Winter Weddings: Get inspired with The Wedding Club
Find out how to organise the perfect winter wedding with wedding expert Clare Thompson
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Matt Thomas asks wedding expert Clare Thompson of The Wedding Club for her top tips for a successful winter wedding.
We all know the score when it comes to traditional spring and summer weddings, but what do you do when the temperature drops and the weather is entirely unpredictable to ensure that your wedding is a sparkling success, the pictures are perfect and the guests don’t freeze?
With designer stores in London’s Knightsbridge and Birmingham, The Wedding Club are exclusive stockists of international designers including Carolina Herrera and Christos Costarellos. The boutique operates a “by appointment” policy, which allows them to offer a relaxed, bespoke and personal service to every customer. In addition to exclusive designer dresses, it also offers selected accessories including Freya Rose shoes, Stephanie Browne accessories and bridesmaid dresses by Ghost and Dessy.
Both stores regularly hold special events for their client base showcasing established and emerging brands to complete the bridal offering. The Wedding Club can also offer consultancy on all aspects relating to the wedding day, via recommendations of the best florists, caterers and suppliers.
Is the spring/summer season still by far the most popular time for weddings or are you seeing more people choosing a winter wedding these days? Summer weddings are still the most popular choice, although the balance is shifting as the UK weather is so unreliable and couples may need to secure their dream venue by being flexible with their dates.
What sort of locations/venues do you think lend themselves best to a winter wedding? Fabulous hotels such as The Savoy, The Rosewood London, Claridge’s and The Corinthia. There are also some stunning dry hire venues in London, such as One Marylebone and One Belgravia. A beautiful venue allows for the whole day to be contained inside, within striking surroundings whilst still lending itself to incredible photography.
What style of dress would you recommend for a winter bride? A dress with some sparkle will always brighten up the darker days and nights of a winter wedding. Couple it with lots of candles and it becomes a magical event. Sleeves are also a great option, for warmth, and they are also very on-trend currently.
Can a white wedding still be a chic (or even chicer?) option for winter? Think Grace Kelly and you have the ultimate look for a truly chic white winter wedding. A winter wedding allows a bride to be very fashion forward, with high neck dresses, sleeves and jackets all being great and an elegant choice.
What sort of flowers would you recommend? Stay seasonal – maybe white berries rather than red, to avoid being too Christmassy. Add lots of green foliage to make the berries pop.
And what sort of catering/style of party? A black tie dress code always looks classic and elegant. Ladies in stunning long dresses and the gentlemen in DJs. Keep the food seasonal and warming too, perhaps add a warming punch with pretty bowl and glasses and keep the champagne flowing!
What would you recommend in terms of combatting unpredictable weather conditions? Choose a venue that you adore inside and where the ceremony can flow into the reception, and you won’t need to step out into the cold at all…
Are there particular designers that you represent who you feel lend themselves more to a winter wedding? Naeem Khan is the absolute king when it comes to beading and sparkle and he knows how to brighten up a space. The stiffer fabrics that Carolina Herrera uses also create a more formal affair, without being too restrictive, so the bride can still party the night away. With accessories, a statement sparkly crown or tiara would be the perfect finishing touch for a winter bride.
