Winter is an enchanting time of year, and many couples dream of saying “I do” in their own winter wonderland—after all there are few things that are more romantic than a warmly-lit winter wedding in the snow. Therefore, from your colour scheme and theme to your invitations, decor, reception drinks, and treats, today we bring you some inspiration on styling your winter wedding.
Styling Your Venue
Winter wedding venues can be a lot less expensive because, usually, there’s less demand. And when it comes to styling your chosen venue there are usually two ways it can go: you may have to transform it completely from a generic canvas of a room into your own vision, or some of the work will be done for you if, for example, you’ve chosen a grand manor house full of ornate architecture and elaborate furnishings.
Colours
Your colour scheme is very important, as it weaves itself into all of your wedding. It features in your invitations through to your matching stationery (including orders of service, menus, place cards, cake boxes, napkins and thank you cards), favours, decor, and even your wedding dress.
With traditionally festive colours like red, burgundy, green and gold, it’s important not to overdo it or you risk everything looking too busy. Rather than trying to blend everything together, mix only a few colours. For example, red, burgundy and gold, or green, white and gold.
Another beautiful winter colour scheme includes white and ice‐blue, with a sparkling accent of silver. Together they create a stunning wintry “snow queen” style wedding that’s perfect for the glamorous couple. Complete this wedding with decorative snow globes and ice sculptures.
Themes
Woodland Winter
Imagine gold-and-pearl accents and silver birch tree table accessories. Feature traditional Christmas trees as your table centrepieces or as ornate decorations in the centre of the room. A winter woodland wedding theme is particularly popular for the couples who dream of walking through their own fairytale on their big day.
Vintage Winter
For a stunning vintage winter wedding, consider a soft pallet of heavy creams, light wood, mocha, and cappuccino. Candelabras with hanging baubles make wonderful centrepieces, and you might even use festive Christmas trees, under which you can wrap up your guests’ favours. Lots of twinkling lights, shining glassware, copper roses, scattered pearls, and rose petals will complete the look.
Retro Winter
A palette of red, green, and gold create warmth and glamour for a beautiful retro winter wedding. Use holly and red berries on wreaths, fill wicker baskets with roses, pine cones, and candles, and fill mini stockings with small snacks or wedding favours.
Classic Winter
Inspired by ivy and mistletoe, opt for soft greens and ivory for a romantic, classic winter wedding. Hang mistletoe from doorways and over the top table, wrap ivy around pillars and banisters, and fill vases with water with submerged sprigs of holly and floating candles.
Glamorous Winter
Be inspired by ice and diamonds for an opulent winter wedding. Plenty of glassware is the way to achieve a soft, sparkling atmosphere, and you can create dramatic reception tables with silver candelabras, hanging crystals, and table gems. If you can’t resist adding colour, use rich burgundies or purples.
Lighting
The early sunsets in winter make for beautiful, romantic lighting opportunities. Lots of cold, crisp white light creates the perfect winter wonderland but, for a much cosier atmosphere, most couples use warm oranges like firelight. In a dim room, use plenty of candlelight from tall taper candles to tiny tea lights. Add in pretty hanging lanterns around the room and take advantage of what your venue has (e.g. an elaborate fireplace).
Don’t neglect outside though: hang more lanterns and dangling lights from the tree branches, and wind more lights around the trunks. Draw attention to garden features like statues and fountains, and float candles or lanterns on a small nearby lake or pond. You might even consider fireworks to end the night!
Drinks and Treats
Drinks and treats to dazzle the senses are popular at Christmas time, so it makes sense to carry some of them through to your wedding reception. Serve mulled wine or festive martinis in sugar-trimmed champagne glasses, and consider a hot chocolate bar with marshmallows. Keep mince pies, Christmas pudding, and gingerbread cookies on the table as menu choices, or display them in pretty containers as wedding favours. Serve cupcakes with mini sparklers for some extra WOW-factor.
