For me growing up I had always the picture of a summer wedding as the real wedding. If a wedding happened at any other time especially at winter, there must be something askew. Something weird.
Since we’ve been providing the musical accompaniment to weddings, especially Civil Weddings which happen in non consecrated surroundings (Hotels, Country Houses, etc!) the Winter Wedding, especially around Christmas time brings with it a different magical aura.
For the music element of your ceremony you now have the option of including classic Christmas hymns such as O Holy Night and Silent Night which bring beautiful solemnity with a touch of drama (O Holy Night) to proceedings.
From December, most venues will have their Christmas decorations up including lighting outside and with the sun setting earlier, this really adds to that magical atmosphere. With people in the ‘Christmas Spirit’ there is also a different context, something warm and cosy. In some places there will be turf fires roaring and mulled wine brewing.
Another small point is that there is no expectation or even realistic hope of the weather playing it’s part. Choosing a winter wedding in Ireland, the expectation of ‘good weather’ simply does not play a role thus minimising the disappointment if the heavens open. It also means that our guests have no option but to dress appropriately. Well it’s be cold, wrap up, bring your wellies just in case!! (joke)
So with all of that experience under our belt we can definitely say that we are as much fans of the Winter Wedding as we are the more ‘traditional’ Summer Soiré!