Once the glitter settles on the proposal and engagement announcements, the real work of planning a wedding starts.

I was sitting next to a bride-to-be in a hair salon the other day who looked like she was about to have a stroke.

I know the feeling, because I have planned a wedding before. I was ‘best man’ to both grooms who, after months of fighting, finally agreed on something – that I should take over, whether I wanted to or not.

I’m now planning my own wedding and, after struggling to find a venue while dealing with vendors who go full-Gollum when they see an engagement ring, I’ve come to the following conclusion:

Don’t get married in summer.

It’s the most popular season for weddings, but there are some serious advantages to getting hitched in winter. Here are my top five:

1. Less Stress (for you and your guests)

It’s winter so you’re going to have an indoor wedding. Indoor weddings are significantly easier to organise, and it’s also easier to regulate the temperature because you aren’t hoping against all odds that the day is perfectly sunny.

2. No Wedding Fatigue

If you’re around that age when everyone starts getting hitched, you can say goodbye to your weekends and extra income in summer.

It feels like there’s a wedding every weekend, which means that by the time yours rolls around everyone is exhausted. As much as they love you, they’d rather be on the couch binge watching series.

A winter wedding is unexpected, different, and your guests will look forward to it.

3. Winter Decor and Food

You can do a lot with a winter theme. Frost and ice are pretty no matter what, and when it comes to food, you can get super creative.

According to science, frozen treats can actually warm you up, so they’re a great alternative to standard drinks between the ceremony and the reception.

Pro tip – get some Frost Popsicles involved. They provide you with a FrostCycle or FrostBar, complete with a uniformed member of staff, to serve Frost Popsicles of your choice to your guests.

Their range includes alcoholic and non-alcoholic options with no artificial ingredients. With the exception of the Vanilla Coffee Non-Alcoholic Popsicle, the range is dairy-free and vegan-friendly, so there’s something for everyone.

In other words, the perfect solution to the hundreds of dietary requirements adding to your stress.

Oh, and did I mention that another great thing about winter weddings is winter specials? Like 25% of all Frost Popsicles until August 30, 2019:

They also partner well with Ice Art if you’d like to incorporate an ice sculpture into your winter decor.

Pop past their website for more info.

4. You won’t be a hot mess

No sweating, running makeup, or frizzy hair. Also, the groom won’t be reduced to a puddle while waiting for you at the end of the aisle.

5. Cheaper accommodation and flights

Travel and accommodation costs peak in summer, so if you aren’t getting married within Ubering distance of everyone you know, they’re going to have to pay a fair amount to attend your wedding.

Everything becomes a lot more affordable in winter. It’s also a good time to plan your honeymoon because it’s summer in some of the more popular European and northern hemisphere options.

Looks like everyone’s a winner.

In short, the possibilities for a winter wedding are endless, but all with the same result.

You won’t be too stressed to enjoy yourself, and happy guests will be talking about your wedding for years to come.