3. Winter wedding colors: When choosing your winter wedding color palette, pull from the season. Thinking of a December wedding? Pops of red and gold can add the perfect holiday-inspired touch. For the rest of winter, muted or deep shades of green, purple and navy blue will definitely make a statement. Rich jewel tones also fit well with a winter wedding.
4. Winter greenery: Spring isn’t the only season to enjoy beautiful natural spaces. Pinecones, branches and frosted greenery can make for romantic centerpieces and winter wedding decor. If you are going for a more winter wonderland feel, you can even add pine trees and fake snow to your decor!
5. Winter florals: Flowers such as snowdrops, violas, roses and winter jasmines are beautiful winter flowers. Since these varieties either bloom in the winter or withstand the cold, they can be a perfect addition to your winter wedding. Consider adding them to your bouquet or centerpieces.
6. Mistletoe: Out of all the winter florals, mistletoe probably tops them all! Bring the full holiday spirit to your winter wedding by hanging mistletoe around doorways, in garlands or elsewhere around the space. It can also be used as a prop for photos!
7. Winter warmth: Candles can be romantic and inviting pieces of winter wedding decor. Both real and LED candles produce the same effect. Warm-toned lights create a cozy atmosphere, and twinkle lights added around the room or on tables can add a touch of whimsy.
8. Hand warmers: Alongside the program, add hand warmers to each guest’s chair if your ceremony is taking place outside! For winter weddings, it’s important to plan for extreme weather and let your guests know what to expect. Thinking ahead is critical for outdoor ceremonies in winter months.
9. Blankets or throws: Place one on every chair, or in baskets at the door of the reception for guests to use throughout the night. You could even have these personalized for guests to take home as wedding favors.
10. Cozy decor: Place fur throws, pillows and other soft accessories or party rentals around your space so your guests feel warm and comfortable all night long! Plush accessories can create a relaxing atmosphere for your winter reception. Textures like velvet and faux fur are ideal to add to a cozy atmosphere.
11. Ornaments: Ornaments are probably the easiest winter item to decorate with. Use them to hold place settings, as guest favors, or for reception decor. Stationers like Ashley Triggiano can personalize ornament designs to fit your wedding colors and even digitize and incorporate ornament illustrations into day-of paper products. This is a great festive touch!
12. Socks: Cute, matching sock are another favor idea. Choose festive patterns and your guests can keep their feet warm all night while they are on the dance floor.
13. Shawls: You and your bridesmaids can stay warm in gorgeous shawls or fur stoles. There are many styles to choose from, and they all look incredibly chic.
14. Comfort food: On a chilly winter evening, your guests are sure to enjoy warm, comforting food at your reception. Soups, savory pies, chicken and waffles, macaroni and cheese and classic meat and potatoes are delicious options to keep everyone cozy.
15. Cozy late-night snacks: Add a fun, entertaining element to your reception with a hot chocolate bar. Natelege Bryant and her team at Virginia & Co. catering offer fun late-night snack bars. One option is a hot chocolate bar with all the toppings (think mini marshmallows, chocolate curls and more!) Turn it up a notch by adding alcohol. Or, opt for Virginia & Co.’s s’mores bar that includes everything you need for the tasty treats!
16. Specialty cocktails: For added fun during the reception, serve specific cocktails for your guests to enjoy! Cocktails with whiskey or bourbon are perfect options for winter weddings.
17. Tea: Hot tea can be another great refreshment served at the wedding reception. You can also personalize tea bags for guests to take home!
18. Decorate the tree: If you’re hosting a December wedding, why not go all out and decorate a Christmas tree for your guests to enjoy! A tree can be a fun photo opp and adds to an overall festive feel. Decorate it with your family heirloom ornaments, personalized photo frames or ribbons in your wedding colors.
19. Pie: What’s more comforting than a warm slice of pie? This can be a great alternative to a the traditional wedding cake. Choose a few different flavors to please any guest and arrange on a display table with evergreen boughs or holly for an extra-festive touch. Raleigh baker Edible Art Bakery & Dessert Cafe offers mini “piekins” that are extra-cute and fun!
20. Special send-off: Sparklers are a fun and festive way to see off newlyweds, and are sure to make for fantastic photos. Other holiday-inspired options are glittery streamers or red and gold confetti.
These are just a few of the ways to add a festive, cozy touch to you winter wedding. For more winter wedding inspiration, scroll through our blogs here.
