Planning a Winter Wedding? Try an Ice Hotel

It's never too early to plan your winter wedding. The first important point to remember is to make the venue as close as possible to your home. That being said, I would choose a hotel near the weddding venue, so your guests can come up a day or two earlier if necessary, due to inclimate weather. This will ensure the majority of your guests attending your special day.

I would pick early January, because, the weather is usually better in most areas than it is in the later winter months. Now, to pick the specific date: Upon researching, I am happy to report that the following dates are considered lucky days to hold weddings: January 2, 4,11, 19, and 21. I would choose January 2, because it is a Saturday, and none of the other dates fall on a weekend. If Sunday, the 3rd works better that is still the weekend of the 2nd, so luck will be with you. Now, you should look at a lovely wedding venue that will coordinate your January, wintry theme. One of my favorite ideas is having your wedding in a cozy mansion. There is no better place than gothic chandeliers, blazing fires, and warm surroundings. Check the area where you are planning to hold your wedding and see if there are any victorian mansions or historic homes that are available to you. Remember that with our present economy price is indeed an important factor. Do not be shy, and tell each venue that you are shopping around for the best price. You may be surprised that they are willing to work with you. Always check hotel ballrooms, or quaint hotel dining rooms. Elegant or cozy restaurants are another good choice. If you have a favorite restaurant the two of you frequent, the owner may just offer you the best deal of all. You can always turn any venue into the theme you desire. That is what decorations, lighting, candles, colors, and food can do. I am also in favor of renting a huge tent for the reception. Make sure it will be heated for your guests, but this venue is quite economical and very trendy. (Many celebreties choose this venue, even with all their riches) You can make this as extravagant as you wish. I personally, held my son Chad's baby naming under a tent and it was exquisite!

Planning a winter wedding can be economical when it comes flowers. Why? Well, you could decide to use tree branches, and greenery, instead of flowers, or in addition to flowers, which will add a very wintry effect.

Perhaps, you want to include a hot chocolate bar, complete with cinnamon, sugar, whipped cream, and marshmallows. This is unusual and a lovely addition. Of course, if you can afford to add a chocolate or hazelnut liquor, you will certainly wow your guests. This should definitely be less expensive than a martini bar which is so popular.

Think out of the box when it comes to choosing your color scheme. Most couples pick icy blue, silver, red, or green for their winter wedding. Be different! Choose, gold, royal blue, deep purple, or white and cream. Your choices are endless and should always complement the venue you have chosen. Once you choose where the wedding will be, then decide what colors will make the best statement for you as a couple. It truly can be a fun time for both of you as you plan this glorious day. Once again, keep your budget in mind!

Another idea in planning a winter wedding is to decide how many people will attend. If you are planning a large wedding you may tend to choose a venue that is less expensive than if you were planning a smaller wedding.
As you can see, many factors determine what type of wedding you desire. But whatever your choice, don't become embroiled in the arguing so many couples experience. Start simple, adding ideas as you go along.
I remember former first lady, Jacqueline Kennedy, who was known for her style and grace, choosing the less is better idea in fashion and hosting.

As always, I try to offer my readers a different way to look at something. I feel choosing a tent wedding, is certainly different. Another choice would be to pick a destination that is warm, and have your winter wedding in Mexico or the Islands. This will force you to keep the wedding small, and perhaps stick to your budget. You can also honeymoon in the place you have chosen, and save quite a bit of money. Please note that I have never mentioned ski resorts, or a Christmas or New Year"s theme, for these are obvious venue choices for winter weddings.

Finally, I will offer one last twist: Fly to Canada and have your wedding in an Ice Hotel. Truly, this hotel is made of ice and sounds like the experience of a lifetime. This is so unusual, but I must include it because it is my favorite choice of all. You should keep it very small as it is expensive, but this is probably the most extraordinary venue of all. They offer weddings beginning at $2199 which is in Canadian dollars. It would be less in American dollars. The maximum capacity is 40 guests, but they could accomodate more if so desired. I would definitely choose this venue only if I were happy with a small wedding. I found out that anyone can spend a night in this hotel at about $324 per person.(this includes, breakfast and dinner) The hotel is called Hotel de Glace and is in Quebec, Canada. Someday, I would love to spend the night here with my family. If I ever do, I promise to write a full review. Should you actually get married in this Ice Hotel, please let me know.

www.icehotel-canada.com
www.weddingstand.com