There’s something so magical about winter – there’s nothing quite as peaceful and ethereal as the quiet after it snows, don’t you think? If you’re as obsessed with wintertime coziness as I am, then chances are a winter wedding is right up your alley. It’s so easy to fall into clichés with a winter wedding, however - though some clichés are excellent and shouldn’t be hastily rejected – so here are some tips, tricks, and ideas to get you started on your perfect winter wedding!

Uppercase L Photography

Color options other than red and green

Unless you’re planning a Christmas specific wedding – which sounds delightful, to be honest – you should be careful with the shades of red and green you include in the color scheme. But that doesn’t mean you can’t play with the hues! Take inspiration from nature and go with a deep cranberry and dark forest green combined with gold or silver for a radiant and glamorous color palette. The darker tones hint at a holiday vibe while remaining appropriate for all times of winter.

Creative Wonderland Studio

You’re not limited to shades of white and silver

If deep hues of red and green aren’t your thing, you might think the only other options are various shades of white and silver. Just because there’s potentially snow on the ground doesn’t mean your wedding has to be completely white. The only important thing to keep in mind is to choose darker tones of colors to balance the season. For example, anchor the color scheme with navy blue and include ivory and light blue accents. I also love a deep red wine color, either with the navy blue or as the single pop of color.

Jeannine Marie Photography

Jewel tones will always work for a winter wedding; the deep, vibrant tones match the weight of winter. If you want something a bit lighter, look for dusty hues of your favorite colors: dusty mauve, blue, and gray are excellent options for a light and airy cold weather look.

Add a winter touch to your dress and makeup

The glamorous details of a winter wedding don’t have to stop with the decorations and color scheme. Bringing the theme into your makeup, hair, and dress will tie everything together. Colder months call for darker lips and bold eyes, which is perfect for a winter wedding. Go for the classic red lipstick with a subtle cat eye, or even a dark berry lip. If a bold lip isn’t your thing, try a light smokey eye and a mauve lip. No matter what your specific makeup style is, don’t be afraid to play up the drama and go for it!

Wonderland Creative Studio

For hair, be conscious of certain hairstyles that might be ruined by snow. While not as aggressive as rain, snow melting in curls can make them go flat after a while. So choose a hairstyle that can be easily touched up throughout the day. From up-dos to luxurious curls, anything and everything will work for a winter wedding. Just choose your favorite and make sure you schedule in touch-up time and have the necessary supplies – this goes for all weddings, really. For winter weddings, you can also play with heavier fabrics in the dresses for you and your bridesmaids. Whereas in the summer it’s all about chiffon, in the winter you can get away with heavier Dupioni fabric and intricate brocade and embroidery. Or even velvet for a trendy and luxurious look! The structured feel of a weightier fabric will keep you warm if you’re outside while creating a sophisticated winter look.

Satori Photography

Tips for keeping you and your girls warm

As for your bridesmaids, don’t be afraid to style them in a long sleeved, knee length dress, paired with tights and ankle boots for a chic look that is also warm and comfortable. Or, style a more summery bridesmaid dress with a fur shawl to keep your girls warm and create a winter look. You can wear a fur shawl as well to match your girls while you take pictures. If that’s not your thing don’t be afraid to wear a sophisticated and classic winter coat! I’m thinking a pea coat and even a fluffy scarf – as long as it’s the same color as your dress or goes with the color scheme, it’ll look like a cozy and chic addition and not just a last minute addition to survive the cold.

The Lemon Rose Photography

Décor and decorations

Much like summer weddings, the décor options for winter weddings are endless – the world is your oyster! Whether you want to bring in nature elements or create a glittering, icy wonderland or anything in between, there are so many options for winter wedding decorations. For a more rustic vibe, use birch trees, pinecones, and pine boughs. Bringing wood into the decorations creates a warm feeling, and birch, in particular, is perfect for a festive winter look. Create candleholders out of small birch logs to use as centerpieces, and place small trees or branches throughout the reception space to create a forest-like feel. Add pine boughs to the centerpieces, and use pinecones for the place card holders.  

Jeannine Marie Photography

If a rustic look isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other options. Depending on your color palette, use lots of flowers and strands of crystals to create a sparkling and traditional look. Or, choose a minimal look and use simple flowers and candles. The thing that makes a winter wedding cozy and glamorous is lots of light, whether that is from fairy lights, candles, or a combination of both. Even though your wedding happens to be in the winter, that doesn’t mean you have to create a winter wonderland. You can do whatever your heart desires!

Studio Laguna

Provide hand warmers and blankets for guests

When you’re planning a winter wedding, it’s better to be over prepared than under. Buy instant hand warmers and cozy blankets to have on hand for you and your guests, especially if there are any outdoor elements. This is especially crucial for the wedding photos. Give your bridal party hand warmers and blankets for between shots so they look happy and not frostbitten in the photographs.

George Street Photo & Video

Plus, guests always tend to congregate outside the church or reception hall to offer congratulations, so stash blankets and hand warmers nearby in case anyone comes unprepared for the weather. For a fun and practical element, consider having clear bubble umbrellas for your bridal party for going to and from the wedding ceremony and receptions locations, and for during the photo shoot. The umbrellas will add a touch of whimsy will protecting hair and outfits, especially if there’s any precipitation.

Bring the winter vibe into cocktail hour

A detail that is sure to impress is having winter-themed cocktails. Yes, wine and beer are always classic, but how about having mulled wine, a hot toddy, or a wintery juniper/cranberry cocktail in the mix as well? Having warm and on theme cocktails is an easy way to incorporate winter into the meal while allowing you to choose whatever type of food you want. Plus it’s just fun and festive! If you’re looking for another fun detail to add to the reception, try a s’mores bar, either during the cocktail hour or for desert. In a trough, place ethanol gel canisters (for roasting marshmallows) among gravel or sand. Intersperse mini juniper trees or pine boughs for decoration. Put out plenty of small roasting sticks, marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers, and you’ve got a fun and cheap s’mores bar!

Allison Hopperstad Photography

At the end of the day, anything goes. Hopefully, you now see that a winter wedding can be more than just a tribute to Christmas, or has to be filled with specific things. The only thing you absolutely have to do is plan ahead in terms of weather. Coats, hand warmers, and blankets are all things that can easily be purchased before the big day to save you any headaches. Other than that, a winter wedding allows plenty of room to play with deep colors, structured fabrics, and plenty of candles and fairy lights. The options are endless!

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