Winter Weddings

By Kim Jewel Elliott, Celebrant



Winter can be a wonderful time to marry.  While most weddings in New Zealand are held between the September-April ‘wedding season’ for reasons of weather, winter provides its own wonders and luxuries to enjoy.

Consider this:

•    Wedding suppliers often discount their services in order to gain business during the traditionally quiet May-August ‘off-season’.  This often means that you can get the venue/photographer/caterer you really wanted, but was too pricey peak season.

•    Wedding suppliers are usually more available during winter.  Particularly in areas of high demand, the summer season may be booked two or three years ahead.  Having your wedding during winter is often easier if you have a shorter planning time.

•    Winter weddings have their own delicious atmosphere.  Imagine rows of bright candles, flickering fire, mulled wine with cinnamon sticks as your guests enter, fairy lights, laughter and shared memories amongst dear ones while the weather does what it wishes outside – a great analogy for a wonderful relationship.

•    Winter menus allow for the comfort and warmth of winter food.  Consider nourishing meals from your own cultural tradition, steaming soups, luscious venison casseroles, luxurious cherry flavoured Italian hot chocolate or coffee and spicy gingerbread instead of other desserts.

•    Historic homes really come into their own in this context.  Contact the local Historic Houses Trust in your area to see what beautiful ballrooms might be available.

•    Holding your ceremony at the same place as the reception means guests can stay warm and dry without the need to travel.  Your wedding favours could be umbrellas in the colour of your theme, embossed with your names and the date, or pure and elegant white. Alternatively scented, floating or coloured candles are inexpensive and appreciated.

•    Clothing can be adventurous when you don’t have to worry about keeling over from the heat.  Indulge your snow queen fantasies with a faux fur wrap, and men can keep snug in layered suits.  I always feel so sorry for men on the beach in the full blast of the summer sun – wearing three piece black suits and ties!

•    Indoor photos look great against, for example, a beautiful brick wall, twirling stair banister, a tapestry or wooden panelling.  Breaks in the weather can be used for outdoor photos if needed.  But the most important part of any image is you and the one you love.  The rest is just a backdrop. 

Remember, regardless of the season or the weather, you will need to book and name an indoor venue on your New Zealand marriage licence.  So if you’ve already paid for it, why not make the most of it?