best: a killer shirt and tie will make a smart statement, and kilts look great on any age, shape or size!

Take Hair Care:

A gentleman's hair should be as well shaped at the back as it is at the front because the congregation will be seeing a rear view for most of the ceremony. Try out any big change of style at least a month in advance and simply tidied up a few days before the wedding. Colouring should be done 48 hours in advance, in case of any staining on the skin.

Plenty to Smile About:

Remember to visit the dentist in the months running up to your wedding day, and get into the habit of using a whitening toothpaste and floss to stop plaque build up. Keep a pack of breath mints in your sporran or pocket to ensure you're ever ready to kiss the bride. Don't chew gum! It'll look so common in the wedding video!

For more wedding tips go to www.premierweddingplannerscotland.com