Appleton Post-Crescent: With a son in medical school, Brenda Kubasta says scheduling was problematic during prime wedding season, and even if they did tie the knot in fair-weather months, waiting wasn't the couple's forte.

"It would've been in summer," noted newlywed Kubasta, who wed husband Jim in December 2006. "The question we asked each other was, 'Why wait?'"

The pair planned their nuptials during one of Wisconsin's chilliest seasons and wound up saying "I do" at a decked-out Paine Art Center and Gardens with amiable above-freezing temps and a festive holiday scene that added to the magic of the wedding.

"Oh, it was absolutely gorgeous," said Kubasta, who'd attended a friend's reception at the mansion previously and fell in love with the venue's Great Hall. When it came time to plan her own ceremony, the season afforded the bride and groom a perfect wedding backdrop.

"It's like everybody does spring and summer," she said. "With the holidays going on and everything, it's such a wonderful time to give thanks, too, and just be grateful for everything you have."

Glistening white floral arrangements, rich colors, velvety fabrics and holiday cheer are just a few reasons brides and grooms go for winter nuptials, local wedding planners say.

"I definitely think there's more you can do with (wardrobe) to enhance it — nice overcoats, the muffs," said Laurie Hughes, sales manager for LaSure's Hall Banquets & Catering in Oshkosh.

Add to it a hearty menu that may include snowflake cupcakes, a hot chocolate fountain, ice sculptures and carriage rides, and it's a wonder any pair opts for June. Hughes said winter weddings are conducive to satisfying food options, as well, whether the bride and groom are craving comfort food like ham or a gourmet buffet featuring bacon-wrapped chestnuts.

"And, I can be a little more flexible with things (in winter)," Hughes said. "We might waive hall rental fees … and we can work a little bit more with smaller groups in winter than I really can for prime wedding dates May through September."

Couples also find winter weddings are convenient for long lists of guests whose schedules are bogged down with summer vacations.

Winter receptions also make for a perfect way to celebrate a union when couples opt for a destination wedding, Hughes said.

Winter wedding ideas can be cool in a good way [Appleton Post-Crescent]