There are few things more inviting than a winter wedding, with its cozy charm and intimate ambiance. While the holidays can lend natural inspiration for design, there are plenty of ways to embrace the festive season without relying on the default red and green accents so often displayed in the winter.
From evergreen garlands to hearty menu options, here are a few ways to fill your wedding with seasonal touches that celebrate all winter has to offer.
Incorporate texture and warmth into décor
Winter is a time for inviting indulgence, and what better way than with soft, rich textures throughout your wedding venue.
“Since it’s cold outside, you want to bring warmth and texture into your wedding decor,” explains Jacqueline Vizcaino of Tinted Event Design and Planning. “Fur rugs, velvet chairs, and cozy blankets are great ways to add extra warmth and comfort to your winter wedding.”
In this way, your décor serves two purposes: creating the right vibe and keeping your guests warm and cozy throughout the evening.
Serve comforting food and drinks
They say it’s the food that truly makes a wedding, so embrace the opportunity to fill your guests’ bellies with warm and cozy dishes.
“To make your winter wedding special, serve comforting foods like stews, soups, mac & cheese, mashed potatoes, pies, an outdoor s’mores bar, and grilled sandwiches,” Vizcaino suggests.
Don’t forget the beverages, too! “Warm-mulled wine drinks and a hot chocolate bar are always a hit,” Vizcaino assures. In addition to offering a tasty treat, hot wintry drinks also serve to keep your guests’ fingers (and spirits) toasty!
Take advantage of winter foliage
Winter is known for its evergreens, like pines, firs, spruces, and junipers. So take a page out of mother nature’s book and design your wedding with these hardy, long-lasting greens!
“Candlelight and fragrant evergreen firs are part of winter’s charm,” says Joan Wyndrum O’Hear of Blooms by the Box. “Decorate your reception with beautiful winter greens like noble fir or mixed green garlands. This is the only time of year you will find plenty of fresh holiday greens.”
For pops of color, consider adding holly berries, pinecones, dusty miller, and other wintry elements that wholly lean into the season.
Have a backup plan
You can’t enjoy a comfortable winter wedding when stressing over weather forecasts or travel hiccups. Instead of leaving it to fate, ensure you and your vendor team have prepared for the worst.
“You always want to work with vendors with plans A, B, and C!” assures Kate Brambilla of Bedford Village Flower Shoppe. “When we work with couples, we always create three timelines that account for any and all “acts of God.” We also build a floral strategy that can adapt to any setting, environment, and temperature.”
When you’re confident in your plan—backups and all—it’s easier to soak in the beauty of every moment without
Reallocate your décor budget
During the rest of the year, most wedding budgets are inflated by décor costs to dress up otherwise plain venue spaces. But if you plan smartly, you might not need to spend much if your wedding venue is already decked out for the season.
“Take advantage of the many hotels, country clubs, and ballrooms decorated to the nines for the holiday season,” suggests Nora Sheils of Rock Paper Coin and Bridal Bliss. “Save your decor allocation and splurge on an amazing meal, open bar, or another area where you may not have been able to prior.”
Whether it’s an elaborate five-course dining experience or a horse-drawn carriage that screams winter wonderland, enjoy the flexibility that comes with a venue’s existing décor!
From aesthetics to atmosphere, winter weddings are a romantic and enchanting tribute to a magical season. Whether you lean into the holidays or conjure up your own vision of a winter wonderland, you and your guests will love the chance to cozy up and celebrate with one another!
Meghan Ely is the owner of wedding PR and wedding marketing firm OFD Consulting. Ely is a sought-after speaker, adjunct professor in the field of public relations, and a self-professed royal wedding enthusiast.
