Have you always dreamed of an outdoor winter wedding? It’s definitely not for everyone, but for some, a backyard winter wedding is the ultimate wedding fantasy. Whether you live in a warm climate where snow is rare or in a frozen tundra, one thing is for sure: you’ll definitely need an outdoor winter wedding tent. This guide is full of outdoor wedding tips so keep reading for the best winter wedding hacks.
Choosing The Right Tent
When planning your outdoor winter wedding, you’ll need to start by choosing the right tent for your event. You may not be aware, but there are actually a lot of different kinds of tents to choose from depending on your location and number of guests. Different options include:
Make sure you work with an experienced tent rental company that can help you determine the best tent for your special day.
Location
Location is everything when planning your outdoor wedding. Fortunately, with so many varieties of tents available, you can have your wedding nearly anywhere! Some options include:
- Your own backyard! This can be the best option for those who are trying to save money. Benefits include the fact that you won’t be at the mercy of the venue’s availability (some venues are booked out for years!) If you grew up in the current family home, the backyard also will be filled with sentimental value and precious memories.
- Botanical garden. Botanical gardens are filled with excellent photo opportunities and many have beautiful winter light shows. Even better, they often offer much more affordable options than traditional wedding venues.
- The beach. If you live in a warmer climate, the coast is the ultimate wedding backdrop. Public beaches are cost-effective and wide open, so your guests will have plenty of room to mix and mingle.
Keep Your Guests Warm
This is possibly the most important winter wedding hack: how to keep your guests warm! Nobody wants to shiver their way through wedding vows and guests feel the same way.
Fortunately, you have many options to ensure that your guests stay warm and happy at your wedding and reception, even if the weather outside is frightful. Consider the following options:
- Propane heaters - they are affordable and come in many options depending on your needs for the special day. You also can choose to either rent or buy. For more efficient heating, opt for a diffuser to help distribute heat economically.
- Sidewalls - easy to install and customizable, sidewalls will give you peace of mind that your wedding day can go on no matter what the weather brings - sleet, snow, rain or wind.
- Flooring - help keep toes toasty so that when the music starts, your reception will rock! The ground is likely to be hard, possibly icy, and definitely cold during an outdoor winter wedding, and installing flooring will ensure you and your guests’ comfort.
Decorations
Hosting an outdoor winter wedding outside gives you gorgeous decorating options. Do you have a theme for your winter wedding? That can help you narrow down your options. Consider the following ideas for how to plan a winter wedding with frosty and festive decor.
- Holiday theme - Imagine your bridal party decked out in rich reds and greens. Your reception tables will look amazing festooned with festive ribbons and poinsettia centerpieces.
- Winter wonderland theme - Think of cool silver and pale, wintry blue color scheme. White fairy lights and crisp white rose bouquets will be memorable and classic.
- Woodland theme - If rustic is more your style, a woodland theme might be ideal. Evergreen swags and pine cones are both affordable and festive additions to your decor.
Just remember to keep in mind how many guests will need to be seated and plan your tables and decorations accordingly.
Have Fun Outside The Tent
A winter wedding offers an abundance of outside-the-box - and tent - outdoor activities. Children and adults alike will enjoy gathering around a cozy fire pit outfitted with comfortable seating, cozy blankets, and pillows. If you’re fortunate enough to have access to a skating rink or a solidly frozen pond or pool, tell your guests to bring their skates and have an ice skating reception party! Or, organize the bride and groom parties into teams and have a fun snowball fight. Your younger - and perhaps older - guests can build bride and groom snowmen. If weather permits, plan on tossing the bouquet outside the tent for a frosty and fun take on tradition. For couples on a budget, a winter wedding offers unlimited free entertainment and plenty of wonderful photo opportunities.
Warm Food
Baby, it’s cold outside, so make sure your guests have warm bellies. Our tip to you is to serve up warming comfort food at the reception. Favorite winter menu ideas include:
- Rotisserie chicken - an economical classic. Add mashed potatoes, a vegetable medley, and crusty bread for a complete meal.
- Meatloaf - a hearty favorite. Meatloaf is an unexpected entree that your hungry guests will devour.
- Soup station - give your guests options. Offer up a selection of creamy soups, such as broccoli cheddar, chowder, savory wild rice, or even chili!
- Traditional turkey - if you’re planning a holiday-themed wedding, why not serve family favorites like turkey and stuffing? It works perfectly with the festive theme and will give guests a comforting meal.
Also, be sure to have warm beverages, such as ciders, coffee, and tea.
Conclusion
For those who love the coldest of the four seasons, an outdoor wedding in winter can be a fairy tale dream come true. Contact American Tent to find the perfect tent for your big event - we’d love to help you make your winter wedding magical!
