Thanks to North Carolina weather, many weddings and events can still happen outdoor in November and December. If you’re a native like me, you’ll know that on some Thanksgivings you’re wearing a t-shirt and shorts, while others you might be breaking out sweaters for the first time. I’m always rooting for a white Christmas, but even in December, the temperatures in NC can be mild, meaning guests don’t mind spending a little time outdoors even during winter.

Our Pavilion at Oakland provides a little protection from the elements if you choose to do your ceremony outdoors. Plus, we have four standing heaters we can set up near the ceremony area or during cocktail hour to make sure guests feel cozy even during winter weddings. Since more than half of our couples opt for outdoor ceremonies and indoor receptions, we’ve gathered some of our favorite tips for keeping guests comfortable and warm during your winter wedding celebration!

Firepits & Lounge Areas: There’s nothing that allows you to enjoy the late fall and winter Carolina weather more than gathering around a firepit with friends. Several rental companies we work with can provide firepits and lounge areas to set up on our patios. Not only will guests enjoy drinks and appetizers during cocktail hour around the cozy seating area, but it makes for great outdoor photo ops for all those attending! The fun doesn’t end at cocktail hour – propane tanks will last several hours, so your guests will enjoy taking a break from dancing while sitting outside for a fireside chat.

Outdoor Furniture Rental: Ward Productions

Tented Cocktail Hours: Similar to our Pavilion, tents can provide protection and insulation from the winter elements during outdoor weddings and events. Our patios are a great spot to add a tent with sides to provide an area for guests to escape the elements while also enjoying the views of winter on the Farm. You could even set up your bar in one of the enclosed tents to maximize space inside the Barn for guest seating and your dance floor!

Cozy Favors: Everyone has a stash of wedding koozies, so shake things up for your winter wedding by giving blankets or handwarmers as favors to guests. Place a basket of hand warmers near your guest book or programs so guests can grab them as they enter your ceremony. If you decide to give out blankets, you can place them in guests’ seats or in baskets for guests to pick up on their own. We’ve even seen blankets customized with guests’ names for more intimate weddings! Such a great idea for a unique place card, or make the blanket pull double duty and tie a card with their name table number assignment around a rolled blanket.

Accessorize the Bridal Party: Your groomsmen will be warm in their suit jackets, but don’t forget about your best gals. Monogramed blanket scarves or pashminas to wrap around their shoulders is the perfect accessory for when they’re walking down the aisle. We’ve even seen some brides and bridesmaids in fur stoles during our winter outdoor ceremonies!

Photographer: Heather Gunter Photography

Photographer: Whitney Duggins Photography

S’mores: Let’s chat food! After an outdoor ceremony, serve your guests warm appetizers. Warm them up from the inside out with mini soup shots, warm dips, toasted biscuits or other hot foods that they’ll enjoy during cocktail hour. Of course, we can’t talk about winter foods without s’mores. Guests will love ending the night with a late night snack, roasting s’mores outdoors before sending the Mr. & Mrs. off at the end of the wedding reception!

Hot Beverage Bars: To compliment your warm appetizers, serve seasonal drinks or offer a hot beverage bar for guests spending cocktail hour outdoors. Hot chocolate, apple cider, warm tea and coffee – add a twist to the beverage bar by offering fun beverage toppings like marshmallows, flavored syrups and more!

Photographer: Brynn Gross Photography, Catering: Gigi’s Creations

Plan B!: Finally, always make sure you have a backup plan for your outdoor winter ceremony. Although North Carolina is historically blessed with warm winters, you might find temperatures at or below freezing, chilly rains or even snow in December and into the new year. At Oakland Farm, we can always move your ceremony indoors. Whether we use traditional seating or guests sit at their tables, we can make your indoor ceremony cozy in front of our large rock fireplace. Even if it snows on your wedding day and alters your plans, the pictures will be INCREDIBLE!

Photographer: Amelia Cassar Photo, Florist: Flowers on Broad Street

Photographer: Suave Visions, Florist: TG Floral

What other ideas do you have for winter weddings?! Share them with us as we prepare for a winter fully of wedding ceremonies and receptions in the coming months!

Keeping Guests Happy (and Warm) at Your Winter Wedding