Planning the perfect winter wedding : Where to start?
Elyna Kudish is a world-renowned event planner. Emmanuel Goubard has run Entrepôts Dominion for over a decade. Today, they share advice for pulling off the perfect winter wedding: renting a wedding venue, styling the space, and taking glamorous wedding photos.
Have you always dreamed of a winter wedding? Does the anniversary of your first date fall in the heart of the cold season? Whether you’re looking for inspiration or just want to make sure you’ve got your bases covered, follow these tips from our two wedding experts, Eluna Kudish and Emmanuel Goubard.
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Logistics : How to prepare for any and all curveballs
Our experts agree: in order for your winter wedding to unfold smoothly, the key is to be well prepared.
“A snowstorm can cause all kinds of delays in regards to travel, venue setup, or deliveries,” Elyna points out. To avoid unpleasant surprises, make sure you don’t schedule things too tightly and allow for plenty of extra time.
She says her clients often think about how the weather will impact their ceremony or their wedding pictures. What they don’t always stop and think about, though, is how it might cause hiccups when setting up the venue or delays with vendor deliveries. Make sure you rent an easily accessible wedding venue — with properly shovelled entry points.
You’ll also want to put some thought into parking for your guests and employees. While it’s acceptable to have guests walk from one location to another in the summer, it’s another story when it’s freezing cold outside or they’ve got snow up to their knees! To save your guests the unnecessary burden, consider hosting the ceremony and reception in the same venue. In that case, a wedding venue that offers distinct and adaptable spaces under one roof, such as Entrepôts Dominion, is an ideal solution.
Lastly, don’t forget to set up for a coat check for your guests — and have enough employees to supervise it!
An outdoor ceremony in winter : Yea or nay?
Emmanuel Goubard, who runs Entrepôts Dominion, advises his clients to steer away from an outdoor ceremony during the winter months: “It’s a bad idea because you don’t want to leave the guests waiting in the cold.”
To those who want to take advantage of outdoor spaces in the winter, however, he offers other alternatives. The idea is to create key moments that take place outside without forcing guests to spend significant periods of time in the cold.
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“We can do a vin d’honneur outside and replace the champagne with mulled wine or even a cup of hot chocolate.” If that’s the route you choose, you’ll have to plan for space heaters and blankets to keep everyone warm – and don’t forget to give your guests a heads up!
Emmanuel also suggests creating a winter-themed station on the terrace, complete with a gas fireplace, cozy blankets, and warm beverages. “We can create a ski lounge feel and even roast some marshmallows!”
A photoshoot in the snow : “There are no guarantees”
Our experts are just like you: they love photos of a bride and groom in a beautiful, snowy landscape. But be warned: even in the dead of winter, no one can guarantee the crisp-white backdrop you’re hoping for. That being said, even without snow, you can give your photos a lovely wintery feel, like this couple who chose to celebrate their wedding at Entrepôts Dominion.
If Mother Nature is on your side and provides you with a beautiful blanket of snow, bring coats, gloves, and blankets to keep warm between shots. The bride will also want to ask for help to avoid damaging her wedding dress, especially if the photoshoot is taking place before the ceremony.
Pro tip : When choosing your accessories, go for deep, rich colours (or even a colourful wedding dress, if you dare!). They’ll stand out beautifully against a snowy backdrop!
📸 Elyna Kudish Events
Styling : Creating a warm, cozy feel
Just because you’re getting married in winter doesn’t mean your guests should feel like they’re walking into an ice castle (unless, of course, that’s what you’re going for!). On the contrary, Elyna Kudish encourages her clients to step away from the beaten paths.
“There’s so much we can do, so many possibilities!” She suggests creating dramatic contrasts by using warm colours and rich, deep tones rather than an all-white winter theme.
“We want to create a warm, cozy feel.” In order to achieve such a vibe, the planner says she relies on one essential element: candles, candles, and more candles!
“Some people are intimidated by certain textures,” she adds, but a winter wedding is the perfect opportunity to use different materials. Thicker, heavier fabrics such as velvet or embroidered satin can give your event a truly unique look. A velvet tablecloth, for example, will reflect light beautifully and set the stage for a magical night.
Get inspired by the deep colours and rich textures featured in this photoshoot for Elegant Wedding magazine.
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A very floral look might not be quite right for a winter wedding, but Elyna insists that there are plenty of other options when it comes to dressing tables and styling the event venue. Candles, of course, but also bottles, oil lamps, small objects (left as is or spray painted for a more cohesive look), fruits, and branches can be integrated into the decor to create a wintery vibe. Get creative!
Our experts agree: the most important thing is emotion. Whether you’re hosting a summer or a winter wedding, it’s about creating a welcoming feel and focusing on the moments you get to share with your loved ones.
Entrepôts Dominion offers a fully adaptable event venue where your wedding can come to life. A convivial meal, shared with family and friends in a cozy, intimate setting will warm even the coldest of winters.
For more winter wedding ideas and inspiration, check out our Pinterest board. And for our rates and availability, please contact Emmanuel Goubard at emmanuel@entrepotsdominion.ca!