Guest Travel Tips for a Winter Wedding in Chicago

Winter is upon us and I wanted to share some tips with my readers and wedding guests on tips for hosting or attending winter weddings in Chicago and in cold weather areas!

Travel

Plan ahead for possible weather by flying in a day early and enjoying the wedding destination so as to avoid possible bad weather delays. While most airlines will change flights or cancel flights during bad weather, it is a good idea to purchase travel insurance in case you are not able to make it due to weather. Also, make sure to check the cancellation policy of the hotel you are staying. Not all hotels have a same day cancellation policy so be sure to ask when booking.

Tips for Dressing Up

Make sure to dress with plenty of layers. Often times a house of worship or venues could be cold but then later in the evening you may get warm after dancing. A sweater, shawl or wrap will help you stay warm if it is cold and easily remove if you get hot from all the fun of dancing the night away.

Prepare for possible slush and snow and bring boots with your heels or dress shoes to change into once you arrive at the venues.

Tips For Couples for winter weddings

For Transport

With bad weather the roads can be slower so when booking transportation make sure to leave plenty of time to arrive to your destination in a car! I would also speak with them about if they have umbrellas on board or if you need to provide those for your guests for snow, sleet or rain!

For Bride and Bridesmaids

For a wedding in December we planned ahead and got the bridesmaids cute boots to wear. It was the bride’s dream to have a winter wedding with snow and snow they got! But the bridesmaids were prepared with their gifts. It is also a good idea to plan on putting your wedding dress on just before the ceremony if you are going to be going from your getting ready location to a house of worship. That way you avoid snow, rain or slush getting on your dress or perhaps salt from the car you were transported in.

For Bride

Make sure to offer coat check and also have plenty of space for people to store their winter boots at your venue. No one loves to get to a party and wonder where to put their jacket and boots!

Insurance

Always consider purchasing insurance for your wedding! I recommend Wedsafe!

Photo thank you to Nyana Stoica