We Do!

8 We Do! • Winter 2025 • www.wedoweddingsma.com Without turning it into a Christmas party, December couples often incorporate subtle seasonal touches, like this ornament favor commemorating the wedding date. P H OTO : A L I C I A P E T I T T I P H OTO G R A P H Y nice touches include a hot chocolate station with dessert, or a Christmas ornament as a wedding favor. Amy Sklar, director of sales at Mechanics Hall in Worcester, said options for winter ambiance include bare tree branches and twinkling lights. "It really pairs with a minimalist aesthetic," she said. "I think it's easy to create a very sophisticated look in the winter. I think at that point of the year we're happy with monochro- matics and icy sorts of colors." The manager of Mechanics Hall's from-scratch bar also gets into the spirit, creating signature cocktails with wintery touches like cranberries, smoky flavors, or a nutmeg rim. WHY CHOOSE WINTER? Sklar said winter weddings can be a great choice for couples who don't want to wait around to tie the knot. "You can often score a great date in a relatively short time- frame—within six months or so—if you're open to a winter wedding," she said. Julie Russell, event specialist at the Worcester Art Muse- um, said there is an uptick in small weddings at the museum around the holiday season. Couples may plan these on relative- ly short notice and get a two-hour slot at the museum for a cer- emony and photos. And guests enjoy access to the museum's galleries. "I do get a lot of those between Thanksgiving and New Year's," Russell said. Joanne Duganiero, director of sales at Charter Oak Country Club in Hudson, agreed that winter breeds smaller celebra- tions, though there's an occasional exception for New Year's Eve; some couples like to hold weddings that double as blow- out parties with hundreds of guests. "They're so fun," she said. Deborah Murphy, Director of Sales and Catering at Cyprian Keyes Golf Club in Boylston, said couples planning a Decem- ber wedding often want to tap into holiday vibes. Later in the season, the aesthetic may be more "winter wonderland"—es- pecially if the weather cooperates with the perfect dusting of snow. Since the golf club restaurant is closed for regular busi- ness in the winter, it offers flex space for larger weddings. The ballroom, overlooking the golf course, has high ceilings for a well-lighted space, while a music room offers a more intimate space for a ceremony or cocktail hour. WINTER WEATHER, FOR BETTER OR WORSE Venue operators said couples planning for a winter wedding do need to think about contingency plans in case of a storm. But climate change has meant the chances of blizzards or other truly terrible weather conditions have declined over the years. "I think that the advice to couples is to work closely with the venue to understand what would signify a severe weather event versus an inconvenience," Dugariero said. Of course, if it doesn't disrupt travel plans, some snow can mean excellent photos. And Duganiero said short winter days make for excellent lighting in the afternoon. She recalled one New Year's Eve wedding held on a subzero day when a bride pushed for a quick outdoor photo shoot. "If you can suck it up for 15 minutes, your pictures are going to be absolutely stunning," Duganiero said. n On the heels of the New Year in 2024, Morgan and Andrew were graced with a dusting of snow the evening of their January 6th wedding celebration at the Publick House in Sturbridge. Eucalyptus is the winter stem of choice for many winter bridal bouquets. Its dusty blue-green hue is vibrant yet neutral, pairing well with most any flower. P H OTO : H E AT H E R F U L L E R P H OTO G R A P H Y P H OTO : H E AT H E R F U L L E R P H OTO G R A P H Y

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