Planning a winter wedding?

The crucial information every winter wedding couple needs to know courtesy of renowned Surrey venue the Bingham.

Planning a winter wedding will be a magical experience and you can have so much fun experimenting with decor ideas, foods and colour schemes for this magical season. But when you are planning a winter wedding there are a few things you need to consider that couples planning weddings in the spring and summer won't need to plan.

Amy Braund, wedding and events manager at the Bingham shares some of the crucial information that every winter wedding couple needs to know.

You must have contingency plans
The Met Office has predicted this winter to have heavy snowfall, so if you're thinking about beautiful outdoor photos, just also make sure you are equally as happy with your indoor photography options. Your wedding photographer and your wedding venue will be able to advise you on the best spots so you won't be caught off-guard on the day. Heavy snowfall could also impact travel conditions so you may want to offer your bridal party the opportunity to stay at the venue the night before the big day so there is no concern over heavy traffic the morning of the wedding. The Bingham offers 15 beautifully decorated rooms so you have the option for you and your bridal party and select guests to stay the night before the big day - subject to availability.

You can have fun with your menu
One of the most exciting part about planning a winter wedding is being able have so much fun with a comforting winter menu. The chefs at the Bingham will help you to create a beautiful winter wedding menu, including winter petit fours and a delicious Christmas inspired wedding breakfast. You can also have fun with your arrival drinks - it's one of the first things your guests will see of your wedding and will be a perfect way to set the tone of your winter wedding. Choose from creamy eggnog, warm apple cider or aromatic mulled wine. Then don't forget to serve some beautiful festive canapés, the Bingham have created some delicious options tailored specifically to winter weddings.

Your venue will already be beautifully decorated
Most venues will have their own stunning Christmas decorations - and the Bingham is no exception. Ask your wedding venue how they decorate at Christmas time, it's likely they will have a stunning Christmas tree, twinkling fairy lights and other decorations and you can use this as part of your own wedding decor. Additional decor will be easy to find If you want to add even more Christmas style to your wedding venue then you will find plenty of ideas in the shops - and you will be feeling thankful that the high street starts stocking Christmas decorations so early! Think vases of baubles, twinkling lights and plenty of sparkle!

Selection boxes make great favours!
It's not just the decor that will be easy to find, you can have so much fun with your wedding favours. Our personal favourite is selection boxes for every guest!

You can have christmas songs
What could be more perfect for your winter wedding than mixing song Christmas songs into your playlist? Ask your DJ to include some of your festive favourites that are sure to get everyone dancing.

Festive cheer will make your day even more romantic
Christmas and New Year are such a happy time of year that celebrate family, friends and coming together. That warm glowy feeling you get at Christmas will spill over into your wedding and make everything feel extra special.

A winter wedding at the Bingham
By celebrating your winter wedding at the Bingham you will be able to take advantage of the magical winter wedding package. On arrival guests will be treated to a festive drink - including mulled wine, eggnog, or warm apple cider, followed by delicious festive canapes. Followed on with a three course wedding breakfast with winter-inspired petit fours and finished with hot chocolate and marshmallows, tea and coffee. Guests also receive half a bottle of wine, half a bottle of mineral water and a glass of champagne for the toast. There are also a host of extras to make your day even more memorable, including use of the Bingham's master of ceremonies and wedding planner, place cards, menus and a table plan and exclusive use of the garden rooms, terrace and gardens. The terrace canopy and garden room ceilings will also be covered with twinkling fairy lights to add to the festive feel. The package also includes a food and wine tasting for the couple, evening food and a reduced rate for the Bridal Suite.

For more information on the Bingham's Winter Wedding Packages, please contact Angelia Grabowska, wedding planner at the Bingham on 020 8940 0902, email angelia@thebingham.co.uk or visit www.thebingham.co.uk