Why a winter wedding
There are fewer weddings in winter, so it is easier to get your dream venue, photographer and a convenient date. The landscape is exceptional: frosted trees, frozen lakes and snow, which acts like a huge reflector in photos. In December there are also Christmas decorations, and venues and manor houses have a cosy, warm atmosphere.
Short days: planning around the light
A winter day in Giżycko is short. In the second half of December the sun rises at around 7:50 am and sets as early as around 3:10 pm. In mid-January sunset is at around 3:40 pm, and in mid-February at around 4:40 pm. After sunset there is roughly half an hour of soft light left, and then it gets dark.
That is why, for a ceremony at 2 or 3 pm, the outdoor photos are best taken before the ceremony, for example during the first look with the groom, or planned as a separate session on another day. I then start the makeup early enough to get everything done in daylight.
Frost and wind: skin under makeup
In winter the skin is drier and more sensitive: at home because of the heating, outside because of the frost and wind. In the weeks before the wedding, focus on regular moisturising and gentle cosmetics, and on the wedding day come with clean, well-moisturised skin.
- Under the makeup I apply a cream that protects the skin from the cold, and a balm on the lips, on top of which I apply the lipstick.
- I even out a nose and cheeks reddened by the frost with concealer, not with a thick layer of foundation.
- I choose waterproof mascara, because the cold wind brings tears faster than emotions do.
- I avoid very matte, drying lipsticks, which crack quickly in the frost.
From the frost into a warm venue
A winter wedding means constant changes of temperature: a frosty outdoor session, a heated car, a warm venue full of guests. With such differences the skin starts to shine and makeup can pill. That is why I apply thin layers of foundation, set them in stages and mattify the T-zone. With the bridal package I stay with you all day, so when you come back in from the cold I refresh your makeup straight away.
Makeup colours in winter
Winter light is cool, and snow reflects it like a mirror. In these surroundings, foundation that is too light and a cool blush make the face look pale. That is why I gently warm up the complexion and do not skip the blush on the cheeks. In winter, lips in raspberry, berry, wine or warm pink shades look beautiful, as do softly blended browns and plum on the eyelids.
I match the makeup to the dress. With long sleeves, lace and velvet, classic elegance works well, while with a simple, minimalist dress bolder lips can be the only strong accent.
A session in the snow and by the lake
Snow lights the face from below, so part of the makeup can disappear in photos. That is why I define the brows, lashes and lips a little more. A winter session should be short: a dozen or so minutes outside, then warming up in the car or the venue. A frozen face quickly turns red and hands turn blue, which shows in photos.
Frozen lakes in Masuria look stunning, but for the photos stay on the shore or on a jetty. Walking onto the ice is dangerous, even if it seems thick.
Your wrap, hair and makeup
A winter dress usually comes with a warm wrap: a fur stole, a coat or a cape. Put it on carefully, ideally with the help of your maid of honour, so that the foundation does not leave a mark on a white collar. A scarf or a high neck can rub makeup off the chin and neck, so I set these areas especially carefully. Wind and a hat quickly ruin a hairstyle, so it is worth having an umbrella and a small brush with you.
December, January or February
December brings Christmas decorations and the shortest days of the year. January gives the best chance of snow, but it is also the season of studniówki, the Polish proms, so Saturdays can be booked up. In February the days are noticeably longer: in Giżycko the sun sets at around 4:40 pm in mid-February and at around 5:05 pm at the end of the month, which gives more time for outdoor photos. February is also carnival season, so the atmosphere is festive and ready for dancing.
A sample plan for a winter wedding day
| Time | What happens |
|---|---|
| 8:30 | makeup for the mother of the bride and the maid of honour begins |
| 10:30 | makeup for the bride |
| 12:00 | putting on the dress, the first look and outdoor photos in daylight |
| 14:00 | the ceremony |
| around 15:40 | sunset in mid-January, the last photos outside |
| evening | the reception in a warm venue, lipstick touch-ups and mattifying |
Your date and booking
In winter it is easier to find a free date, but December Saturdays can be taken by Christmas parties, and January by proms. Write to me as soon as you know your date. Giżycko is my main place of work, and for weddings I travel all over Masuria. I set prices individually, and I book a bridal package date once we have agreed the terms individually and you have paid a deposit, which counts towards the price of the service. You will find the details on the bridal makeup page.
Frequently asked questions
Will my makeup survive the frost and a warm venue?
Yes. I prepare the skin with a cream that protects it from the cold, apply thin layers of foundation and set the makeup in stages. I do touch-ups as we go, because with the bridal package I stay with you all day.
What time should we take outdoor photos at a winter wedding?
Before the ceremony or on another day. In Giżycko the sun sets at around 3:10 pm in December, around 3:40 pm in mid-January and around 4:40 pm in mid-February.
Which lip colour should I choose for a winter wedding?
In winter, raspberry, berry, wine and warm pink shades look beautiful. We choose the final shade to suit your dress and your features at the makeup trial.
How should I prepare my skin for a winter wedding?
Moisturise it regularly, use gentle cosmetics and do not have new treatments just before the wedding. On the wedding day, come with clean, moisturised skin.
Do I need to pay a deposit for the bridal package?
Yes. I book the package date once we have agreed the terms of our cooperation individually and you have paid a deposit, which counts towards the total price of the service.
See also the articles A wedding at Ryn Castle and Bridal makeup in Masuria.