More and more couples are opting to have winter weddings despite the harsh weather elements. Winter weddings are usually cozy and festive; taking advantage of the holiday mood. From winter whites to cozy honeymoon spots, winter weddings have lots to offer to bride and groom. Winter weddings allow bride and groom to have a winter wonderland wedding, use a family cabin, get married on a snow capped mountain, or spend their honeymoon skiing.

Here are some tips to guide you as you plan your winter wedding:

• Always check the weather and have alternative plans for outdoor weddings.

• Since this is the holiday season, travel fares would be higher and there will be higher instances of delayed flights.

• Choose colors that coordinate with the season, such as whites, creams, silver, red, gold, and black.

• Choose flowers that coordinate with the season. See our list of flowers and their corresponding season (Choosing Your Wedding Flowers).

• Use candles for warmth, as well as elegance.

• Chocolate Cake will be a great option for the wedding cake.

• You can choose to have a Black Tie, Winter White or Festive theme.

• For the getaway transportation, ditch the traditional car or limousine and go with a ski or snowmobile (if it’s snowing of course). If you are going for that fairy tale motif, choose a horse drawn carriage.

• Make the wedding cozy and intimate by using a private club or historic mansion.

• It is easier to have your menu coordinate with the festive season: ham, turkey, soups etc.

• Keep your invitations, thank you cards and other stationery the same as the wedding theme.

• If you wear a traditional wedding gown without sleeves, you can wear a fur stole to compliment the gown and the weather.

• Keep your decorations the same as the theme; to cut down on cost, buy seasonal items at the end of season before your wedding to benefit from off season prices.

• If you choose to get married outdoors, be sure to keep the venue warm. Use tents with heaters installed or a gazebo.

• Choose to spend your honeymoon in a cabin on a ski slope or go to a tropic island.