Summer and fall might be considered peak wedding season, but if you ask us, there's nothing quite as romantic as saying "I do" in the winter. From rich color palettes and cozy materials to seasonal florals and festive food and drink, winter weddings are brimming with opportunities to infuse the day with warmth and charm. And don't forget that a winter wedding does not need to also be a holiday-themed event—while red-and-green celebrations or glitzy metallic parties are certainly fun, they're far from your only options. You can absolutely throw a showstopping winter wedding without a single holiday motif.
Whether you choose to wear warm weather attire (nothing says chic like adding a faux fur coat to your bridal style!), serve signature co*cktails that capture the spirit of the season, or go all-out with a snowy white color palette, there are so many wonderful ways to plan a winter wedding. Ahead, we're sharing our favorite ideas to consider for your own cold-weather celebration.
10 Awesome Advantages to Having a Winter Wedding
01of 28
Dress in Warm Attire
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/bride-groom-winter-attire-reem-photography-8948f9fbab3046f3896c02a0630b1721.jpg "28 Festive Winter Wedding Ideas to Inspire Your Own Cold-Weather Celebration (1)")
At this rustic winter wedding in Brooklyn, New York, the bride and groom dressed the part in warm, seasonally-appropriate attire. The groom chose a green velvet tuxedo while the bride paired her Pnina Tornai wedding dress with gloves and a cozy fur.
02of 28
Don't Be Afraid to Get Outside
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__brides__public__brides-services__production__2017__03__03__58b9a8140da6b011fd1dfde4_0417-BR-GLEE02-01-1b351c9b32d14266a6401194b191ab66.jpg "28 Festive Winter Wedding Ideas to Inspire Your Own Cold-Weather Celebration (2)")
When Glee star Becca Tobin married Zach Martin in Jackson Hole, the elated bride and groom made sure to embrace the season and the weather. If snow blankets your wedding venue on the big day, don't be scared to get outside—as evidenced by this couple's stunning photos, the backdrop will be absolutely epic.
03of 28
Select a Fitting Venue
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__brides__public__brides-services__production__2019__01__28__5c4f49c28bf5db083c16a1b0_miller-and-patton-wedding02-c393a7c9e4a34d77aa7a800667881bc8.jpg "28 Festive Winter Wedding Ideas to Inspire Your Own Cold-Weather Celebration (3)")
When choosing a venue for your winter nuptials, consider your preferred theme. Can you think of a space that will provide guests shelter from the cold? While a barn venue is perfect for a rustic aesthetic, a cozy ski lodge is just about as picturesque as it gets for a destination wedding in the mountains. If you want an enchanting backdrop for a December ceremony, a botanical garden—complete with a holiday light display—would be a magical choice.
04of 28
Embrace the Weather
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__brides__public__brides-services__production__2018__03__19__5aafd655a6a85d2181048e7a_meghan-and-arthur-aspen-wedding2018030510_-d92a1cffc9884a46860f3ada9f1f7aa2.jpg "28 Festive Winter Wedding Ideas to Inspire Your Own Cold-Weather Celebration (4)")
Skip the humidity and sweltering heat by opting for a winter wonderland wedding. Trust us: Your hair and makeup will thank you. This ceremony took place at the top of Aspen Mountain—at an elevation of 1,212 feet amongst a picture-perfect snowy landscape. There, the happy couple stood before an arbor wrapped in greenery and copper-toned blooms.
05of 28
Embrace Birch
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__brides__public__brides-services__production__2019__05__07__5cd1c362eb3422473495dd51_ali-and-reid-wedding17-b4f24d98c30447b7aadae8f48b3767f0.jpg "28 Festive Winter Wedding Ideas to Inspire Your Own Cold-Weather Celebration (5)")
Natural details can help to create the feeling of a winter woodland forest. Handmade paperescort cardswere finished with soft calligraphy and displayed on split birch logs, tucked among moss, grass, and branches.
06of 28
Play Up Greenery
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/christmas-wedding-decor-12-bf8139f5878845a48ced3331c0db7cde.jpg "28 Festive Winter Wedding Ideas to Inspire Your Own Cold-Weather Celebration (6)")
Evergreen wreaths are winter mainstays, but using them in creative, unexpected ways will make them much more interesting elements of your winter wedding. Here, they serve as chargers on the reception tables and surround dinner plates.
07of 28
Create a Cozy Backdrop
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/brett-and-ryan-wedding-17-b0c6b500ba924da794b6faa26c3bcf24.jpg "28 Festive Winter Wedding Ideas to Inspire Your Own Cold-Weather Celebration (7)")
Flower-filled backdrops are ever-popular, but there's something undeniably cozy about saying "I do" in front of a roaring fire. At this winter wedding in Colorado, a fireplace flanked by lit Christmas trees was the perfect spot for the bride and groom to swap vows.
08of 28
Decorate With Twinkle Lights
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__brides__public__brides-services__production__2018__12__06__5c097e5a5c7eee2d4408e2c6_nora-and-james-wedding09-59d6cf7bb8cd42938e5dc9d9e693fa37.jpg "28 Festive Winter Wedding Ideas to Inspire Your Own Cold-Weather Celebration (8)")
There's no doubt about it: Fairy lights make everything appear more magical, and that's especially true during the winter. Indoor or outdoor, a string of glistening twinkle lights can help set the tone for your nuptials. Consider dangling them from the ceiling, incorporating them into the tablescape décor, or stringing them into a majestic canopy at the reception.
09of 28
Wear Long Sleeves
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/IMG_01071_websize-742c0794309b469ab2a3e0dab594f975.jpg "28 Festive Winter Wedding Ideas to Inspire Your Own Cold-Weather Celebration (9)")
If you're getting married over the winter, don't skip a the long-sleeve wedding dress. From illusion sleeves to high-collared lace necklines, there's a dress silhouette for every bridal style.
10of 28
Encourage Everyone to Dress the Part
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/brett-and-ryan-wedding-08-4670a5c07cd449f8a668a4f62d8c80dc.jpg "28 Festive Winter Wedding Ideas to Inspire Your Own Cold-Weather Celebration (10)")
To stay warm at this winter wedding, everyone made sure to dress for the weather. The flower girls topped their delicate white dresses with jackets and knitted hats and gloves.
11of 28
Decorate Your Cake With Seasonal Details
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/brett-and-ryan-wedding-22-cc3faef085eb4e5380226b839314a240-ffc230c861e14d28bd4818e40ac79b9b.jpg "28 Festive Winter Wedding Ideas to Inspire Your Own Cold-Weather Celebration (11)")
Winter wedding cakes don't need to be over the top to make a statement. This petite two-tiered, multi-flavored fondantcake, which was accented with aspen leaves and pine cones, drove the wintry theme home.
12of 28
Make Your Space Cozy
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__brides__public__brides-services__production__2017__03__28__58da812f7f9d9043bd6a7b42_06-36300013-e3e346efcd584033bc1b3c15dc011379-6539045d12fd41c5809c26afa630c215.jpg "28 Festive Winter Wedding Ideas to Inspire Your Own Cold-Weather Celebration (12)")
Skip standard ceremony chairs and encourage guests to get cozy on blanket-covered benches. The simple décor allows the view to shine while also keeping loved ones comfortable.
13of 28
Serve Festive Sips
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/winterweddingco*cktail-0c42d92df46c498abeed050cd255843f.jpg "28 Festive Winter Wedding Ideas to Inspire Your Own Cold-Weather Celebration (13)")
We're going to let you in on a little secret: Any signature co*cktail feels festive when you give it a great name. Whether you choose to serve something seasonally-inspired or your go-to co*cktail, naming your signature sips something cleve will make your celebration that much more fun.
14of 28
Experiment with Dried Blooms
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__brides__public__brides-services__production__2017__12__18__5a380f06bb654e0eb590a13f_Black20Wedding20Decor2020-2dee234a7eca461b9de843d730f59ae3.jpg "28 Festive Winter Wedding Ideas to Inspire Your Own Cold-Weather Celebration (14)")
The everlasting nature of dried flowers makes them fitting for a wintry celebration. While dried blooms are often used in the place setting, ceremony arch, and hanging installations, they also make great boutonnières. If you're looking for an alternative to flowers, try dried berries.
15of 28
Showcase Seasonal Blooms
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__brides__public__brides-services__production__2017__12__06__5a2859f5360aa2720935b737_mateline-arndt-and-dylan-baumann-wedding2017112119_-c8a82051168440da98b52b744b61a303.JPG "28 Festive Winter Wedding Ideas to Inspire Your Own Cold-Weather Celebration (15)")
Flowers absolutely have a place at your winter wedding. Use them to adorn your reception space or to greet guests as they walk in. Who could say no to a stunning bouquet of blooms? The key here is selecting an arrangement of winters blooms (think: amaryllis, pomegranates, carnations, garden roses, and seasonal greenery) that match the aesthetic of your ceremony.
16of 28
Consider a Muted Color Palette
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__brides__public__brides-services__production__2018__08__24__5b803c15a3f22572fe06f365_julianne-and-kristian-wedding11-2296cafbc29d459283cd2cff21337e6f.jpg "28 Festive Winter Wedding Ideas to Inspire Your Own Cold-Weather Celebration (16)")
While winter weddings are often synonymous with rich jewel tones like emerald green and ruby red, don't be so quick to rule out a muted color palette. Imagine a lineup of slate gray bridesmaids' dresses against a snowy backdrop or an array of mismatched gowns in the color of your choosing (think along the lines of dusty blue and icy periwinkle).
17of 28
Serve Up Hot Chocolate
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/hot-chocolate-station-bar-45351eb32b5b4670ab27a71bde57370b.jpg "28 Festive Winter Wedding Ideas to Inspire Your Own Cold-Weather Celebration (17)")
Can you count the ways to serve up hot cocoa at your winter wedding? Think outside the box with a hot chocolate station bar stocked with homemade marshmallows, peppermint sticks, and whipped cream. Come co*cktail hour, a signature frozen hot cocoa-inspired specialty drink is guaranteed to hit the spot.
18of 28
Line the Aisle
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__brides__public__brides-services__production__2019__04__15__5cb4e98810c0d1180c64b650_cory-and-max-wedding18-e47bb7be93ca4e339699ba2da3574a8f.jpg "28 Festive Winter Wedding Ideas to Inspire Your Own Cold-Weather Celebration (18)")
Want to make a swanky entrance? Thiscandle-lit aisleled to a stunning floral chuppah made up of roses, hydrangeas, garden roses, and white cherry blossoms. And that's not all. Ivory curtains parted to reveal an aisle edged in sprawling seasonal greenery.
19of 28
Add Festive Touches
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/christmas-wedding-decor-06-890136b7aca4496dbc723a7b47773407.jpg "28 Festive Winter Wedding Ideas to Inspire Your Own Cold-Weather Celebration (19)")
'Tis the season to add festive touches à la your wedding favors, décor, and even signature drinks. Something as simple as a plaid tablecloth, pine cone place cards, or customized napkins featuring fun wordplay can help to spread the holiday cheer. Set the tone for your reception with a celebratory drink such as a cranberry champagne co*cktail or pink peppermint co*cktail.
20of 28
Add Layers of Velvet
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__brides__public__brides-services__production__2017__12__19__5a394bd8bb654e0eb590a185_francesca-ferrazzo-and-marco-squadrani-wedding2017121114_-fdd50bdc70d14bc1915c975940977ffa.jpg "28 Festive Winter Wedding Ideas to Inspire Your Own Cold-Weather Celebration (20)")
Velvet is not just for attire. This sumptuous fabric is beckoning for a prime spot in your reception table décor. At this wedding, simple wooden tables were topped with velvet runners, antique candlesticks with blue candles, and cups with figs and pomegranates.
21of 28
Have a Champagne Tower
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__brides__public__brides-services__production__2018__03__07__5aa021b9fd7d532ceaa9f6b2_katherine-and-jeremy-wedding2018022617_-5a103a893f3c47e9867e97cd890e7d27.jpg "28 Festive Winter Wedding Ideas to Inspire Your Own Cold-Weather Celebration (21)")
Keep the bubbly flowing with none other than a champagne tower. Perhaps you're hosting a New Year's Eve wedding or maybe you're channeling a black-tie Gatsby-inspired affair. Either way, such a grandiose display at your reception is guaranteed to elicit a wow-worthy response from guests.
22of 28
Set Up a DIY S'mores Station
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/DIY-smores-station-0a05426f9fb54436a2066a26b9e08aa9.jpg "28 Festive Winter Wedding Ideas to Inspire Your Own Cold-Weather Celebration (22)")
Variety is the spice of life... especially when it comes to the dessert table spread! For an outdoor reception, guests can gather around a fire pit and roast marshmallows on skewers. Escape freezing temperatures altogether by setting up a DIY s'mores bar stocked with graham crackers, chocolate, marshmallows, and custom fillings.
23of 28
Provide Blankets for Guests
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/wedding-blankets-for-outdoor-wedding-7d857e36ef9d455b9728e098cc2a2fa4.jpg "28 Festive Winter Wedding Ideas to Inspire Your Own Cold-Weather Celebration (23)")
Once the temperatures drop below 60 degrees, an extra layer (or two) may be in order to knock down the chill. Keep everyone in good spirits by offering fleece blankets as they arrive at the venue. Attendees will be able to snuggle up throughout the ceremony and then take the blankets home as a wedding favor.
24of 28
Have the Bridesmaids Carry Greenery Wreaths
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/greenery-wreaths-3a719ad43ef3424da9d83a51d2ba849d.jpg "28 Festive Winter Wedding Ideas to Inspire Your Own Cold-Weather Celebration (24)")
For a classy Christmas wedding, have your bridesmaids coordinate their red dresses with greenery wreaths. Doing so will make for an unexpected touch that's seasonal but not overly fa-la-la-la. The bride shown here holds a bouquet of red flowers against a woodsy backdrop.
25of 28
Embrace a Winter Color Palette
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/white-on-white-winter-palette-39ac18917eac4d8ca3b51a2f38cc0f7f.jpg "28 Festive Winter Wedding Ideas to Inspire Your Own Cold-Weather Celebration (25)")
There's nothing quite more magical than a winter wonderland theme inspired by a seasonal palette (and we're not just talking red and green). Give your venue an icy aesthetic by bringing in white-flowered trees, artificial snow, and modern lucite chairs.For a hint of color, weave in evergreen accents in the tablescape and escort cards.
26of 28
Make a Fitting Escape
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/1398W0164-39f0f1d635e24faa914ca4b97469a877.jpg "28 Festive Winter Wedding Ideas to Inspire Your Own Cold-Weather Celebration (26)")
Whether by a scenic gondola ride, a horse-drawn carriage, or a sleigh decked out in holiday cheer, be prepared to make a memorable exit. Your wedding send-off can be as epic as you want it to be. Ultimately, your venue will influence the method of transportation that you choose. While a gondola ride makes perfect sense for a ski resort wedding, a sleigh equipped with fleece blankets is fitting for a wedding set in the idyllic countryside (bonus points if it's snowing).
27of 28
Choose a Seasonal Wedding Cake Flavor
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/TheCakeandtheGiraffe_Gingerbread-with-Pear-Compote-and-Vanilla-Buttercream-ebf7fd6c236a463d881ee027fe5c906e.jpg "28 Festive Winter Wedding Ideas to Inspire Your Own Cold-Weather Celebration (27)")
Just as pumpkin spice is synonymous with fall, there's no shortage of seasonal cake flavors to take into consideration for your winter nuptials. This festive gingerbread with pear compote and vanilla buttercream cake from The Cake & The Giraffe not only looks exquisite, but its rich in flavor. Other flavor combos to consider include gingerbread and eggnog creme, chocolate peppermint, and chai spice.
28of 28
Add Pine Cones and White Pine to Your Tables
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/pine-cone-table-decor-460a331618444ba599b3c30a21c80403.jpg "28 Festive Winter Wedding Ideas to Inspire Your Own Cold-Weather Celebration (28)")
You can bring the outdoors in at a winter wedding. When incorporated into the tablescape, decorations, and even escort cards, pine cones and white pine—two ultra-classic winter decorations—can serve as chic accents. You can DIY glistening snow-covered pine cones or opt for a more natural look by incorporating them into a garland runner.
