| When most people think of destination weddings, they | | | | represents the destination, such as an image of the |
| picture sunny beaches with the sound of the ocean in | | | | mountain or town. Be sure to give your guests plenty |
| the background. Tropical weddings can be wonderful, | | | | of notice, just as you would for any other destination |
| and their popularity is no surprise. However, steel | | | | wedding, especially if your event will be held around |
| drums, rum punch, and a ceremony on the sand are | | | | Christmas or New Year's Eve. It would also be |
| not for everyone. For a very different type of | | | | prudent for the wedding participants to schedule their |
| destination wedding, consider a cold weather location. | | | | flights for a couple of days before the wedding, just in |
| If you are not a skier, you might not realize that many | | | | case there are any weather delays. |
| ski resorts have the same kind of full service wedding | | | | Winter brides are very fortunate, because they can |
| capabilities as a beach resort. (By the way, many ski | | | | have a very rich and opulent bridal ensemble. |
| resorts also have world class spas for pre-wedding | | | | Embellishments like heavy beading and gold |
| pampering.) There will always be a few die-hard skiers | | | | embroidery that would seem out of place on the |
| who want to be married on the top of the mountain, | | | | beach are perfect for a winter destination. The bridal |
| and then ski down together (with veil flowing!), but for | | | | gown should be made of luxurious fabrics such as |
| more traditional couples, the inside of the mountain | | | | heavy silk satin or even velvet. This is also the chance |
| resort or lodge might be a more suitable choice. | | | | to enjoy fur accents (real or faux, depending on your |
| Picture an intimate ceremony in front of a roaring fire | | | | preference), either as a wrap or as part of the gown. |
| (most ski resorts have very impressive fireplaces), or | | | | What bride wouldn't feel like royalty in a velvet gown |
| a service in front of a large picture window with snow | | | | with fur trim on the neckline of cuffs? Pure luxury! |
| falling softly on the beautiful scenery outside. There is | | | | Bridal jewelry sets should also be more opulent and |
| such a romantic feeling to being cozy and warm inside | | | | substantial for a winter destination wedding. The sun |
| during the winter. It creates a very special mood for a | | | | sets early in the cold months, so even a four o'clock |
| celebration. | | | | wedding will have the feeling of an evening reception. |
| Winter weddings do not have to take place at a | | | | Accordingly, look for dramatic bridal jewelry sets |
| mountain resort. Another wonderful possibility is a great | | | | featuring elements like sparkling Swarovski crystal |
| cold weather city. You could go to a snowy paradise | | | | briolettes. For a more understated look, bridal jewelry |
| like Switzerland, for instance. One woman I know had | | | | sets could be created from pearls and crystals in |
| an exceptionally beautiful wedding in Québec | | | | combination. Treat yourself to a stand out piece of |
| City in Canada, which feels like a marvelous old world | | | | jewelry like chandelier earrings or a multi-strand |
| European city, but was much more convenient. Her | | | | necklace. |
| wedding was in an exquisite church followed by a | | | | Cold weather destination weddings have a special |
| reception in a grand hotel, all amidst the swirling | | | | feeling all their own. They feel more intimate, cozy, and |
| snowflakes. | | | | unique than a wedding on a beach. Winter sport |
| Embrace the theme of a cold weather destination | | | | enthusiasts will love having their honeymoon at the ski |
| wedding by having a winter motif on your save the | | | | resort after the wedding. Or, for the best of both |
| date cards and invitations. A snowflake would certainly | | | | worlds, follow your winter wedding with a honeymoon |
| be appropriate, but you could choose from icons that | | | | in the tropics. |