Winter weddings have the potential to be truly magical, and with a professional wedding photographer you can capture every element of the frosty landscape, warm reception and atmospheric details of the big day. Although your photographer will have lots of their own skills and ideas for bringing your winter wedding to life, there are some ways that you can help set the scene too. Here are a few tips for winter wedding photography, for when you come to planning the finer details for your ceremony and reception.
Time Your Wedding!
Planning a wedding in the cooler months not only involves tip-toeing around the big seasonal events, but you should also bear in mind that the days are a lot shorter in the winter. This is particularly important for photos, so try not to have your wedding too late in the day if you want to get some nice outdoor snaps such as getting out of the car and church, or family snaps at the reception.
Wrap Up Warm!
Whilst you’ll probably have the heating turned up inside, if it’s a nice clear day you’ll also want to have some outdoor wedding photos to add to the album. Whether the ground is covered in a thick blanket of snow or you have a backdrop of frosty branches, you should pick out a few luxury items of clothing that can keep you wrapped up warm for these photos. And they can really add to the overall effect of the images too.
Ladies, why not hire a faux far jacket, cloak or shawl, to cover your arms or shoulders whilst completing your look? As for the gents, a stylish scarf for yourself or a blanket to wrap over you and your bride can create some really cute winter photos. For snowy days, choosing a colour other than white will add a little contrast and colour, so that you don’t just blend into your surroundings.
Indoor Photos
There are so many ways that you can really embrace the winter wonderland theme for your big day, but don’t rely on all of those atmospheric shots being outdoors. If your wedding is in the festive season, be sure to have a Christmas tree and some mistletoe if the venue isn’t providing this already. You could also include sweet ideas such as candles, Christmas lights, holly and ivy, and fake snowflakes, to make the reception inside look as magical even if the weather outside isn’t up to scratch.
Winter weddings are not only cheaper and a lot easier to arrange, but they can evoke some really impressive photos that stand out from the predictable wedding images you get from summer dates. Prepare for the weather and shorter days, find some props and layers that will be in-keeping with your theme, and be sure to find a professional photographer that knows how to capture winter shots, and you’ll be over the moon with the results, and if you are make sure you recommend your photographer to others that’s the best way to say thanks!
Article by Rebecca Fearn of Rebecca Fearn Photography who is a professional photographer in Huddersfield West Yorkshire. You can follow her on twitter @fearnphotos
