Winter weddings in Australia can be a magical and unique experience, offering a different charm compared to the more popular spring or summer nuptials. By embracing the season and incorporating elements that enhance the winter atmosphere, a winter wedding in Australia can offer a distinct, memorable, and potentially more cost-effective celebration, making it a wonderful option for many couples.
Here are some aspects to consider if you’re planning a winter wedding in Australia:
WINTER THEMES
Centrepieces: Use tall branches, winter flowers, and greenery for dramatic centre pieces. Incorporate candles or fairy lights to enhance the effect.
Seasonal Favors: Give guests winter-themed Favors like ornaments, mini bottles of maple syrup, hot cocoa mix, or personalized blankets.
Hot Drink Stations: Set up a hot chocolate or mulled wine station. Decorate it with festive signs, mugs, and seasonal toppings like whipped cream and cinnamon sticks.
Seasonal Menu: Offer a winter-inspired menu with hearty dishes such as roasted meats, root vegetables, and warm soups, along with decadent desserts like sticky toffee pudding or warm apple pie.
Snow Machines: Use snow machines to create a magical snowfall effect during key moments like your first dance or grand entrance.
COLOUR SCHEME
Rich Hues: Deep, rich colours like burgundy, emerald, navy, and plum can add warmth and sophistication.
Metallic Accents: Gold, silver, and copper add a touch of glamour and can be combined with other colours for a luxurious feel.
Winter Whites: Crisp whites and soft creams create a snowy, elegant backdrop that can be accented with greenery or metallics.
LIGHTING
Winter’s softer light can make for beautiful, moody photographs. Overcast days are often perfect for pictures as they avoid harsh shadows and squinting.
Candles: Use lots of candles to create a warm, intimate atmosphere. Consider placing them in lanterns, on candelabras, or in glass holders.
String Lights: Fairy lights or string lights can add a magical touch, especially when draped over trees, around the venue, or above the reception area.
Fireplaces: If your venue has a fireplace, use it as a focal point and decorate it with greenery, candles, and fairy lights.
CEREMONY DECOR
Aisle Decorations: Line the aisle with lanterns, candles, or arrangements of winter greenery and flowers.
Altar/Arch: Decorate your altar or arch with a combination of winter greenery, flowers, and lights. Draped fabrics can add an extra layer of elegance.
Winter-Themed Signage: Use signs made of wood, chalkboard, or metal with winter-themed messages or quotes to guide guests or add to the decor.
Warm Accessories: Consider including shawls, wraps, or elegant coats for the bridal party to stay warm.
ADDED BONUS
Off-Season Rates: Winter is often considered the off-season for weddings in Australia, so you may find more availability and potentially lower prices for venues and services.
Unique Experience: Winter weddings are less common, so your wedding will stand out as a unique and memorable event. Whether it’s a snowy mountain or a foggy morning, winter offers unique and stunning photo opportunities that you won’t get in other seasons.
Preferred Vendors: being the off season, you will have more of a selection of vendors to choose from and the chances of being able to get your preferred vendor is more likely with the demand not being as high at this time of year.
Weather: Yes, it can rain in winter, but it can also rain in Summer… especially if you live in Victoria of late. But you won’t have to compete with the heat and the issues it causes such as make up sweating off, heat stroke from guests, the grooms and groomsmen having to wear jackets in 40-degree heat. The weather is more manageable and predictable causing overall less stress.
It is safe to say that just because you may be considering a winter wedding, doesn’t mean that it won’t be any less magical and memorable for all the right reasons! All seasons bring their own set of pros and cons, ultimately you need to decide what reflex you as a couple and what will bring you zero regrets when looking back on the day!
The Vines on Avon located in Maffra, Victoria have embraced the challenges of all year-round weddings by creating a magical and unique experience for their couples outside of peak season.
They have recently launched their ‘dusk elopements’ which are as unforgettable as the love stories they celebrate. Dusk Elopements specialises in stress free intimate, romantic, and personalised elopement ceremonies held at dusk, capturing the magical transition from day to night. The perfect combination of mood lighting, evergreen foliage, candles and snow machines, it is definitely a venue to check out if you are thinking of a non-tradition style wedding with the cherry on top!
Contact Tammy at The Vines on Avon www.thevinesonavon.com.au
Imagery // Rebecca Farley Photography // Words written by Tammy Maxwell