January 4, 2018
For many couples trying to plan a wedding and choose a date, winter is not an option often considered. But maybe it should be! Today’s blog is a comprehensive overview of the pros and cons of Winter weddings on LBI. There are a few reasons many couples do not consider winter a viable option. The first is weather. And while there is no denying that this is a problem, there are a number of reasons and ways in which you can work around it. In the end, save a a ton of money while also providing your guests with a really fun and unique experience. And who wouldn’t want that?!
While there are a few things that you should keep in mind when planning a Winter wedding on LBI, they are by no means insurmountable. You just need to make sure that you consider them when planning your wedding and timeline.
While LBI might not be the easiest place to clean after a snow storm, it’s more than likely that your guests are staying over from out of town, and will not be traveling far to get to your wedding. You can not underestimate the beauty of LBI, beaches, and dunes, in snow. Yes, no doubt they are cold. But with the right planning and wardrobe considerations (think shawls, faux-fur, and adorable snow boots) you can even get gorgeous outdoor photos and if you have always dreamed of an outdoor ceremony and reception, you can. All you need is the right tent design with clear walls and heaters. And guess what else, you are more likely to get all your top-pick vendors! You will also get amazing personalized attention, because it is likely that you are that vendor or venues only wedding for that weekend.
Winter weather on Long Beach Island can be a doozy. Snow, rain, wind. But really, the island’s weather can be challenging no matter what season you choose for your wedding. Summer brings crowds, hot sun, sweat, thunderstorms, and bugs! Winter weddings on LBI just have a different set of problems, but they are just as easily overcome.
If you think about it, bad weather–rain, hurricanes, wind–these are problems that in one way or another could be faced anytime of year. Richie and I got married two years to the day after Hurricane Sandy, and two weeks after Hurricane Joaquin. We lucked out. And it convinced me of one thing: Every single couple needs wedding insurance. If you’re on the fence about investing in wedding insurance, read this post here. It’s not a huge investment and you will sleep better knowing you have it, no matter what season you choose for your wedding.
Because it’s the off-season, many vendors and venues offer steep discounts for a couple planning a Winter weddings on LBI. So, not only can you have a winter wedding on LBI, but you can save a ton of money. Perhaps use it to finance that tropical honey moon!?! There are plenty of local businesses that will be more than happy to work with you to provide wedding details that will make your wedding even more fun. My new favorite LBI haunt is The Local. They have amazing hot beverages and the best home-made pop tarts. And they are open all year. With a little planning, you will be able to support a small local business and give your guests a super-unique LBI experience! Think about The Local’s hot coco with a nice selection of different ways for your guests to spike it. Baileys anyone?
True. Many restaurants, hotels, and venues close for winter. But not all of them. And many will be more than happy to accommodate Winter weddings on LBI in the off season because their revenue is down.
You will want to consider the winter weather when selecting your wardrobe. You can certainly choose a dress with sleeves. In fact they are all the rage right now. But don’t think you have to get sleeves, instead you will want to be sure to purchase a second piece to wear so that you can be comfortable outside taking portraits. You may also consider asking your seamstress for a removable lining inside your bottom half to increase your warmth. This way, you can remove it once inside for your reception. Think about beautiful wraps, soft blankets, stoles, jackets. Not just for the bride but for bridesmaids as well. But the winter wedding dress leaves you open to some gorgeous, luxurious fabric options that a spring or summer wedding does not.
You are unlikely to have that light airy dress. And you might spend a little more on wardrobe pieces. But if you choose the right ones, they are far more likely then your wedding gown to have a “second life” in your wardrobe. What I mean is, you are far more likely to wear you faux-fur wrap out to next years New Year’s eve party then you are to wear your wedding gown again.
Who doesn’t dream of unique wedding photography. I spend a lot of time looking at wedding photography. A lot. And I loooove it when I see couples taking photos that are a little outside the box. Don’t go crazy. You don’t have to rent a reindeer to pose with. But if you did, I wouldn’t stop you. I would actually love the challenge of finding you one.
Your photographer will be someone to discuss the timeline with very early in your planning process. Because it’s winter, you will have fewer daylight hours. Your photographer can help you solve this problem by helping you to choose a time for your ceremony that will help you to achieve all your photography goals. With fewer daylight hours, you are going to have a smaller window to achieve outdoor shots. And outdoor shots mean natural light. And natural light always makes for some really stunning wedding photography. So you will likely want to have an early afternoon ceremony. It also means you are more likely to want to plan for a location to host an after party. Whoot! Whoot!
Florals are another winter wedding consideration to keep in mind while planning. Your floral choices might be a bit limited by budget during the winter season, but there’s no reason why they still can’t be stunning. Have a conversation with your florist to see what unique ideas they have, and don’t be afraid to mix up your greenery selections like this bride, who chose evergreen, eucalyptus, and succulents, off set roses with pinecones, and winter berries
If you have your heart set on peonies, then you are probably going to have to get married in the spring. Unless you want to pay a lot more for them. But if you are a lover of some of the more unique blooms that are available (you can always get roses) then winter will be your jam. And do not get yourself stuck on the idea that you have to choose tons of evergreens. You don’t. Talk to your florist, because I’m sure they will have tons of ideas for you! And be excited by the idea of doing something different!
If you enjoyed today’s blog post on Winter weddings on LBI, and you found yourself considering the pros and cons of Winter weddings, stay tuned, because Monday’s blog will be all about the perfect winter wedding color pallet and will provide you with just a few awesome winter wedding ideas. Who knows, maybe you just might end up with a stunning winter wedding with portraits in the snow!
Thank you to the photographers who allow us to use their images on our site:
Ashley Mac Photographs, Heather Palecek Photography, Idalia Photography, Jessica Erb Photography, Susan Elizabeth Photography, Delaney Dobson Photography, Ann Coen Photography, Lovesick Inc., K Hulett Photography & Melanie Cassie Photography
BWE | 825 Devon Street | Forked River, New Jersey 08731
(973) 477-1392 | jeanne@bogathevents.com
Thank you for featuring our beautiful couple!