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Unique Winter Wedding Ideas You Haven’t Seen Yet

October 11, 2024 | marissa

At Junebug Weddings, we believe your wedding should reflect your unique style and personality. While many people envision winter weddings as a predictable, chilly affair, there’s a whole world of creative possibilities waiting to be explored. From unexpected venues to interactive experiences, we’re here to share fresh, innovative ideas that will make your winter celebration truly one-of-a-kind. Embrace the season in a way that feels distinctively you with these 12 unique winter wedding ideas.

Junebug’s Favorite Unique Winter Wedding Ideas

Have a Nighttime Candlelit Ceremony

Few things rival the romance of a candlelit nighttime wedding ceremony. Imagine an aisle lined with flickering candles, hanging lanterns casting a soft glow, and an altar surrounded by warm, golden light. To make it even more enchanting, provide each guest with a candle to hold, creating a truly magical atmosphere. Not only will the setting feel intimate and unforgettable, but the photos will be epic.

candlelit ceremony makes for a unique winter wedding

Image by Scarlett O’Neill. See more of this candlelit wedding here.

Plan Ahead or Surprise Guests with Winter Activities

Winter weddings open the door to activities that are as memorable as they are seasonal.  Think ice skating, skiing, or snowmobiling. Even if it’s just the two of you, these moments can be woven into your celebration for unforgettable photos and experiences.

Want to bring your guests in on the fun? Consider organizing a day of skiing, setting out on a whale-watching tour, or even providing sleds at your reception. Junebug planner 4 Weddings & Events shares, “Depending on the guests, a horse sleigh ride, torch light walk or an ice curling tournament make a fun experience!”

couple riding snowmobile on wedding day

Image by Junebug-recommended photographer Chelsa Jay. See more of this adventurous Alaskan elopement here.

Serve Warm Beverages as a Welcome Gift 

You may have already thought about adding hot drinks to your bar menu, like hot toddies or Irish coffee. Take it a step further by offering guests a warm beverage as they arrive or while they’re being seated for the ceremony. Consider hot cocktails and mocktails or serving hot cocoa in custom mugs that double as wedding favors. It’s a thoughtful way to keep your guests warm and engaged during quieter moments.

Hold Your Reception in a Greenhouse

Trade the traditional banquet hall for the enchanting setting of a warm, lush greenhouse. Guests can enjoy the beauty of winter from indoors in the ultimate cozy space. The vibrant greenery and natural light provide a striking contrast to the snowy outdoors, creating a unique and magical ambiance for your celebration.

a greenhouse is a unique winter wedding reception venue

Image by Junebug-recommended Portuguese photographer Arte Magna. See more of this greenhouse wedding here.

Hire Figure Skaters for an On-Ice Performance

We’ve seen a lot of unique winter wedding ideas come to life through the years, but this is one we have yet to witness! There has certainly been rollerskating at weddings, and even synchronized swimmers at a reception–but how about an ice skating performance?

If your venue has access to an outdoor rink or frozen lake, this unique entertainment idea can seamlessly tie into the seasonal charm of your wedding day. Whether it’s set to one of your most meaningful songs or a festive winter melody, the performance is sure to be a memorable one. Another fun and unique idea–have your first dance as a couple on ice!

couple ice skating on wedding day

Image by Jessica Amber. See more of this Swiss elopement here.

Bring the Winter Wonderland Indoors with Hanging Installations

Elevate your winter wedding decor by looking up! Instead of just adorning tables and surfaces, consider creating a stunning ceiling installation. We love a hanging floral installation, and a winter-themed display could be just the thing to elevate your winter wedding decor.

Hang cascading garlands of pine, eucalyptus, or fir overhead, interspersed with icy accents like crystal beads or faux icicles. Add twinkle lights to create a magical atmosphere that transforms your ceremony or reception space into a winter wonderland.

hanging winter wedding installation

Image by Bows & Lavender. See more of this wedding here.

Set Up a Winter Spice Bar

Instead of the usual hot cocoa bar, think about offering an interactive winter spice bar. Guests can create their own blends of mulled wine, cider, or wassail. Then they can top it off with spices and garnishes like cinnamon sticks, star anise, and dried citrus. Cheers! 

Say I Do in a Library

If you’re seeking a unique indoor venue to escape the weather, consider a library. The scent of old books and classic architectural elements create an inviting but surely unforgettable atmosphere. Plus, the shelves offer plenty of photo opportunities for your couple portraits between the ceremony and reception.

a unique winter wedding venue is a library

Image by Wild Connections Photography. See more of this unique winter wedding here.

Indoor Snowfall

Live in a place where snow is hard to come by? Create your own winter wonderland by renting machines to produce a “snowfall” effect indoors for your grand entrance, first dance or reception finale. Your guests are sure to enjoy this unexpected touch that brings fun without the chill.

Nighttime Bonfire 

Instead of a traditional reception, consider hosting an after-dark celebration around a cozy bonfire. Delight your guests with gourmet s’mores, mulled wine, and other roasted snacks, complemented by blankets for lounging. For entertainment, you could feature an acoustic band, or for a more intimate crowd, consider storytelling sessions that highlight the couple’s love story.

a bonfire reception is a unique winter wedding idea

Image by Melissa Ferrara Photography. See more of this summer lake wedding here.

Go All Out with An Ice Sculpture or Luge

Elevate your winter wedding with a stunning ice sculpture or luge that offers a complete range of entertainment options. It can serve as an incredibly elegant piece of art or it can be a playful spot for guests to take shots, making for memorable moments throughout the evening. Either way, incorporating an ice feature is a unique winter wedding idea guests will love.

couple uses ice luge at wedding

Image by Carlos Elizondo. This wedding was organized by Junebug-recommended planner Bougainvillea Weddings.

Exit the Wedding in a Gondola or Sleigh 

Forget the traditional getaway car and embrace a wintery send-off that captures the magic of the season. If you’re celebrating at a mountain lodge or resort, wave goodbye to your guests from a cozy gondola, all while enjoying a portrait session with your photographer during the ride. Alternatively, let a charming sleigh whisk you away after a night of dancing, creating an unforgettable exit that perfectly complements your winter wedding.

Now that you’ve got unique winter wedding ideas ready, it’s time to choose your winter wedding color palette, decor, and centerpieces! 

Unique winter wedding ideas you haven't seen yet

Image by Chelsa Jay

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Black Tie Wedding Guest Dresses

October 10, 2024 | kailey

Image by Phosart.

Finding a wedding guest dress can be challenging. Adding the extra complexity that comes with it being for a black-tie wedding takes it up a notch. For those invited to a formal affair, start by looking over the invitation and wedding website for any specific dress code guidelines since every wedding is different. While it’s essential to choose something that makes you feel comfortable and confident, you also need to ensure your outfit aligns with the black-tie dress code.

If the invitation specifies “black-tie wedding,” and you’re unsure what that means, you’re not alone. We’ve compiled helpful tips, from understanding the dress code to online shopping ideas and outfit examples, to get you started. 

Tips for Purchasing Black Tie Wedding Guest Dresses

Purchasing black-tie wedding guest dresses sometimes requires more time and effort. With specific dress code restrictions, you can’t just hit ‘purchase’ for any dress you find online. You must be mindful of the colors, fabric, and formality. Before diving into where to buy black-tie wedding guest dresses online, here are some tips to consider. 

  • Check the wedding invitation for specific dress code requirements that could influence your outfit choice.
  • Consider the wedding season before purchasing your wedding guest dress—this could influence the color, style, or fabric choice. 
  • If possible, purchase your dress months in advance. This will give you ample time to make any necessary returns or alterations.  
  • Don’t rule out luxury dress rental services.
  • Don’t forget to accessorize with elegant pieces like a classy clutch, sparkling necklace, or elegant heels. 
  • When purchasing online, it’s important to review the return policy in case the dress doesn’t fit or meet your expectations.

Where to Purchase Black Tie Wedding Guest Dresses 

Not every store will carry dresses that fit the formal requirements of a black-tie wedding. That’s why it’s so important to be selective about where you shop. To help you start your search, here’s a list of top retailers known for their elegant, high-quality gowns that are perfect for a black tie affair.

Dress Ideas for those Attending a Black Tie Wedding

Now that you’ve got these tips and a list of where to shop for elegant black tie wedding guest dresses, it’s time to start shopping. To help you get started, we’ve rounded up some stunning black tie wedding guest dress ideas from each retailer that’ll have you looking and feeling like a million dollars. 

Black Tie Wedding Guest Dresses

BHLDN Luella Strapless Side-Slit Stretch Velvet Maxi Dress; BHLDN Selma Halter-Neck Satin Maxi Dress; BHLDN Saylor Cowl-Neck Satin Maxi Dress; By Anthropologie Long-Sleeve Off-The-Shoulder Knit Maxi Dress; Mac Duggal Square-Neck Ruffled Tiered Tulle Tea-Length Dress; Significant Other Lana Cowl-Neck Tie-Back Satin Maxi Dress

Black Tie Wedding Guest Dresses

Sathia Dress; Donya Dress; Rosy Dress; Pernille Silk Dress; Anaiis Silk Dress; Oren Silk Dress

Julia Dress; x REVOLVE Silk Rosalie Dress; Dorothea Gown; Penelope Gown; Alice Strapless Gown; x REVOLVE Angel Strapless Midi Dress

Black Tie Wedding Guest Dresses

Pleated Off-Shoulder Stretch Crepe Gown; Metallic Organza Backless Halter Gown; Floral Crushed Velvet Backless Gown; Off-Shoulder Stretch Velvet Gown; Angelique Metallic Jacquard Column Gown; The Romee Draped One-Shoulder Column Gown; Backless Maxi Cami Dress

Black Tie Wedding Guest Dresses

Bonnie Gown; Kruse Gown; Agyness Gown; Mae Gown; Candice Gown; Maia Gown

So you’ve been invited to a wedding, but instead of “black tie,” the dress code reads “black tie optional.” What does that even mean? To clear up the confusion, here’s a breakdown of what black tie optional really means, plus a few outfit ideas.

Image by Ricky Baillie.

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How to Create the Best Wedding Budget for You and Your Partner

October 10, 2024 | riley

Keep reading for wedding budget tips tailored to fit your unique needs and priorities. Image by Emma Jane Photography

We know money is a sensitive subject. But, when it comes time to set your wedding budget we want you to feel confident, so you can walk away from your budget spreadsheet knowing that you nailed it. That’s why we put so much time into creating wedding budget advice, tips, tricks, and tools for every couple.

Many couples struggle with how to start creating a wedding budget, but we’re here to help. Every couple is unique, which means every budget will be too. With a few simple steps, you can create a wedding budget that perfectly fits your needs and priorities.

How to Create the Best Wedding Budget for You and Your Partner

1. Set Your Wedding Budget Priorities

Before you do anything budget-related, you and your partner have to decide your top priorities for your wedding day. Chances are you won’t be able to throw unlimited amounts of money at everything you both want, so it’s important to decide together what areas will get the most attention. We recommend you each make a list of priorities separately, from highest to lowest, and then share them with one another.

From there, choose the top three areas you both think are most important, and plan to spend a good chunk of your budget on those areas. If you realize that none of your top three priorities match, try and switch to a top-two or top-four list, where each of you gets to choose one or two must-haves.

Then list out the other areas below those top priorities—from highest to lowest again—so you know how to allocate the remaining budget.

2. Talk to Anyone Who Is Contributing

Before you and your partner set your final numbers, talk to anyone who has expressed interest in helping fund your wedding and figure out exactly how much they want to contribute. That way, you can either subtract that number from you and your partner’s contribution–meaning you’ll pay less than you initially thought–or you can allocate the money you’re saving into another area of the wedding.

If your parents or grandparents haven’t brought up money by the time you’re ready to start creating your budget, don’t be afraid to ask in a polite and respectful way. If you approach the subject out of curiosity rather than with the expectation that they pitch in, they will be more likely to understand where you are coming from. Be prepared for the possibility that they might not be able to contribute anything.

3. Crunch The Numbers

Now that you know your priorities and know who is contributing money to the wedding, it’s time to figure out exactly how much you and your partner are willing to spend. This number will vary for every couple, but it should always be realistic. Meaning it needs to fit your personal finances and long-term goals, not the other way around.

Determine how much you can comfortably pull from your everyday budget without taking away from your other expenses. Then look ahead and figure out how much you can realistically put into a wedding savings account. Lastly, determine if you can responsibly take money from other savings accounts and how much that could be.

Keep in mind that ideally you and your partner should have about three months of living wages set aside in case of emergencies and you shouldn’t negotiate that security for the sake of your wedding. You also want to make sure you’re still making payments on existing debts, such as credit cards or student loans. Be sure to take these things into consideration as you crunch the numbers.

Once you have your numbers, combine them with any contributions you’ll be getting from family members, and you’ve got a wedding budget to start working with.

4. Determine Your Guest Count

Unless you’ve decided to elope, the greatest impact on your budget is your guest count. It will determine your venue size and your food and alcohol budget since you’ll likely pay per person. If you’re on a really tight budget, this is where it’s most important to be strategic and follow narrow down your wedding guest list to ensure you can afford your other must-haves.

Even if you’re not on a tight budget, take some time to think about what size wedding you really want. Then think about the financials in terms of how much you and your partner want to allocate to catering and how that breaks down per-person. From there, you should be able to budget out multiple scenarios with varying guest counts and choose the one you like the most.

5. Creating Your Ideal Wedding Budget Through Research

Couples tend to forget when setting a wedding budget that location determines many of the expenses. Weddings vary in cost depending on geographic location, which is why researching the costs in your specific area–or your specific destination–is vital for keeping you and your partner on budget.

While researching, also note the price differences for getting married during the week versus the weekend and the price differences for each month of the year. There are many creative ways to save money on your wedding, so do as much research on your options as you can.

6. Prepare For The Unexpected

When it comes to wedding planning, unexpected things will come up. It a fact and it’s totally okay. Some things you’ll be able to rework, and others you’ll have to let go of. One way to stay ahead of the game is to prepare for wedding expenses that aren’t on most wedding budget lists.

For example, did you know that some hotels will charge you as much as $7 per unit to deliver welcome bags to your guests’ hotel rooms? Yeah, that one catches many couples by surprise, too. These little things add up over time, which is why we’ve created a list of unexpected wedding expenses to keep in mind. It covers everything from postage to taxes, tips, and fees. Trust us, you’ll be so glad you built those little things into your budget from the very beginning.

7. Decide Whether The Honeymoon Is A Separate Wedding Budget

Now, for the best part of wedding planning–the honeymoon. Some couples include the honeymoon and its essentials in their overall wedding budget, while others choose to create a separate budget altogether. Again, everyone is different here. It will depend on what seems most logical to you and your partner.

You may have money in your daily budget set aside for travel, and the honeymoon would come out of that, so it makes sense to keep them separated. Or, perhaps it’s easier to set one budget and include everything wedding and honeymoon related into that. There’s no one right way to do it. Just be realistic and decide what works for your unique situation.

With these tips, you should be well on your way to creating the best wedding budget for you and your partner. We know that wedding planning–budgeting especially–can be stressful, so be sure to check out our ten tips to beat wedding planning stress before you tackle any stressful tasks.

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