Winter weddings – not only are they more affordable than their warmer counterparts, but they can be enchantingly beautiful. Dramatic icicles and swirling clouds of white can lead to a cold-weathered wonderland much like a snow globe. Plus, let’s not forget how the holidays can appealingly be incorporated into the aesthetics. With a few basic tips and a touch of creativity, winter nuptials can be a truly wondrous affair.
Winter Wedding Flowers and Greenery
Even though winter is possibly that last season that might make couples think of floral arrangements, there are many options for both bouquets and centerpieces that can truly show off the winter theme. A few photos of Martha Stewart’s winter bridal bouquets will get the wheels turning for some creative options.
- Poinsettias come in a brilliant assortment of colors and can give the wedding décor a splash of color. Of course, the most well-known version of the plant features red and green, making it perfect for a Christmas-themed ceremony.
- Lilies, orchids, and roses add sleek elegance to the bouquet or table setting and stay with the winter white theme.
- Miniature evergreens are hearty and come pre-potted (which means they can double as the decoration and as a “thank you” gift to the church, guests, or vendors). Wrapping the pots in burlap and adding ribbon around the rim complete the effect.
Don’t be afraid to incorporate non-floral details into centerpieces or greenery. For instance, for a more rustic affair, why not include spray-painted pinecones or carefully positioned twigs among the bouquets? For an upscale touch, maybe weave Christmas ornaments or shiny tassel into draped garland. Candles will be your friend when decorating the space, no matter what your winter theme may be; garnish the bases with shrubbery, lace or flowers, and even consider having the lights floating on the surface of water for a truly alluring effect.
Winter Wedding Attire
Your wedding day is supposed to be the happiest moment of your life, so you shouldn’t let the drop in temperatures leave you miserably shivering with your teeth chattering. Staying warm and stylish is a breeze, especially with many of the looks that are popular nowadays.
- Sleeves are having a comeback, and can add a little romance and a lot of warmth to any outfit. Particularly practical if you’re getting married outside, you want to make sure that the extra fabric doesn’t cause you to become overheated. Either wear two different dresses for the ceremony or reception, select a textile that allows a circulation of air, or pick out a shawl, bolero or other removable layers that you can easily put on-and-off. Popular wedding dress vendor David’s Bridal has plenty of coverage options specifically for brides.
- A higher neckline will also help protect you from the wind and temperatures – to have a bit more coverage without sacrificing tasteful sex appeal, take advantage of “trick necklines,” a look that is particularly popular thanks in part to the world’s current love affair with “Great Gatsby” inspired fashion.
- Choose ice and slick-friendly footwear that provide reliable traction to avoid slipping on ice or snow-covered terrain. You’re probably going to be sporting a hemline that brushes the ground rather than your knees, so any stockings or unsightly shoes you choose to don will be discretely concealed.
If part of your ceremony is held in the great outdoors, do your due diligence to inform guests of this so they can come prepared and bundled in sophisticated wedding coats. Furthermore, consider having stylish blankets and shawls ready to offer attendees for additional layers.
Best Mother of the Bride Outfits
Winter Wedding Transportation
Depending on the passion for the winter months and snow (along with the weather conditions where the bride and groom will exchange vows), there are a few options to get really creative with the transportation for the wedding.
More traditional couples will love a horse drawn sleigh from the chapel to the reception venue; it allows for plenty of photo opportunities and romance as the two of you snuggle deep down beneath warm quilts and sip on cups of hot chocolate. Reversely, if you’re a bit more adventuresome and nontraditional, they can consider traveling by snowmobile or travel on cross-country skis. Of course, no one really enjoys driving in the snow, so winter brides may want to choose to host both the ceremony and reception in the same place so guests don’t need to venture out into the chilly temperatures more than necessary.
Winter Wedding Menu Options
A winter wonderland wedding wouldn’t be complete without a few hearty and warm menu items. While the possibilities are only as limited as your creativity, below are a few ideas to jump-start your imagination.
- Hot cocoa with miniature marshmallows, as well as an assortment of spoons dipped in chocolate for stirring. Depending on the time of day, a coffee, tea and cappuccino bar will also be a hit among the adults.
- A soup bar complete with varieties of warm soups, breads, crackers, and other fun add-ins is an easy way to also serve vegetarian dishes for those guests who request them.
- A simple white cake with white frosting dusted with large granules of sugar give a shimmering effect to the dessert.
- Allow guests to roast marshmallows over either indoor Bunsen burners or a playful fire pit; this will make for a fun group activity but make sure that adults accompany all kids in order to prevent rambunctious little ones from getting hurt.
- Sno Balls (chocolate cakes with cream filling, marshmallow frosting, and coconut flakes as the coating.
- Perhaps incorporate fall or wintery flavors into a signature cocktail; ask your bartender about delicious recipes that feature items like cinnamon, mint and nutmeg.
What suggestions do you have to make a winter wedding unique and gorgeous? Photographs of the bridal party throwing snowballs? The bride ice skating down the aisle? Share with us your ideas in the comment section below!