Want a winter wonderland wedding in March? No Problem!

Image from Thayer Allyson Gowdy Photo via Martha Stewart

Baby it's cold outside, and I love it!  Winter stays long in the mountains, and as the rest of the nation thaws out with record highs, the Sierra has been inundated with several feet of snow over the past two days. So if you're in love with the idea of a snowy winter wonderland wedding, but don't want to have it over the holidays, consider to the Sierra, or the Rockies, or the Cascades. The best part: March is considered the shoulder season for weddings, so you may be able to get discounted rates!

Tip: Use decor that's already there:

If you're like me and on a tight budget, consider use materials and decor that are natural to the area. Wooden details are an obvious choice for rustic ski lodges. Often times such places will also have cool vinatge decor such as old signs and vintage skis. Don;t cover this suff up; use it to bolster your ski lodge or winter wedding theme!

Top: Wooden Invitations from Leigh Miller via Green Wedding Shoes  | Bottom: Vintage Ski Sign from Orange Girl Photographs via Style Me Pretty

Tip: Incorporate Roasty-Toasty Goodness

Rustic weddings aren;t just about pine cones and birch bark ya know. Homemade cookies, marshmallows roasting over an open fire, rustic wood elements all contribute to a warm, inviting feeling on a cold winter's night.

Clockwise from Top: Heart-shaped cookies from Susy Q Wedding Blog; Wooden Deer from Etsy seller Moxie Thrift; Vintage Ski Guest Book from Cameron Ingalls via Style Me Pretty; Rustic Wedding Cake DIY photography from the bride's friends via Ruffled Blog; Pine Cone Bouquet and Winter Wedding Boutonniere from Esty Seller Erica Cavanagh and Rose Now Floral via Ruffled Blog; Dessert Table from Justin Marantz via Style Me Pretty; heart and snowflake shaped marshmallows from Emily Steffen Photography via The Sweetest Occasion; mountains from One Love Photo | Middle: Rustic Bridal Bouquet from Justin Marantz via Style Me Pretty

Inspiration: From Save the Date to Guest Book

I love vintage skis. You've probably seen the vinatge ski cum guest book at this point, but have you seen them used as a prop for an engagement shoot? Here's and idea: get you vintage skis early and use them in your engagement shoot. Then have guests sign them at the wedding. Finally, hang them on the wall of your new home!

Top: Birch Centerpiece from Leigh Miller via Green Wedding Shoes ; Vintage Ski Save the Date from Emily Steffen Photography via The Sweetest Occasion | Bottom Gown in Rustic Lodge Doorway from Unknown via Project Wedding