Image © westlondonphotographyy : a magical Christmas wedding
Planning a winter wedding in London and the South
Winter weddings can be wonderfully romantic. If you're planning a 2008 Christmas wedding in London or the South, think about a winter wedding venue in a Gothic Castle or stately home near London with marvellous fireplaces and a roaring log fire. Or maybe you dream of an intimate wedding venue, where you can relax with your friends and guests in a special hideaway.
Whatever your choice of winter wedding venue, your reception room should have at least one large, spectacular Christmas tree. Your guests are warming themselves with mulled wine and you're snuggling up to your new husband as you brave the cold together!
The room is sweet with the aromatic smell of pine needles. The light of soft candles casts a warm, flattering glow and Christmas cheer spreads infectious laughter and goodwill.
Now is the time to secure your winter wedding venue for 2008.
London Winter wedding venues for fantasitic wedding photography
Searcy's 30 Pavilion Road ( a stone's throw from Harrods) is one of our favourite London winter wedding venues. A beautiful town house, it has a quintessential English feel and offers the ultimate in stylish yet cosy sophistication. The fireplaces look fantastic with their rich Christmas decorations.
The log fires throw out a welcome warmth and the smell of burning wood reminds you of Christmas in the country. We love the richly decorated Christmas tree and the glorious library with its precious artworks.
weddings at Searcy's 30 Pavilion Road
The State Dining Room at Syon House, a prestigious wedding venue located on the Thames in Isleworth, is a great winter wedding venue for smaller, more intimate daytime ceremonies for up to 50 guests between November to March.
After the ceremony, drinks can be served in the Private Apartments, or up to 30 guests can be seated for a celebratory meal. Alternatively up 50 guests can be seated at table in the new Northumberland Room.
Don't forget the big London Hotels. They make unforgettable winter wedding venues - and your guests will be able to catch up on their Christmas shopping once you're safely wed. Our favourites for winter cheer and excellent service include
Claridges Hotel weddings at Claridges
The Dorchester weddings at The Dorchester
The Four Seasons Park Lane weddings at The Four Seasons Park Lane
Marriott London West India Quay weddings at The Marriott West India Quay
The Lanesborough weddings at The Lanesborough
Winter wedding venues in the South
The Elvetham, a Victorian Gothic stately house wedding venue in Hampshire, has an intimate atmosphere - which will help your guests feel cosy as they celebrate
The South Lodge Hotel in Sussex is another presticions Victorian Gothic stately house wedding venue . it will offer you an your guests a cosy, intimate setting for your very special day.
Winter wedding gowns
Think opulence! Velvet encrusted with small crystal and pearls to catch the candlelight. A gown of duchess satin - and why not consider red? We've seen some stunning brides dressed in red, with matching shoes.
Accessories for a winter wedding could include
- a velvet cloak edged with fake fur
- a fur muff
- long satin gloves
- a crystal tiara on a band of glinting gold
Winter wedding colours
Red and green are natural colours for a Christmas wedding . It is likely that your church or reception venue will already be decorated in red and green for other events and holiday parties. But don't feel limited. Other possibilities, which will work with existing decorations, include:
- silver and white
- silver and light blue
- gold and cream
Wedding photography in winter
You need to plan your winter wedding photography with care. The hours of daylight are limited and you don't want to keep your friends and family standing round in the cold waiting for transpor or, group photographs to be taken. Your professional photographer will have a wealth of experience to offer you.
Practical considerations about winter wedding photography
- book your photographer as soon as you've secured your winter wedding venue
- fix your ceremony as early in the day as you can to maximise daylight photo opportunities
- book a good professional make up artist who can help you make the most of a winter complexion
- consider taking along a practical pair of shoes for those outdoor shots - they won't be seen under your wedding dress and wedding wellington boots are great fun