Lancashire hotel reports surge in winter weddings

A Lancashire hotel has revealed that couples are increasingly shunning summer weddings in favour of getting married during the winter months.
 
The Dalmeny Resort Hotel in St Annes reported a 40 per cent increase in bookings for winter weddings over the last three years.
 
On a national scale, statistics from The Wedding Directory showed a 69 per cent increase in winter weddings between 2013 and 2014.
 
Lower prices are considered to be a main factor, as cash-savvy couples opt to tie the knot at a time of year considered ‘off peak’ by many venues and wedding suppliers.
 
However, The Dalmeny has noted a number of other key reasons why couples are choosing to host their celebrations during the colder months.
 
Samantha Lewis, director at The Dalmeny Resort Hotel, said: “The unpredictability of the British weather has had a big influence. We’ve had a few disappointing summers in terms of weather and people are accepting that just because you book a summer wedding, you aren’t guaranteed the good weather. With winter ceremonies, people expect the cold and rain, which means they can prepare for it and often find that it’s one less thing to stress about. Plus if it’s sunny it’s a bonus, rather than having their weather expectations dashed. 
 
“Another contributing factor has been the move away from the traditional church wedding. More and more people are having their wedding ceremony and reception at the same venue, meaning there’s no need to spend much time outdoors so the weather isn’t an issue. It’s one of the reasons behind the investment into our new ceremony room.”
 
Part of a £2.5 million programme of upgrades to the hotel, The Dalmeny Resort Hotel has invested in the creation of a new ceremony room which will host up to 80 guests and has an exclusive red carpet entrance for enhanced privacy. Due to be completed next spring, it is located within the hotel’s Atrium Suite area, which can accommodate 200 people and has its own mezzanine level cocktail bar.
 
Other reasons behind the increased numbers of winter weddings cited by The Dalmeny include the rise of ‘silver splitters.’ The term refers to couples divorcing in their 50s and 60s, a number which has increased by over a third in 10 years.
 
Samantha explained: “Often, we find that older couples or people marrying for the second time prefer a quieter, more intimate celebration. These people often opt for a winter wedding as it can feel more low-key as opposed to a big summer wedding at the height of the season.”
 
Samantha also points out that winter celebrations often coincide with other special occasions, which is appealing to lots of couples. She said: “Christmas and Valentine’s Day weddings are very popular, as are weddings on New Year’s Eve because couples like the idea of starting the New Year as husband and wife.
 
“Finally, lots of brides tell us they want to do something ‘different’ and often a winter wedding is just the thing. There’s something quite magical about a winter wonderland theme – complete with fairy lights, faux-fur, snow and sparkle – which brides just can’t resist.” 
 
The family-owned Dalmeny Resort Hotel can cater for weddings of any size and has been creating lasting happy memories for over 70 years.
 
For the remainder of 2015, couples can book a wedding celebration at the Dalmeny for 50 day guests and 80 night guests for £2,995.