Elaine Bell
Content Manager at Together & Company
Have you ever considered booking your wedding in the winter? When everywhere seems to be completely booked, we have a little trade secret we’re going to clue you in on: the off-season.
The Fives all decked out for Amanda and Jeremy’s New Year’s Eve wedding. Photo by Derk’s Works
January through March is what we in the wedding world call the “off-season”. It’s the time of year when there are more opportunities for couples to book a wedding than any other time, across the board at any venue. For years we wondered why this is the case, because having spoken to thousands of couples about their wedding goals, we know that winter wedding season can be a best-case-scenario as a time to book your wedding!
We want to share with you all our insider knowledge on the advantages to having a winter wedding. So we put together 5 reasons why winter is the best to book your wedding!
1. Why wait to tie the knot?
You just got engaged and you’re eager to do some research and nail down a wedding venue. You had all these gorgeous venues in mind for summer or fall but each one is telling you they’re booked until a year or more from now.
Venues have winter openings!
We’re here to tell you that your wedding timeline doesn’t have to be that long! Ask the venues on your list if they have any openings this winter. What they might not be telling you is that they probably have a date or two open just six months out or less! And trust us, they’ll want you in there. This leads us to our next reason…
Jade and Justin’s March wedding ceremony at The Fives. Photo by Ohio Comfort Photography.
2. Negotiations are on the table
When a wedding venue is trying to fill up open spots during their “off-season”, they will probably be more likely to reduce their booking minimums. This means you might be able to get your favorite venue without compromising other areas of your budget.
Wanting a smaller guest count?
This strategy is also advantageous if you desire a more intimate wedding. If you’re wanting a lower guest count without sacrificing elegant surroundings, winter is the time to book that wedding venue you’ve had your eye on. During the winter months, venues are more likely to make an exception for their guest count minimums.
3. Make your guests an automatic "yes"
You know how it gets once wedding season hits. Other weddings, family commitments, vacations – and how does that one friend always end up in Europe every summer?! Sometimes you don’t want to book your wedding *too* soon because you know how busy everyone already is this year.
Host the event of the season
In the months of January, February, and March, guess what people are up to? They’re stuck at home, bummed out after the highs of the holidays, and awaiting spring to attend social events. Not only will they most definitely be able to attend, your winter wedding will be the first highlight of their year!
Chelsea and Chris walk down the aisle together at the High Line Car House. Photo by Jessica Miller Photography.
4. Winter Ambiance Perks (That's right, we said "perks"!)
Warm winters at The Fives
We’ll state the obvious here. From January to March, not only is it cold here in Ohio, it also gets dark earlier! At a venue like The Fives, this poses the perfect ambiance for a sparkling soirée, whether you’re sashaying away in the Social Hall or partying it up on the Terrace with the city of Columbus lighting the night sky.
Amanda and Jeremy share a dance – In winter, the glittering crystal chandeliers above you won’t be competing with the sunset by the time you have your first dance. Photo by Derk’s Works.
Cozy celebrations at the High Line Car House
Alternatively, you can choose a venue like the High Line Car House for a warm celebration with brick walls and industrial touches that will charm you and your guests twice as much during the blustery winter months. In the winter, the sun dips below the city as your ceremony begins, giving the perfect opportunity for your photographer to take award-winning photos that capture the warm, candle-lit moment.
Chelsea and Chris celebrate their winter wedding at the High Line Car House. Award-winning photos by Jessica Miller Photography
Make your theme match the scene
Winter weddings are the perfect opportunity to select contrasting, romantic hues in your floral palette. Deep red flowers and frosty greenery sprinkled over tables and woven throughout the room will highlight those classic winter vibes for your perfect evening. Or you can go with a more neutral, cozy palette to coordinate with the warm brick hues in the Main Hall. The High Line Car house is a versatile space so you can customize your decor however your winter visions see fit!
If snow becomes part of the forecast for your evening like Rachel and Doug, you get to capture uniquely magical moments with your photographer that can’t be created any other time of year. Photos by Ashley West Photography, Florals by Madison House Designs.
Check out our list of venue partners to imagine yourself having your wedding in their spaces around Columbus this winter.
5. Seasonal menu features
Something that often doesn’t get showcased when inquiring about a winter wedding is that some caterers offer seasonal features on their menus. There are many warm winter dishes and flavors that only get brought out a few months out of the year. We’ve got some seriously delectable items on our seasonal menus to inspire you for your winter wedding menu. Some of our favorite appetizers like Potato Croquettes and sides like our Cauliflower & Gruyere Gratin aren’t available during other seasons. So we get really excited when couples have the opportunity to choose them from our winter menu.
Custom cocktails, the ultimate crowdpleaser
And let’s not forgot custom cocktails. Our beverage concierge is always stoked to help you concoct the perfect cold weather signature beverage. It’s just another way you can put an exclusive and warming touch on your special day.
Some of our favorite winter dishes and hors d’oeuvres from years past.
Share our secrets
We’ve given you all we know about why winter is the best time to book your wedding. Share this post with another newly engaged couple who you know are looking for the best time to book! We are all about people having a wedding experience that is filled with ease, fantastic food, and time well spent together. And if this got you curious about what your wedding could look like this winter, fill out an inquiry form and one of our event partners will be in touch. We can’t wait to fulfill all your winter wonderland visions!
Tarin & Andy celebrate their winter wedding with stunning winter decor at The High Line Car House. Photo by Hailey Lauren Photography.
While the marriage bells keep ringing…
Inquire about your winter wedding today!
Elaine Bell creates stories through writing and social media content for Together & Company after being an event server and baker for the team. She is passionate about storytelling and considers herself a multi-hyphenate creative. In her writing she loves to connect the dots and offer helpful resources for readers looking for the best way to host their event. You can follow her on LinkedIn or reach out directly to ebell@togetherandco.com.
Header photo by Ashley West Photography. Florals by Madison House Designs.
