DECEMBER

The styling possibilities at this time of the year are amazing – oak-beamed venues with flickering candles, roaring log fires, Christmas trees and fairy lights, complemented with ruby reds and rich greens.

If you don’t mind spending Christmas sipping cocktails on some distant shore, December is also a fabulous time to have a long-haul honeymoon and get yourself a mid-winter sunshine fix. If you’re hoping to visit the other side of the world, make sure to book your flights well in advance!

Cons

Many Catholic and Anglican ministers will refuse to marry you during Advent (from the nearest Sunday to 30 November until Christmas Eve). The closer you get to Christmas, the harder it can be to get a venue on a weekend date that’s good for all your guests.

December A List

Billie Piper & Laurence Fox

Will Smith & Jada Pinkett

Gwyneth Paltrow & Chris Martin

JANUARY

On the plus side, you’ll have your pick of prized venues and sought-after suppliers that would normally have a tiresome waiting list. You might be able to negotiate substantial low-season discounts at venues, while hotels down on bookings after the festive season will be keen to offer attractive overnight packages to guests.

Back-to-work blues mean friends and family will be in the mood for a party (and looking for an excuse to break the detox), even if their post-Christmas bank balances mean they may not choose the most expensive items on your gift list!

Cons

You’ll have to plan well in advance; suppliers may shut down over Christmas and – if your wedding is early in the New Year – may be totally out of contact. Floor space in department stores usually devoted to bridalwear is often replaced with festive merchandise before Christmas and sales merchandise after, so don’t leave purchases until last minute.

>January A-list

Kelis & Nas

Lisa Marie Presley & Michael Lockwood

FEBRUARY

You’re on the cusp of winter and spring, so draw inspiration from either season – a candlelit wintry occasion and mulled wine will work just as well as tulips and fruit punch. The 2nd of February is also Candlemass – traditionally the day for hand-fasting, an ancient form of marriage betrothal.

And it’s a great time for romantic honeymoon destinations such as Thailand, Sri Lanka and the Caribbean and, apart from the die-hard skiers, your guests are less likely to be away on holiday.

Cons

Valentine’s Day makes this the most romantic month, so there may be competition at venues for the Saturday nearest to the 14th and a premium on flowers. There’s a small chance of snow and watch that hairdo – the highest guest of wind ever recorded was on 13 February 1989 in Scotland.

February A-List

Nicole Appleton & Liam Gallagher
Carla Bruni & Nicolas

WINTER FARE

Flowers

Holly, ivy, roses, evergreens, poinsettias, mistletoe.

Food

Beetroot, oranges, satsumas, parsnips, apples, swede, pumpkin, duck, halibut.