I’m mildly obsessed with winter wedding ideas. It’s probably because when you grow up in a place with endless summer (me, Hawaii), a couple of things happen. 1. Your hair is always frizzy. 2. You love that mysterious, romantic, unattainable thing that is winter. Everything about it. The idea of it. The aesthetic of it. Snowflakes. Hot toddies. Fireplaces. BOOTS. (God, I love boots.)
In my head, winter is all about the romance of snuggling up in front the fire, and it is also hella beautiful. (I don’t spend much time thinking about wet boots and windchill factor, because Hawaii.) But seriously: How crazy is it that snowflakes are natural things that exist? I am a thirty-year-old woman, and every time I see a snowflake (which is not often, unfortunately) I tear up a little. They are magical! They are basically tiny crystals that naturally Fall. From. The. Sky. They are heavenly, divine glitter confetti dusting the earth in celebration of your nuptials.
In other words, winter is enchanting. It’s when the earth hibernates under a totally unreal, crystalline, sugar-like landscape. It’s a time when warmth is truly, really recognized and valued and appreciated. When dressing like a magical queen out of a fantasy book is completely acceptable. (See: Crowns and headpieces galore, bonus if encrusted with crystals and other sparkly bits.) When cookie culture is a real, actual, wonderfully huge thing. The end and the beginning of the year. It’s a time of festivities. Of love. Of traditions. Of candlelight. Family. Togetherness.
Also in Advice
So, embrace it! Go full-on HAM with your winter wedding ideas and wonderment, from silvery doughnuts to hot cocoa bars to long-sleeved dresses. Here are the ways I’m dreaming of the perfect frost-filled fête.
Let’s do this, ice kween.
Winter Wedding Ideas
Embrace texture
Winter is the season to go extra with your textures, and there’s no better moment than at a winter wedding. I’m talking velvets! Metallics! Satins! Fur! Snowflake-like laces are perfect always, but used creatively (like as laser-cut invitation sleeves), it can make a huge impact. Channel your inner snow queen and go for some luxe embellishments like beading, brocade, or embroidery (especially on your cape, because I hope there’s a cape). Crystals are not a yes, they’re a YASS. Especially when they’re in a magnificent masterpiece of a cake, or when they’re chunky, raw, organic-looking, edgy little things in a tiara that’s more boho goddess than Disney princess.
Try: Eye-catching, luxurious velvet ribbons on invitations… or on everything.
Go for intricate, white lace details, like so many snowflakes.
This is the time to finally indulge in those rich, warm furs (fake or vintage).
Sure, crushed velvet tablecloths are not that practical IRL, but they create a lush and dramatic tablescape, and they’re perfect for Just This Once.
While we’re here for glittery gold lace in any season, it’s particularly fitting on those winter wedding dresses.
Not into fur? How about unbearably elegant, soft, white stoles over a gown?
Crystals aren’t just for earrings. Consider crystal cakes in cool shades with glitter details.
That said, one should never miss an excuse for chunky crowns studded with ice-like crystals.
Want to skip fuzzy and go sleek? How about white capes and cloaks that would feel perfectly at home in a sleigh.
Go Moody & Minimal
While winter gives you an excuse to go Extra, but if that’s not your style, there was never a better season to get minimal and moody. Picture this: A palette of snowy white framing bridesmaids in deep crimson cloaks. All-ivory wedding party carrying deep-green, fir-centric bouquets. Bouquets made entirely of layered greenery. Silvery-grey linens adorned with silvery grey eucalyptus and bleached wooden branches. Spare copper-colored leaves stretched over a stark, statement-making arch in an industrial loft. If minimal and moody is your always and forever vibe, let’s hit it with these winter wedding ideas:
How about a crew of bridesmaids in greys or muted blues? (If you’re really pushing towards minimal, skip the sparkles and fur.)
White-centric decor doesn’t have to mean Christmas. (Special shout out to those folks celebrating winter weddings who don’t celebrate Christmas.) You can say elegant winter with organic and natural elements, with no red and green in sight.
But if the wafting scent of evergreen is your jam, consider a simple centerpiece of greenery and a minimal color scheme.
Winter means snow and ice, and blue and white. So go with organic-feeling, rustic linens in the softest blue.
Spray paint never goes amiss as one of our favorite DIY tools. So consider sparse, wintry branches spray panted in metallic hues as a minimal (and affordable) alternative to flowers.
Elegant Winter Wonderland
For those that don’t celebrate Christmas, or who are getting married in January or February… or just don’t want their wedding to look like Santa Clause might be coming to town, there are so many winter wedding ideas that turn your part into a shining winter wonderland… with nary an elf in sight. Pinecones (painted pewter, perhaps, or in an organic, earthy spread) can be the classiest details there are, if used sparingly.
Showcase fireplaces in any capacity you can. Include gently festive applications of metallics and glitter. Decorate with snowflake-reminiscent geometrics in whites and silvers, or—omg—stars. Stock the place with tapered candles in beautiful wooden or matte metal candlesticks. HAVE MULLED WINE.
Winter means candles galore! (And if your venue bans flames, use twinkly LED candles for a very realistic and fire safe effect.)
Consider small evergreen touches on invitations and paper goods.
Go for stars everywhere, but especially in your hair.
Think of less obvious winter symbols—like branches—and give them luxe treatment.
Try wintery fir sprigs decorating desserts, and top them with snow-like frosting or powdered sugar.
Have a fireplace? Use it. This ultra-cozy fireplace takes centerstage as an altar.
Winter is a great time to embrace geometric ice crystals as silvery wall hangings.
Or, do geometry in white, as thematic table numbers.
And mulled wine, always and forever
Go Cozy
Hot cocoa bars and s’mores favors are right at home at a winter wedding. Silvery glittered doughnut buffets with coffee are always a good idea, but in winter they are a great idea. Sleigh rides out of a fairytale? Perfect. Passing out blankets at the ceremony? Hygge central. The thing about winter is it brings people together—literally! It’s cold out there, folks. Snuggle up and go ahead and rock those sweaters, wraps, long-sleeved dresses (SO elegant), and stoles. Yes: STOLES. Here are winter wedding ideas for those of you who just want to get cozy.
Monogrammed hot cocoa breaks up a chilly interlude.
Donuts are always a good idea but sparkly donuts are a downright magical one.
Long-sleeved gowns keep you looking elegant (and warm).
Consider everyone’s favorite fireside dessert, as a DIY bar, or favor, or both.
Ultra-minimal, long-sleeved gowns are as sweet (or edgy) as can be. Pick your vibe.
If you have a chance for carriage (or sleigh!) ride through a snowy landscape, take it.
And always: blankets for huddling, snuggling, and cuddling under.
Are you planning (or did you have) a winter wedding? What are your favorite winter wedding ideas?
