By KATH GANNAWAY
SERIOUSLY, would anyone chance a winter wedding?
Well … yes! And, it’s not just the cost that makes it an attractive alternative to the other more ‘colourful’ seasons.
Cost is, however a factor and there are some significant savings to be made which may tip the scales on the fairytale venue that would otherwise be out of reach.
Many venues throughout the region are able to host the whole day from accommodation for the bridal party and guests, to a chapel or other indoor or outdoor space for the ceremony, beautiful backdrops for photos, and, of course, the reception.
Photographer, Lyn Francis, from Diva For A Day, says a winter wedding has a lot to recommend it … but it does take a bit of extra planning.
Knowing what the setting will look like in winter is a must.
“A lot of people come to the valley for the vines,” Lyn said.
“They come in January and book the wedding for August, but at that time of the year it is a very different landscape with no leaves on the vines.”
In terms of the cold, Lyn suggests a pretty shrug.
“It not only helps keep the shoulders nice and warm, it can look really fabulous,” she said.
She said there is absolutely no avoiding getting the wedding dress dirty around the bottom – it goes with the season, is unavoidable and the only antidote is acceptance.
Flat footwear is another concession that won’t spoil the photographs, but will avoid a lot of frustration with heels sinking into the soft lawn.
Finally, always have a contingency plan for an outdoor ceremony.
Lyn said one of her brides had her heart set on getting married by the Yarra River, but unrelenting rain on the day forced the ceremony inside.
“All the chairs were set up and there was a beautiful floral arch, but it wouldn’t fit inside the room.
“Always plan for both an outdoor wedding and an indoor.”
When it comes to winter photography, Lyn says there are some real advantages – but also some pitfalls for the unknowing.
“In winter a lot of weddings are around 4pm and the light is gone by 5.
“By the time you photograph family groups there is no light left for the bride and groom and the bridal party photos.”
The solution for some couples has been to have the photos before the ceremony, leaving only the family groups before everyone heads into the reception.
Buying colour-matched umbrellas can be enchanting, and there are unique opportunities such as puddle reflections and bursts of sunshine through amazing cloud formations as a backdrop.
And, no squinting.
Just gorgeous smiles, happy faces … and a snug feeling.
