Getting married is a life changing and special event. The joining of two people in marriage or a civil partnership is to celebrate their love is an amazing and unforgettable occasion.

For many, the wedding day is the most important day in their lives; that one day that is perfect and unique in every way. Whilst weddings traditionally take place in the spring and summer months, winter weddings are becoming more and more popular.

Often, in the summer months family and friends can have multiple clashing social engagements which mean that they have to decline an invitation; there are less winter weddings and so getting married in winter makes it more likely that all your guests will be able to attend. Similarly, getting married in winter means that there is a greater chance that the hall, church or venue you want will be available; popular locations are less busy in autumn and winter than the mad months of June, July and August. The chilly months of November, December, January and February are considered as the "off peak" wedding season so it is likely that you may also be able to save dramatically on costs than the traditional summer wedding time.

Aside from all these aspects, a winter wedding can, quite simply, be a magical affair. The summer months can become a sea of back-to-back weddings and so deciding to get married in winter can make your wedding truly memorable and different. An intimate venue, snowflakes and starlight make winter weddings truly stunning.

The first consideration you need to think about is where to have your wedding. Grass lawns and open marquees of summer weddings are obviously out of the question and so a venue for winter weddings must be intimate, special and – most importantly – warm. Think of log fires in a historic house, dramatic rooms in a castle, or an old church lit with candles. If you dream of voyage and adventure, it can be a great idea to get married in another country accompanied by a close group of friends and family. There are so many spectacular destinations for winter weddings from the snowflakes, Northern Lights and magic of Lapland, Iceland and Scandinavia, to the breath-taking landscape of New Zealand and Antarctica, or even the blue skies and beaches of Fiji, Mauritius or the Cook Islands.

Winter weddings are beautiful and unique. You can make a venue truly stunning, filling it with light from twinkling fairy lights and white church candles. For flowers, think of the colours of the season, such as green ivy and red holly berries. The scent of pine cones and oranges will add to the special ambiance. Candles, glass bowls filled with cranberries and greenery make beautiful table decorations. When you choose your menu for the day, pumpkin soup, eggnog or spiced hot chocolate add a winter and warming touch.

For many, the dress is one of the most important elements of the day, but the exposed shoulders and care arms of many summer dresses are inappropriate for winter weather. An ivory wedding dress, with lace sleeves or a fur wrap is perfect for a winter wedding and with a dramatic cloak, diamond jewellery and winter flowers in the hair, the bride will look stunningly beautiful. Bridesmaids could wear rich red or deep green colours of the season and the groom and groomsmen could choose buttonholes to match.

Winter weddings are beautiful, intimate and special and are a wonderful way to start a long and happy life of marriage.