Photo (above): Wedding venue: Faculty Club - Photographer: Sophie Abrudan
Article in collaboration with Faculty Club
The biggest misconception about a winter wedding
Jorn often hears the same concern from couples about winter weddings: “The biggest worry among people who want to get married in winter or autumn is that it will be very cold or rainy, and that they won’t be able to use the garden.”
Still, it doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing story. Jorn: “If you want, you can absolutely do a short outdoor moment in winter. For instance, you could hold a reception outside for half an hour between the fire baskets, with mulled wine or hot chocolate, and then continue inside. This is incredibly cosy and creates a lovely mix between indoors and outdoors.”
The peace of mind of a winter date
In addition, couples often underestimate how much calm a winter wedding date brings. Jorn explains: “In the summer period, with us—just like at most wedding venues—it’s always very busy. In winter you have more room, freedom and flexibility with dates. That also translates into more choice with other suppliers. Your family and friends are often more flexible in their planning too, whereas in summer you sometimes have to plan around holidays. That’s why in winter we see more couples who even get married on a Friday. They’re more flexible about that.”
Moreover, planning is often simpler, Jorn shares: “In summer you often work with a plan A and a plan B in case it rains. In winter you usually plan everything indoors right away, or your outdoor plan is already adapted to colder weather conditions. That way your schedule is solid from the start and doesn’t depend on the weather.”
A beautiful winter setting
- Faculty Club is located on the site of the Groot Begijnhof in Leuven, and especially in winter this unique location becomes even more atmospheric. Jorn says: “We have beautiful, atmospheric lighting in our inner courtyard. Since it gets dark early in winter, that lighting is often already visible when guests arrive for the reception and dinner. It adds an extra romantic touch to the setting. And winter weather can have its charms too: snow falling on the cobblestones and historic buildings of the Begijnhof creates a real wow effect.”
Everything remains comfortable from a practical point of view as well, Jorn adds: “Everything is close to each other. From the spacious parking area, you’re inside right away. In addition, the Begijnhofhotel next door is a major advantage. The couple and their guests can enjoy the celebration without a care and then walk to their room.”
Foto: Feestzaal: Faculty Club This is how a winter wedding at Faculty Club unfolds
Faculty Club has several rooms that are often combined. Jorn explains: “Thanks to our many rooms, the different parts of the day can take place in a different room each time. That way every moment has its own place and atmosphere, creating a great flow throughout the wedding day. In winter, the ceremony and/or a large reception often take place in the Lemaire Room, our second-largest room. Afterwards, the party can move on to the Infirmerie Hall, our largest room where the dinner and dance party take place.”
In addition, Faculty Club also provides a number of practical spaces. “The Bishop’s Room and the Holy Spirit Table are often used for buffets. We also always provide a quiet room for the couple and their bridal party, where they can put away their gifts. We can also provide a room for children, where they can play indoors in winter.”
Couples can always tailor the decoration to their (winter) theme. “They can decorate everything themselves if they wish, or we can work together with various partners. That can range from flowers to tableware or even complete styling from scratch, tailored to your theme and style, to create an extra festive atmosphere in all spaces.”
Foto’s: Feestzaal: Faculty Club - Fotograaf: Didier Bunkens Seasonal cuisine: from winter classics to BBQ
The in-house catering at Faculty Club is also perfectly suited to a winter wedding. Jorn: “Our menus are always seasonal and, where possible, we prepare them based on local seasonal products. In winter, you’ll see many classics return—game is very popular. However, surprises are also possible at a winter wedding: in the past, people thought barbecue was only for summer. Now we also do winter barbecues—it’s wonderful to combine the smoked dishes from the barbecue with the cosy warmth inside. Customisation is always possible too; if a client has specific wishes, they’re always open for discussion. Thanks to our in-house catering we can be flexible with this. Think, for example, of a festive midnight snack during the dance party.”
About Faculty Club
Faculty Club is a beautiful event venue on the site of the Groot Begijnhof in Leuven. Thanks to the various rooms, atmospheric setting, practical facilities and in-house catering, couples can enjoy a warm, well-organised and unforgettable wedding celebration here in every season.
Foto: Feestzaal: Faculty Club - Fotograaf: Van Keyenberg Photography Read more about this topic via these links:
Getting married at Faculty Club, on the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Groot Begijnhof!
- Winter dinner: what do you serve?
- A winter wedding in a tent? I do!
- Winter magic: these are the most enchanting wedding venues for your winter wedding
