Seasonal Touches
.jpg)
Seasonal Touches
Embrace the season of your wedding – it can make the celebration even more memorable. Here are some seasonal touches to consider:
Seasonal Welcome Drinks: Offering a drink that matches the weather is always delightful. In spring/summer, welcome guests with refreshing lemonade or iced tea as they arrive. In fall/winter (October through April), set up a warm drink station – think hot apple cider, hot chocolate, or mulled wine. Guests love warming up with a cozy drink during cooler outdoor moments. These little seasonal details also photograph well and add to the atmosphere.
S’mores by the Fire (Fall/Winter): If you’re having a wedding in cooler weather, s’mores are an incredibly popular late-night treat at Rixey Manor. We have portable fire pit setups for this. Just note: s’mores are messy! We require that they be done outdoors (usually on the back patio) and we’ll use a dark tablecloth for the s’mores table to hide the mess. You’ll need to bring the supplies (marshmallows, chocolate bars or fun fillings like peanut butter cups or caramel squares, graham crackers, and long roasting sticks). If you have guests with nut allergies, let us know so we can put out a little sign to caution them about cross-contamination. Weather permitting, a s’mores station adds a fun, interactive touch – just be aware that if it’s very windy or rainy, we might not be able to light the fire.
Hot Chocolate Bar (Winter): For winter weddings, our hot chocolate machine is a hit. We will typically have it running before the ceremony (about 3 gallons worth of hot cocoa). If you’d like the hot chocolate available all night, we ask that you bring an additional 3 gallons of chocolate milk to refill the machine. We stock basics like whipped cream and some flavored syrups. You can also provide fun add-ins – think mini marshmallows, peppermint sticks, or even mini bottles of Bailey’s, Kahlua, or bourbon to spike the cocoa. A spiked hot chocolate bar can be a fabulous seasonal treat for adult guests!
Seasonal Florals & Decor: Use what’s in season – e.g., pumpkins, mums, and rich foliage in fall; lush greenery and berries in winter; cherry blossoms or tulips in spring; sunflowers or lavender in summer. Seasonal decor not only tends to be more cost-effective, it also creates an immersive atmosphere. For instance, one couple provided cozy pashminas in autumn colors for guests to wrap up in during a chilly October ceremony – they doubled as favors. Another had a sparkler send-off for a New Year’s Eve wedding which fit the festive winter vibe. We’re happy to brainstorm seasonal ideas that fit your theme.
Seasonal touches like these make the wedding feel thoughtful and immersive. They’re the kind of details guests remember (“They had hot cider waiting for us – it was wonderful!”). Plus, leaning into the season often saves money, as you’re using what’s readily available. Let’s make the most of the time of year in your plans!