Winter Wedding 101: Create A Winter Wonderland Moment
Winter weddings are growing in popularity and we can see why!
Unique and memorable, there are plenty of reasons to consider getting married when the weather is slightly cooler.
Winter sunset at Waipuna. Photo credit: Martin Setunsky Photography
Picture snow-capped mountains, cozy blankets, roaring fires, delicious warming winter food, snug winter wedding fashion and an intimate setting for your closest friends and family members. And that’s only the beginning of the benefits.
We LOVE a winter wedding at Waipuna Estate. So, we’ve put together the top reasons why you should consider getting married during winter and how you can create a special winter wonderland for you and your guests.
Winter Wedding 101: Create A Winter Wonderland Moment
The Benefits Of A Winter Wedding
Even though the weather might be cold, there is a lot to like about having a winter wedding. These are just some of the benefits you can enjoy:
Scenery
New Zealand has some stunning scenery and the landscape and view of the Canterbury Plains and Southern Alps from Waipuna is breathtaking. Winter in Canterbury is characterised by hard frosts followed by gorgeous sunny days with stunning landscapes, snow-capped mountains and picturesque surroundings. And you can see all of this beauty from the comfort of the Waipuna Estate, nestled in the hills above the beautiful village of Tai Tapu.
The spectacular Southern Alps and surrounding Canterbury Plains will create a stunning and romantic backdrop for your wedding. You will literally be spoiled for choice with photo locations!
Availability
We take summer bookings two years in advance at our stunning venue. These dates are the most popular and are hotly contested. But, winter is considered off-peak season for weddings. We often have far more availability, so you could end up with plenty more choice when it comes to dates in winter.
And it’s not just venues that have more availability, many wedding vendors are quieter in winter, so you can have your pick of the bunch!
Affordability
As we just mentioned, winter is considered off-peak for wedding season, which means off season rates apply at Waipuna. You may be lucky enough to enjoy more affordable rates from other vendors, from caterers and photographers to musicians and celebrants.
Coziness
Instead of standing in the blazing heat of the day like you would at a summer wedding, winter weddings are cozy and snug. Enjoy a perfectly romantic and intimate celebration with friends and family with snuggly blankets to warm you and a roaring fireplace in the background.
Unique and Memorable
Winter weddings are just a little bit outside the box, so it is an opportunity to make your special day even more unique and memorable. Take advantage of the opportunity to create a theme or embrace the wintriness of the day for the ultimate winter wonderland memories.
How To Make A Winter Wedding Great
Choose the right venue
Holding a winter wedding is a great opportunity to showcase how beautiful New Zealand can be in the colder months. So, it is important to choose a venue that maximises that winter beauty. Waipuna Estate is the perfect location for a wedding at any time of the year.
In winter, you can enjoy the picturesque view of the snow-capped Southern Alps and the lush green surrounds of the Canterbury Plains. But it isn’t just the view that makes Waipuna special, we also have cosy reception spaces to escape the cold air in a gorgeous setting.
Embrace the season
This is the perfect opportunity to incorporate winter-themed decor into your special day. Think twinkling fairy lights, flickering candles, warm textures like velvet, snuggly throws, plush cushions, and the mandatory fireplace. Add in mulled wine, a steaming hot chocolate station and warm mittens for your guests – how incredible! The ambience is amazing and with a great photographer, will make beautiful wedding photos.
Offer comfort
The weather is likely to be chilly, so keep that in mind, as your guests may start to feel the cold if they are outdoors for extended periods. Provide practical items like umbrellas and blankets to protect them against the elements.
You may also consider outdoor heating, hot chocolate, fingerless gloves, and other creative warming ideas!
Plan for transportation
Winter weather can make travelling more difficult, so consider your own transportation options to ensure you arrive at the venue safely. You might also want to offer transport options for your guests or overnight accommodation, so that they don’t have to risk the weather at the end of the night.
Dress for the season
You can be guaranteed your make up will stay in place, and instead of worrying about being too hot in your dress, you can incorporate gorgeous pieces such as boots, gloves, capes and long sleeve dresses. For the grooms, wear a suit with ease and no worrying about sweating in the heat.
Get creative with your food
A winter wedding is a great opportunity to have a delicious, warming meal. Think hearty dishes like soup, roasted meats and veggies, stews, pastas, and crusty bread. You can also include warming drinks like hot chocolate and mulled wine.
Looking For The Perfect Winter Wedding Venue?
Here at Waipuna Estate, we specialise in creating magical weddings to remember. Our venue is set in beautiful gardens and native bush, plus you’ll enjoy stunning views of the Southern Alps and the Canterbury Plains from our hilltop location.
We offer the ultimate wedding venue for both summer and winter weddings. Every attention to detail is assured at our romantic setting and we believe Waipuna Estate is the perfect spot for your ceremony and reception.
Find out more about our wedding packages here.