Start with Colour

Picking up on the colour palette available in nature at this time of year is quite easy, just look around! Blue hues and white are the core colours during this time of year that can inspire. Brown and other neutrals offer a subtle palette to play from. Festive reds and wintry sages are also classic colours for this time of year.

As the bride it’s your special day – so go ahead and choose the colours you look best with. Red not in your colour wheel? Choose a tone that will play up your natural beauty, not wash you out. An easy to work with colour palette of silver and white with blingy accents are all the rage in 2011.

Expert tip: Ensure that whatever colours you decide on will be used throughout the ceremony and reception – flowers, table linens, seat covers, runners, candelabras, etc…

Choose Flowers Wisely

During winter months in some parts of the U.S. it can be hard to find flowers that won’t cost more than an arm and a leg. That’s why you should choose flowers that are in season. Choices like red roses, calla lilies, and amaryllis are traditional winter flowers. Other choices that will likely be available at a nursery near you are: orchids, gerber daisies, tulips and chrysanthemums.

Foliage in lieu of flowers can be a good choice, especially for weddings on a budget. Ivy and holly are traditional during the winter season, but also using plant or tree stems, dogwood, or even pussy willow stems can add height to a table display.

Expert Tip: Try embellishing flower or foliage displays with crystals or other bling. For a classic look just tie a large solid coloured ribbon.

Venue

The location for your wedding is right up there in importance to choosing the right wedding dress. A lot can go wrong if you find a bad venue. Don’t forget what time of year you’re planning your wedding for. Icy roads, spontaneous blizzards, and power outages aren’t uncommon during this festive time of year.

Make sure the venue of your wedding is easily accessible via car, has nearby accommodations, and is close to an international airport for your guests flying in from out of town. Rural areas are great for weddings, but hard to get to for traveling family.  Do everyone a favour and choose a venue that is easily accessible.

Expert Tip: When choosing a winter venue make sure the location has proper heating, snow & ice removal, and proper parking for guests. Snow and ice can make it difficult on wedding attendees, that’s why it’s so important to make sure guests are warm and safe.

These are just a few areas you should be concerned with for your next winter wedding. Are you planning a winter wedding? What colour palette did you choose?

Author’s Bio

Vera Mosley is a freelance writer and is planning her own wintery wedding. She also writes at TungtsenWorld.com, an online resource for tungsten wedding rings.

Cherub Ice Sculptures

Cherubs are a timeless classic for weddings, and offer a number of options for a sculpture – choose two cherubs holding a banner or heart, or add musical instruments for a cute twist. You could even add some functionality to your cherub ice carving by adding an ice luge feature that can be used to dispense drinks at your reception.

Heart Ice Sculptures

Hearts are another classic, and can be as simple or elaborate as you like – choose a series of interlinked hearts for a breathtaking centerpiece on the bridal table, or choose smaller hearts for all tables. You could even position a giant heart or two at the entrance of your reception venue for a romantic touch.

Swan Sculptures

Swans are always an instant hit, and for good reason. Nothing could be more romantic than a pair of entwined swans. A striking swan sculpture made entirely of ice and positioned on the bridal table or at the entrance to your reception venue is sure to have your guests mesmerized.

Favourite Characters

If you have always secretly dreamed of a Beauty and the Beast themed wedding, or a Little Mermaid under the sea wedding, then a life-like ice sculpture of your favourite character will be the ultimate way to bring your dream wedding to life.

Bride and Groom’s Names

Keep it simple and choose a design that has your names sculpted in ice. This can be done in any shape or form – either as part of a design, or as cursive script as a centerpiece for the bridal table.

Functional Ice Sculptures

To add even more value to your sculpture, why not consider a functional piece – ice luges can be used to pour cocktails, while champagne or snacks can be served on layer platters made of ice. These can have decorative items, while still adding a practical element to these ice sculptures, making them the perfect option for a fun wedding reception.

Author Bio:

Joan Smith is a writer and event specialist at Ice Art, offering ice sculptures to suit any occasion. Choose from live ice carving to custom designed ice sculptures, wedding and party ice sculptures and more.