Photo by SunPrairie Photo
Winter weddings are magical, with cozy vibes, comfort foods, and beautiful seasonal décor. Imagine twinkling lights, warm drinks, and seasonal touches that create a stunning atmosphere and a lifetime of memories.
These ideas show how the beauty of a winter wedding could win your heart.
Your Personalized Color Palette
Photo by Betcher Photo
Your backdrop may feature the contrasting bark of trees, evergreen branches, a crisp white layer of snow, and a bright blue sky! Accent the natural décor with cafe string lights that will be noticed as your guests walk along the east side of the Veranda into your wedding venue. Once inside the Great Hall, they’ll be greeted by the glowing embers in the wood-burning fireplace.
Add a touch of elegance with metallic accents, using gold or bronze containers for your floral centerpieces. Looking to add cheerful pops of color? Bring your style to life with your favorite color in the florals – or select a unique linen or two! Consider decorating every other table in a bright linen with a selection of complementary napkins, incorporating the colors and patterns that make you feel warm, happy, and loved!
Comfort Foods and Festive Drinks
Your menu is a big part of your celebration! In the cooler months, food and drinks provide both refreshment and satisfaction to a special event. In any season, your professional vendor partners can impress your guests with flavor, texture, and taste!
In the winter months, select something both comforting and that awakens your taste buds. Our approved caterers have incredible seasonal menus. For appetizers, try Chef Jack’s Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup Shooters, or consider adding a taste of Wisconsin to your menu with Tall Guy and a Grill’s pretzel bite and bratwurst skewer or Saz’s bacon wrapped bleu cheese stuffed dates. For dinner, be sure to check out Noble Catering’s Red Wine Braised Short Rib, and don’t miss Saz’s Wild Mushroom Risotto.
Not all the flavor is in the food, though – your beverage menu is just as important! Bar services are secured through our subsidiary company, Natural Events. We love to put together a customized selection of cocktails to match your personality, style, and taste! Are you interested in offering a Maple Bourbon Old Fashioned or a Moscow Mule with a twist of cranberry named after your favorite pet? For a deeper dive into seasonal cocktails, check out “Shaken or Stirred: A Signature Cocktail for each Season.”
Include a make-your-own hot cocoa bar, fun accoutrements to a coffee station, or even a s’mores bar! Kick it up with fun accents, such as peanut butter, hazelnut spread, fresh fruit, and more! For dessert, be creative with a colorful donut wall from Cranky Al’s or Banana’s Foster from Lee John’s catering.
Warm Memories to Take with You
Photo by Noah Sharon Photography
Your photo memories last a lifetime! At Schlitz Audubon Nature Center, our couples look forward to those snapshots in nature. For instance, a shot list could include:
- snuggling in front of the fireplace in the Hearth Room
- rocking in chairs on the Veranda overlooking Lake Michigan
- strolling along the ice canos on the beach
- enjoying the serenity of frozen Mystery Lake or Turtle Pond
Our golf carts help couples get from the Center to these key hot spots – and they are included in the rental. Be adventurous! Take your photos to the next level by bringing your snowshoes, favorite team scarf, or grandmother’s quilt.
For the ultimate wedding photo memory, have your picture taken with Zari, our Great Horned Owl, Saxon, our American Kestrel, or any of our other 15 birds of prey. Adding a meet and greet with our raptors directly supports these majestic birds!
Finally, when considering a wedding, remember the impact on your budget. At Schlitz Audubon, you will find the best value for a winter wedding venue, as well as discounted bar packages. Included in a winter wedding is a special ambiance found during this season. Couples enjoy the warmth and beauty of two wood burning fireplaces, a backdrop of woods and Lake Michigan, and the warmth of their family and friends.
By having your celebration at Schlitz Audubon, you’ll enjoy our natural setting while knowing you’ re supporting our conservation efforts, our focus on environmental education, and providing nature experiences for all people for decades to come.
Winter in Wisconsin continues to wow us with its beauty – your wedding will too!
