Winter weddings are magical, enchanting, and romantic, with the season’s natural beauty setting a dreamy backdrop. The charm of snow-covered landscapes, candlelit décor, and cosy vibes can make a winter wedding feel like a real-life fairytale. However, with the colder weather comes the need for additional planning to ensure both comfort and elegance. If you are eager for a winter wedding, this is everything you need to know about how to execute it.
Table of Contents
Embrace a Seasonal Theme
Winter is a unique time of year, and leaning into its charm can make your wedding truly memorable. A seasonal theme can be rustic, elegant, or even holiday-inspired, and it provides endless opportunities for cosy, festive touches. Think about incorporating seasonal elements like pinecones, evergreens, and warm metallic accents like gold, silver, and bronze.
Colour schemes that embrace the season also add a timeless elegance to the occasion. Rich, deep tones like burgundy, forest green, and navy add warmth, while icy blues, whites, and silvers evoke a winter wonderland effect. Lighting also plays a huge role; incorporate fairy lights, candles, and lanterns to create an intimate, inviting ambience.
Choose a Cosy Indoor Venue
Winter weather can be unpredictable, making an indoor venue ideal. Look for locations with fireplaces, rustic wood, or grand architecture that naturally enhances the warmth and elegance of your event. Historic buildings, ski lodges, ballrooms, and barn venues are perfect choices, as they provide both shelter from the elements and a beautiful winter aesthetic.
Create a Warm Welcome with Hot Drink Stations
As guests arrive, warm them up with a delicious beverage station featuring hot chocolate, mulled wine, or spiced cider. Offer marshmallows, whipped cream, cinnamon sticks, and chocolate shavings for an interactive hot chocolate bar that guests can personalise. For a sophisticated touch, consider adding speciality winter cocktails to your bar menu, like Irish coffee, spiked hot chocolate, or a cranberry rosemary cocktail.
Dress for the Season in Style
One of the most iconic and practical winter wedding accessories you could have for the day is the wedding cape. Not only does it keep the bride warm in chilly weather, but it also adds a regal, fairytale-like quality to the bridal ensemble. A wedding cape is an elegant alternative to traditional jackets and perfectly complements the winter season.
Beautiful wedding capes come in a variety of lengths, fabrics, and styles, making it easy to find one that matches your gown and aesthetic. Aside from looking incredibly stylish, a wedding cape is also a practical choice. It provides warmth without needing to add bulk under your gown, allowing you to maintain your silhouette. You can easily remove it for the reception if you prefer to stay lighter for dancing and mingling. Plus, a cape is a versatile accessory that works well in both outdoor and indoor settings, ensuring you’re prepared for any photo opportunities in the winter landscape.
Plan for Winter Wedding Photography
Winter weddings provide a stunning backdrop for photos, with snow-covered landscapes, bare trees, and crisp, clear light. Work with your photographer to schedule time for outdoor shots while there’s natural light, as winter days are shorter. Golden hour can be even more magical in winter, with soft light reflecting off snow for ethereal photos.
Add Seasonal Décor
Winter provides countless opportunities for creative décor that celebrates the season. Add elements like pine garlands, fairy lights, candles, and even faux snow to create a wintry, romantic atmosphere. Evergreen wreaths, eucalyptus, and frosted berries are beautiful choices for floral arrangements, adding a natural and seasonal touch to the event.
Opt for Winter-Friendly Florals
When choosing florals for a winter wedding, consider flowers that are in season and can withstand cooler temperatures. Winter florals like amaryllis, ranunculus, anemones, and roses are beautiful and readily available in the colder months. Pair these with greenery like pine, cedar, or eucalyptus to add a wintry feel and fragrance to your arrangements.
Serve Comforting, Seasonal Foods
Winter weddings are the perfect occasion to serve warm, hearty dishes that make guests feel satisfied. Consider offering comfort foods like soups, roasted vegetables, and seasonal meats as part of your main course. Starters such as butternut squash soup or roasted tomato bisque can set the tone, while main courses like roast chicken, lamb, or vegetarian lasagna keep guests feeling warm and full.
For dessert, think beyond traditional wedding cake and include winter-inspired treats like warm apple pie, sticky toffee pudding, or even a DIY s’mores station. These seasonal touches will enhance the wintery feel of your celebration.
