Winter weddings bring a unique set of challenges to the planning process. Here are 10 tips to help get you get started!

How do you stay warm? Which flowers are in season in January? Will your favourite colour work in December? There are challenges and ideas unique to planning an off-season wedding and Shannon O'Neill, certified wedding consultant and owner of Elegant Events by Shannon in Peterborough, has shared some tips with us on how to make the most of a winter wedding.

1. Have a plan B
As is the case with any big event, contingency plans are key. For those set on a winter wedding because they want beautiful snowy photos, an alternate indoor photo location should be arranged in case Old Man Winter decides to send a snow storm as a wedding present or, conversely, if the trees are looking a little bare.

2. Indulge in rich colours
A winter wedding is not the best time for pale pink or baby blue pastels. Instead, consider opting for rich, deep shapes such as red, chocolate or hunter green for the bridesmaids dresses and accent colours.

3. Avoid a chill
As the majority of wedding dresses these days are strapless, a winter bride is going to have to do a bit more work when choosing on her attire. If you want sleeves, comb the racks and you can still find a few. Or, you can go for custom made and get exactly what you want and need. Heart set on strapless? Look for a fabulous wrap to wear to help keep you warm.

4. Nix the need to travel
Ideally, select a location for the ceremony and the reception that are close together – or even do both at the same venue. While the sun could be shinning down on your big day, it's also very possible the roads could be icy or a storm could hit. Reducing everyone’s travel time will help lower stress and get everyone to the dinner on schedule.

5. Live out a fantasy
If you’ve dreamed of a winter wonderland wedding complete with snow and a horse drawn sleigh, the dream could be a reality if you decide to say I do in winter. The possibilities for unique, romantic themes are endless: a fun skating party on a picturesque frozen pond, an intimate affair in front of a cozy fire at a quaint inn or even a holiday themed wedding – a family Christmas event, an elegant New Year’s Eve ceremony or a romantic Valentine’s Day nuptials.

6. Think outside the flower box
Instead of decorating with tons of flowers, use the greenery of the season to set the stage. Christmas trees strung with tiny twinkling lights can help create an elegant setting for a winter wedding. When deciding on flowers consider poinsettias, since they're widely available during this season they'll be an affordable choice. If you have your heart set on a classic, try roses, which are readily available throughout the year.

7. Plan ahead
Winter might be the off-season for weddings, but it’s peak party season with Christmas, holiday and New Year’s parties booking up venues months in advance. If you plan on getting married in the weeks leading up to the busy holidays, book the venue well in advance to avoid disappointment.

8. Think warm thoughts
A backdrop of snow covered trees can make for stunning wedding photos, but it can get a little chilly standing outside posing for the perfect shot. Why not throw on a pair of boots and thermal leggings under the dress to keep warm? Most wedding dresses allow enough flow that no one will even notice. It’s also a good idea to have propane heaters on standby, as well as a warm blanket and a hot cup of cocoa to help thaw out before the reception begins.

9. Work with the season
If the wedding is taking place at a hotel or hall in December, find out how the location will be decorated. You could save money by using the decorations they already have on hand for the holidays, or you could find a fabulous setting for photos next to a beautifully decorated tree. It’s also good to know if the decorations can be removed temporarily if you don’t want them incorporated into the wedding. Another way to work with the season is to give out ornaments as favours or serve traditional food such as turkey and stuffing.

10. Due south
One of the many benefits of a winter wedding is setting off for a Caribbean (or Hawaiian or Tahitian) honeymoon when it's over – leaving behind snow, freezing temperatures and blustering winds for sun, sand and surf. But why wait for after the ceremony? Consider having a destination wedding. By having it in the winter you may be able to entice more family members and friends to join you in the sun.