Christmas Weddings in the Cotswolds ∙ 10 top tips from Planned for Perfection

10 December 2024

Christmas Weddings in the Cotswolds ∙ 10 top tips from Planned for Perfection

A Christmas wedding combines the joy of marriage with the festive cheer of the holiday season and creates a memorable celebration for both the couple and their guests. However, organising a Christmas wedding requires meticulous planning and careful consideration of the unique challenges of the season, so there can nobody better to guide you through this festive process than Jane Riddell of Planned for Perfection, seven-time winner of Best Wedding Planner in the Cotswolds in The Cotswolds Wedding Awards.

Embrace the magic

A festive wedding is made even more special by the spirit of the holiday season. By embracing the magic of Christmas, considering seasonal challenges and incorporating personal touches, you can create a beautiful Cotswold winter wedding that is truly unforgettable. Remember, the most important part of any wedding is the love and commitment you share with your partner, so focus on what makes your relationship unique and let that shine through in every aspect of your celebration.

A romantic time of year

The popularity of Christmas weddings in the Cotswolds has increased over recent years, with many couples embracing the colder temperatures and choosing the romance of winter for a truly magical wedding celebration. Winter is such a romantic time of the year, especially in the Cotswolds… think roaring log fires, flickering candles, and sumptuous dark colour palettes, then add in the aroma of spiced cinnamon candles and a dusting snow for a truly dreamy festive wedding.

TOP TIPS FOR YOUR PERFECT CHRISTMAS WEDDING IN THE COTSWOLDS
by Jane Riddell, Planned for Perfection

1. Embrace the Christmas spirit

Christmas weddings allow you to embrace the festive spirit in every aspect of your celebration. From invitations to decor, you can incorporate the traditional seasonal colours of deep reds, greens, golds and silvers. You can consider elements of Christmas like baubles, pinecones, holly, mistletoe, candles and twinkling fairy lights to create a cosy, winter wonderland atmosphere. For a more subtle nod to the season, consider incorporating textures like velvet, plaid and faux fur to add warmth and luxury to your wedding day.

2. Choose the perfect Cotswold wedding venue

Your wedding venue plays a crucial role in bringing your wedding vision to life and the Cotswolds boasts so many stunning wedding venues, that you really are spoilt for choice, from country manors, luxury hotels, historic castles and quaint countryside churches. Look for locations that already have a festive feel this time of year and ensure that your venue is equipped to handle winter weather, with good heating, safe parking areas and accessible entrances for all guests.

3. Consider seasonal weather

Winter weather can be unpredictable, so it’s important to plan accordingly. Make sure to have a backup plan in case of snow, heavy rain or ice. Inform your guests in advance about the possibility of inclement weather and provide tips on how to prepare. Consider offering cosy amenities like faux wraps, hand warmers, hot cocoa bars, warm blankets and heating lamps to keep everyone comfortable if any element of the day is outside.

4. Incorporate festive florals and greenery

Christmas weddings offer a chance for your Cotswold florist to design unique floral arrangements that differ from the typical wedding season blooms. Winter florals like poinsettias, amaryllis and hellebores can add a festive touch, while evergreens, eucalyptus and pine branches bring in the scent of the season. Add berries, pinecones and even ornaments to your floral arrangements for an extra dose of holiday cheer.

5. Plan a seasonal menu

Your wedding menu is another great way to incorporate holiday flavours and traditions. Consider serving warm, comforting dishes like roasted meats, seasonal vegetables and hearty soups. A Christmas-themed dessert table could feature classics like gingerbread cookies, mince pies and a festive wedding cake adorned with winter motifs. For drinks, consider hot toddies, mulled wine or eggnog to keep guests warm and in the holiday spirit! Talk to your venue chef or private caterer for more suggestions.

6. Set the mood with music

Music is a powerful way to set the tone for your Christmas wedding. Include a mix of classic Christmas carols and romantic love songs to create a festive yet intimate atmosphere. Consider hiring a live choir to perform during the ceremony or reception for a truly magical experience. You could also have a pianist or string quartet play holiday tunes as guests arrive.

7. Create a cosy ambience with lighting

Without a doubt, production and lighting can transform your venue into a winter wonderland. Use soft, warm lights to create a cosy and inviting atmosphere. Consider incorporating candles, lanterns, and fairy lights throughout your venue to add a touch of romance. If your venue has a fireplace, make it a focal point with floral garlands, floral arches, coloured or scented candles, and stockings to add to the festive decor.

8. Coordinate with holiday schedules

A Christmas wedding means competing with holiday schedules, so it’s crucial to send out save-the-dates and invitations well in advance, to allow your guests plenty of time to plan their travel arrangements. Keep in mind that some guests may have prior commitments or may not be able to attend due to holiday travel, so be understanding and flexible with your guest list.

9. Provide festive favours

Send your guests home with a little piece of Christmas magic as a thank you for sharing in your special day. Personalised baubles, ornaments, mini bottles of festive liqueur or holiday-scented candles make perfect wedding favours that will remind guests of your wedding day each time they use them.

10. Capture the magical wedding day memories

There are so many incredibly talented wedding photographers and videographers in the Cotswolds and a Christmas wedding offers unique opportunities that you won’t find during other times of the year. Take advantage of the festive decorations, pretty lights and snowy backdrops to create stunning photographs. Work with your photographer to plan shots that capture the magic of both your wedding and the holiday season.