Plan a Winter Wedding

A View of a Snow-Covered Bridge in the Woods

Celebrations

There's no two ways about it: weddings are expensive. Paying for every detail is enough to drain any family's financial coffers and - even worse - leave them wrestling with debt. Especially for new couples paying their own way during the wedding, the expenses quickly add up.

The following is a traditional guide to dividing expenses equally and fairly among the four major participants in planning the four main parts of the wedding celebration: rehearsal dinner, ceremony, reception, and honeymoon. These are guidelines more than rules, and are intended to show tradition more than carved-in-stone etiquette.

The Bride's Family

There's a popular misconception among the unmarried of the world that the bride's family foots the entire bill. That's not entirely true, though unfortunately it may feel that way for the father of the bride! Traditionally, the bride's family finances the reception dinner with all its facets: the food, drink, venue, service staff (including tips), flower arrangements, wedding favors, and any other miscellany.

The bride's family also pays for many of the necessities leading up to the ceremony: these usually include the bridal gown, the wedding invitations and save-the-date reminders, as well as the engagement and wedding photographs.
Finally (!) the wedding ceremony costs, the photographer and videographer fees, the cost of the ring bearer and flower girl accessories, the transportation costs and bridesmaids bouquets are all picked up by the bride's family. Honestly, if you're the parent of a young girl, start saving right now.

The Bride

Compared to her family, the bride gets off relatively easy. Brides traditionally pay for the groom's wedding band, gifts for her bridesmaids, the bridesmaids' luncheon, her blood test fees, and the wedding day lingerie. In the strictest traditional sense, the bride should also pay for her out-of-town bridesmaids accommodations.

The Groom

Okay, guys. Time to pony up. Following the engagement ring (that two-month's salary guideline is passé, by the way) you've still got a few things left to buy. You'll pay for the honeymoon, the marriage license, and gifts for your groomsmen. The gentleman groom, however, also pays for the bridal bouquet and corsages for your mother and your new mother-in-law.

You'll also pick up the boutonnieres, ties, and accessories for the groomsmen, and finally the bride's wedding ring. Gifts for the ushers and for your parents go the extra distance to showing your class. You should also pay the honorarium for the judge, justice of the peace, or clergyman who officiates the ceremony, too.

The Groom's Family

Besides their own attire, the groom's family is responsible for the rehearsal dinner and all its details.

The Maid of Honor

Bachelorette parties and wedding showers are the responsibility of the maid of honor. This includes all the details, top to bottom.

The Best Man

The best man is master of ceremonies and godfather of the bachelor party, from the planning to the execution to pouring all the guests into cabs at the end of the night. It's a dirty job, but someone's got to do it.

The Groomsmen and Bridesmaids

Most of the attire - for example, the tuxedo rental and costs of the gown - are the responsibility of the individual wedding party member. They also give a gift to the newlyweds. Groomsmen arriving from out-of-town are also expected to pay for their accommodations.

My Wedding Favors has a complete selection of elegant yet inexpensive wedding favors to fit any taste and style. We also carry a complete selection of groomsmen and bridesmaids gifts. Visit us online at www.myweddingfavors.com to browse our complete catalog.

Adirondack Mountains, Lake Placid, NY Photographic Print

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Crystal Morning

Dress Appropriately

You don't have to forgo outdoor photos just because you're getting married in the winter. Just make sure you're prepared with warm attire to avoid shivering your way through your photo session.

Find a warm shawl or a winter coat to go with your gown. For shoes, go for a close-toed style. And if there's a chance it'll be icy, opt for a pair of white snow boots that you can change in and out of for traveling between venues.

Also, consider adding white gloves, extra-warm tights, and even fuzzy white winter ear muffs. Don't forget the groom! It would be a shame for him to have to cover up his slick, black tux. Instead, he can wear formal black coat to coordinate with his attire. For an added punch of color, have him pick out a cool scarf that goes along with your wedding colors and style.

Include your bridal party when you're considering winter attire too. We know one Aspen, Colorado, bride who bought all her bridesmaids matching white down coats for the festivities. Give the groomsmen coordinating scarves and ask that they wear formal dark coats.

You can have all of your favorite food but add some winter touches like a squash dish, or warm pumpkin soup. Consider serving eggnog, spiced wine, or hot chocolate as special treats.

Ask your caterer about using a decorative snow globe as a cake topper.

Maple Tree Grove in Winter, One of Four Seasons

Look for an inn with a fireplace for an intimate winter wedding. For a larger affair, you may be able to use a historic mansion or private club that will still have intimate warmth. Unless you're getting married in a state that will have guaranteed snow during your wedding date, avoid a room that has a large picture window. You may imagine drifts of beautiful snow, and end up with a grey rainy day. Be sure to ask what seasonal decorations they use - you'll save money as many sites are already heavily decorated. Also, check to make sure your site will be adequately heated during the winter months; old churches can be especially drafty.

An elegant and grand hotel ballroom overlooking the city evokes a celebratory mood to match the holiday spirit.

Seasonal activities - a ski lodge or mountain chalet guarantees a true winter experience and a nice getaway for your guests.

Columbia River Gorge

Close View of Tree Branches After Ice Storm

Color palette -
- new-fallen snow - use whites and creams accented with silver or gold.
- winter sparkle - ice blue or navy accented with silver
- black tie - black is especially suited for a winter wedding when paired with white, silver or gold.
Deck your halls with crystal detailing for a sparkling winter effect- adorning linens and chair covers or sprinkled over table tops.
Liberal use of candle light - the glow will add warmth and elegance.

Close View of a Brides Hands Photographic Print

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A Christmas-themed wedding can be very colorful and fun to plan. Touches of red, green and gold really add plenty of interest.

Holly berries and evergreens make a perfect base for a festive wedding bouquet. Filling the flower girl's basket with poinsettia petals gives the tradition of sprinkling rose petals in front of the wedding party a fresh twist. Transforming the reception area to a Christmas-themed room is fairly easy. Christmas trees, wreaths, poinsettias and a sleigh piled high with the wedding gifts are all great ideas.

In addition to the more traditional gifts, ask each guest bring a special ornament to trim a tree that sits near the bride and groom's table. These ornaments will bring back memories of the special day as the happy couple trims their tree at home each year.

Miniature stockings filled with traditional Christmas treats are the perfect favors for this winter wedding theme.