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While winter weddings may draw on many traditional elements, there is nothing to stop you doing things a little bit differently.

Well, only the coffee and orange creams are left languishing in the bottom of the family size jar of Quality Streets and Great Aunt Ethel's annual present of socks has been filed away for an emergency. The Christmas tree is slumped in a bedraggled heap in the corner of the living-room as it gloomily contemplates its inevitable eleven months of impending isolation and December's Visa bill has just popped its head in through the letterbox. Ah yes, it's that familiar new year feeling.

However, all is not doom and gloom for January can still be a time of excitement and anticipation (even after the last bargain has been gleaned from the sales). With all the dreariness of those long winter days, the Christmas season is still a very popular time to get married.

When you think of all the razzmatazz that accompanies the festive season nowadays, it is perhaps worth reflecting on the merits of going back to basics for your wedding. I have been to a number of Christmas weddings recently which have been marked by their simplicity and lack of frills, and where the couples chose to draw on traditional themes (from singing carols in the service to serving mulled wine and mice pies at the reception).

Christmas and the New Year is very much a time for family and loved ones to be together and this spirit is perfect for any wedding celebration. By taking advantage of the usual decorations that accompany Christmas, a winter wedding can be stunningly elegant. For my money, the stark beauty of a cold, crisp, blue winter's day is the perfect backdrop to wedding photographs and often lends itself to a very dramatic effect.

However, while winter weddings may draw on many traditional elements, there is nothing to stop you doing things a little bit differently. How about using the long hours of darkness to your advantage by having a candlelit Church service in the late afternoon? This is both creative and simple and lends an intimacy to the service that is unforgettable. Or let your imagination run wild with your wedding dress and choose something a little bit out of the ordinary. Long Gothic-style sleeves, lush red roses or fur-trim all add that touch of decadence to the whole thing.

Aside from the plans and ideas about your Big Day, I think that there is an inherent symbolism in a wedding that takes place at this time of year. There is something very nice about the idea of starting out the New Year with your partner for life and of embarking on a future together. Not only that, but in the years to come, a wedding anniversary at this time of year will always give you both an excuse to treat yourselves after the Yuletide rush! It's almost enough to make up for Great Aunt Ethel's wedding gift of his'n'her socks!