As I researched "alternative" weddings—including ceremonies that don't take place in the summer—I began to warm to the idea of having a wedding when it's cold outside, at the time of year most people planning weddings don't give a second thought to.
What I discovered is that having a "winter wedding" is quite different than simply having a wedding in the winter. A winter wedding incorporates aspects of winter, allowing the season to influence everything from attire and favors to cuisine and decorations—not to mention location. And what better location for a winter wedding than New England? (Okay, Vail, Colorado might be okay, too.) With the abundance of ski resorts, mountain inns and cold weather, the choice of venues is seemingly endless.
If your heart is set on getting married in Massachusetts, head to the Berkshires. One of the premiere spots in the mountains is the Cranwell Resort in Lenox, a majestic mansion half an hour from Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort. Boasting 114 guest rooms, suites, cottages and townhouses, a full-service spa, three restaurants and fireplaces galore, Cranwell caters specifically to those wishing to have an elegant winter wedding.
From the moment the wedding party arrives at the mansion doors in horse-drawn carriages, the staff at Cranwell takes care of even the most minute details. Guests are served a variety of hearty wintry fare, including Miniature Beef Wellington and dollops of whipped delight from the Potato Martini Bar. The resort keeps plenty of libations on hand, including their own Cranwell Private Label Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, certain to warm the cockles of even the most discriminating guest.
If the Green Mountain state is more your style, venue choices are plenty. Built in 1905 by Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln's only surviving child, Robert Todd Lincoln, The Hildene is located in The Shires of Vermont in Manchester, and features 412 acres of gardens, woods, trails and farmland. Because of its location on a promontory, The Hildene boasts breathtaking views of the valley below and adjacent mountains. Guests can cross-country ski or snowshoe on 14 miles of trails.
Another great Vermont winter wedding spot is the Mountain Top Inn and Resort above a lake in the midst of the Green Mountain National Forest in Chittenden. Only 11 miles from Killington, the resort offers horse-drawn sleigh rides for guests, bride and groom, and exquisite comestibles which guests can enjoy before a roaring fireplace.
A popular New Hampshire destination is the Eagle Mountain House snug in the Mount Washington Valley in Jackson. Surrounded by four ski resorts—Attitash, Wildcat Mountain, Cranmore Mountain Resort and Black Mountain—the Eagle Mountain House offers a bevy of wintertime activities for guests, including ice skating, skiing, sledding, snow tubing and horseback riding. The bride and groom can get married on the lawn overlooking Carter Notch, then repair to the homey indoors for a reception in the house, listed on the National Trust for Preservation as a Historic Country Inn.
Even if you decide to forego traveling and stay in the idyllic corner of the world that is Western Massachusetts, there are plenty of ways to invoke the spirit of winter at your wedding. Perhaps the most important aspect of a winter wedding is attire. Bridesmaids' and mother-of-the brides' dresses in deep jewel colors can be striking. While bridesmaids' dresses and bridal gowns can still be strapless, make sure everyone has a wrap or shawl—white fur or red velvet works perfectly. For the guys, there's nothing classier than scarves that match the women's wraps or shawls.
When choosing decorations, splurge with white, silver and red; bundles of lit candles add a cozy touch to any room, no matter how large. Besides regular flower arrangements, consider adding non-floral elements such as pine boughs, snowberries, cranberries, red hypericum and pine cones. Think hearty and festive when preparing the reception dinner menu. Festive, robust food and drink such as pineapple carpaccio drizzled with truffle oil, cinnamon eggnog, hot chocolate spiked with Godiva Liqueur, sage butter macaroni and Gruyere cheese bites and white chocolate souffl? fit the winter theme, as do roasted chestnuts or fudge tied with ribbon for favors.
