So it looks like the northeast isn’t going to get away with a mild winter this year. For a second there, I thought we might pull a fast one on Mother Nature. No such luck, especially for brides who had possibly hoped for a slightly less chilly off-season wedding. However, you can use the cold weather and winter elements to your benefit in a number of ways. If you are planning on having a winter wedding, here are some ideas to help you use this frosty time of year for good on your special day:

• Ditch the limo or party bus for your arrival to the reception hall. Look into getting a horse-drawn carriage to bring you and your new spouse to your reception. Imagine how nice the pictures will look, especially if there is some snow in the background!

• You can really play with an eccentric and beautiful color scheme in the winter season. Although many winter weddings are based around a white palette, add in the colors of your bridesmaids’ dresses and groomsmen’s ties or cummerbunds. This can really pull your wedding scheme together for the reception.

• Make sure you account for the weather on your wedding day. If you build in some warmer clothing into the overall clothing for the wedding party, layers can be added or subtracted depending on the weather. Don’t let your friends and family get too cold or too hot. Give them room to feel comfortable.

• Have the banquet facility put some heat lamps outside for those guests who smoke or simply want to cool off after an hour of dancing. Make sure the heat level in the hall is appropriate too. Find a happy medium in temperature for the guests who are dancing and those who aren’t.

• Discuss your concerns about a winter wedding with the various people who are providing your wedding services for the day. They may have great advice for you.