Wedding lovelies, we have a special guest post for you. When it comes to having a winter wedding, we know it can be tricky for South Asian families. You may have the wedding in the intense season of snow and ice, or low temperatures and gusty winds. Either way, our souls need to stay warm. I asked Megan Velez of Destination Weddings Travel Group, a BF Red Book wedding vendor, to give us the scoop on having a South Asian wintertime wedding.
Photo by Angela Canary, view the full wedding.
Who’s to say that winter destination weddings can’t be just as magical as any other time of the year?
In addition to off-season savings and easy-to-find vendors, there are a number of reasons to consider a wintry celebration away from home. While you may be thinking about a destination wedding on the shores of some faraway beach, don’t discount a snowy mountain wedding as well. The choice is yours, but there’s certainly merit in taking a vacation to round out your wedding planning experience. After all, you’ll surely want the break.
A destination wedding can also be the perfect solution to escaping the cold – read on for our best practices when planning for a winter South Asian wedding away from home.
Colors
When it comes to winter color palettes, there’s just something about rich, warm tones that bring coziness to an event. While reds and golds are an Indian wedding staple, don’t be afraid to branch out into bold jewel tones (think emerald, amethyst and sapphire blue!) for your wedding, whether it’s the floral design of a mandap or the intricate stitching of a sari. Incorporate a bold pattern for an extra touch.
Seasonal Local Flair
Seeking some time in the sun while you’re off to get hitched? If you’re saying “I do” in another hemisphere, consider the season and incorporate the local flair for a fun atmosphere. Speak with local florists and designers to get an idea of what colors and textures are popular in the region – it’ll certainly be a nice change from your hometown weather! If you’re tying the knot in Mexico, for example, find a way to incorporate dahlia, the national flower, into the centerpieces. Jetting off to Barcelona? Opt for tapas and work in lots of fresh fruits and funky patterns. Bring in dramatic drapery and lush centerpieces that match your dream color scheme. The key to designing your winter destination wedding is to be bold, but consistent.
Guest List
One of the greatest things about planning a winter wedding is that your guests most likely won’t be missing your celebration due to scheduled plans as they would in the summer. You won’t have to worry about competing with family vacations or planning logistics around the local annual marathon – it’ll be all about you and your loved ones!
With that in mind, be sure that your invitations explicitly list where each event is specifically taking place and dressing tips for each. For example, if your wedding guests will need transportation between the mehndi ceremony and the sangeet, they may need to bring a warm jacket! If your cocktail hour will be spent on the beach, let your guests know so they’ll slather on the sunscreen and wear appropriate footwear (or none!).
Staying Warm
Just because it’s chilly doesn’t mean you can’t wear that stunning lehenga you’ve been eyeing. If you’re tying the knot in the cold, don some warm leggings under your sari or find a matching jacket that complements it – you’ll surely shed it once you hit the dance floor for bhangra!
Food and drinks are the best way to bring a warm and cozy atmosphere to your wedding. Spicy options are a must, with authentic curries and seasoned vegetables topping off guests’ plates. Other great comfort dishes for the cold are dals and classic dishes such as chicken with mushroom sauce. If you’re wary about serving overly spicy food, feel free to tone it down but be sure to provide some extra chilies on the side for those who love to feel the burn.
As for drinks, you may also want to consider a spiced chai or hot chocolate bar or a spiced wine station in addition to your traditional bar. Bring some heat to the dance floor with spices and flavorings that guests can add to personalize their own sips.
Still can’t stand the cold? If you’re getting hitched some place warm, incorporate traditional Indian yogurt dishes, like chicken korma and raita, to keep guests cool and satisfied. Work in a lassi bar for sweet and salty drinks alike – your guests will love the option!
The wonderful thing about destination weddings is that they can take place anywhere in the world. Whether you’re breathing in that alpine air or basking in warm sunrays, jetting off for your winter wedding could be just the answer. Winter weddings come with a number of perks and are certainly worth the thought!
Thanks Megan for the tips. Be sure to check out DestinationWeddings.com, the world’s leading destination wedding and romantic travel planning company, their featured Indian destination wedding, and their Red Book page.