by A.N. Carter

Created on: December 03, 2008

If you are a cost-conscious couple-to-be, a winter wedding might be right up your alley! Because many couples choose other seasons to wed in, winter is much cheaper and venues tend to be more available. The holiday season is the perfect time to throw a themed wedding; most of your guests will already be taking off vacation time and snow can provide an extremely accommodating backdrop. Here are a few of my favorites:

VICTORIAN ERA THEME.

Nearly every historical picture that depicts folks in Victorian clothing has a snowy backdrop. This is one of the most functional winter themes, as you can incorporate the ambiance in so many ways. You can have your wedding attendants and guests wear full-fledged historical costumes and/or arrive in horse-drawn sleighs. You can even decorate your venue to have a traditional, homey feel with logs burning on the fire. Flip through paintings, post cards, and pictures and see which aspects best appeal to you.

SILVER BELLS.

If you like the shimmery shine of silver, this theme is for you. You can decorate your venue with bells, give bells as favors, have frosty-sparkling glassware, or merely incorporate silver into the bridesmaid's dresses. You can also walk down the aisle to a bell-player's version of "Here Comes the Bride" for an interesting and unique spin on such a tired song.

LET IT SNOW.

This is perhaps the most popular winter theme, as it is not difficult to find wedding-related decorations. Almost everything you can imagine can be frosted with the glittery shine of snow. You can hang snowflakes from the ceiling, give snowflake ornaments as gifts, and have snowflakes printed on your stationery sets. You could even go so far as to purchase fake snow to decorate the reception with. Why not incorporate snowmen with your theme?

RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS.

Whether you will be donning a Christmas tree or a menorah, this is certainly the most cost-friendly winter wedding theme. If you are holding your ceremony in a church or synagogue, they will most-likely be able to provide you with the appropriate dcor for free. Aside from using the decorations you already have, you should inquire whether your close friends and relatives will allow you to temporarily use theirs. You can hang mistletoe at the altar as a cute addition to your first kiss as a married couple. If you like, you can even have your wedding party dress in red and white as a tribute to candy canes!

NEW YEARS.

If you are getting married on New Year's Eve or Day, it can be fun to incorporate the holiday into your theme. Think of it as a symbol of the brand new journey you will be embarking on. You can provide your guests with noise-making favors and funny hats. Decorations will be simple, as nearly every party store will be carrying them. Your guests can even throw confetti instead of rice!

Happy planning!

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