In a world where the majority of weddings unfold between May and October, the allure of a winter celebration is undeniable. Saying "I do" surrounded by the warmth of your loved ones, combined with the cozy ambiance of the season, can create a truly magical and unforgettable experience. Winter weddings are an opportunity to embrace the beauty of seasonal florals and indulge in festive culinary delights, transforming your celebration into a perfect blend of coziness and chic sophistication. We've collaborated with local experts to explore 12 ideas that will promise to elevate your winter wedding into a cozy and romantic affair.
1. Light Up Your Wedding Ceremony
Given the earlier sunset in winter, embrace the romantic charm of a candle-lit wedding ceremony. Melody Hall of Events by Melody suggests lining the aisle with lush candles, creating a captivating pathway that can later be repurposed as gorgeous centerpieces or strewn on your head table. The soft glow of candles adds a touch of warmth and elegance, making it a cozy and chic addition that enhances the magic of your winter celebration. After all, when it comes to winter weddings, you can never have too many candles.
John & Joseph Photography
2. Accent with Holiday Decor
Christmas trees aren't just for the holidays. Laine Palm of Laine Palm Planning + Design suggests that beyond the Christmas season, whether they are adorned or not, fir trees can make a beautiful addition to your wedding decor. The lush greenery not only adds a natural touch of elegance, but also seamlessly complements the overall the look and theme of your wedding. Plus they make a larger visual impact in your space.
Clewell Weddings
3. Embrace Your Inner Ice Queen
Brooke Daniels from Bride and Jewel Co reveals that the shop is seeing a strong towards literal bridal fashion. As Daniels states, "Brides are wanting to see actual snowflakes in their bridal gowns and shimmer that resemble the aspects of winter. We are seeing a huge return of sparkle for the winter wedding months in both fashion and decor. Brides want to experience the ice-like wonderland reflected on their dream gown, but also want everyone blinded by their light." Brace yourselves, guests, for a mesmerizing experience as you sip on hot cocoa and watch the real-life Elsa from Frozen dance away the night.
Evelyn Bridal Collection
4. Create a Cozy Dining Experience
For a winter wedding filled with warmth and intimacy, Chowgirls Catering suggests adopting a family-style dinner service. This approach not only adds a cozy element to your celebration but also brings loved ones together in smaller, more intimate groups. As each dish is passed around the table, guests engage in lively conversations which are often centered around the delightful winter cuisine.
Andy Berndt
5. Celebrate Whimsical Winter Fashion
Milbern Clothing recommends choosing a unique style for the groom, such as a custom green velvet suit, to ensure he stands out amidst the groomsmen. Additionally, consider fur shawls for the bride and bridesmaids as well as a for a cloak for the groom, which not only provide warmth but also infuse your outdoor photos with a touch of regal sophistication.
Jen Montgomery
6. Indulge in Warm Beverages
Anna Hiebert of Rush Creek Golf Club suggests offering a hot chocolate and/or hot apple cider bar for your guests to indulge. These delicious beverages not only provide warmth, but also present a perfect opportunity to infuse sweetness into the occasion. Transform the simple beverage station into a cozy and interactive experience by offering an array of toppings and add-ins, allowing guests to customize their drinks according to their preferences.
Pixiedust Factory
7. Offer Soft Lounge Seating
As Jenna Culley of Jenna Culley Events states, lounge vignettes are a trend we're seeing a lot of these days. Soft seating is the perfect addition to any cocktail hour or post-dinner reception/dancing area as it creates an atmosphere for guests to relax and mingle during the cocktail hour and provides a comfortable space for those who may want to take a break from the dance floor.
Liz Banfield Photography
8. Serve a Seasonally-Inspired Menu
Lexi Johnson of Alexa Myli Photography suggests crafting a crowd-pleasing menu inclusive of comfort foods and warm cocktails to show off the delicious flavors of the season. Start the culinary journey with a warm soup as an alternative to a traditional salad, accompanied by a baguette. To satisfy those with heartier appetites, consider incorporating a savory roast that is sure to be a hit with your guests. When it comes to beverages, offer a festive sangria or hot cider with an array of toppings to keep guests warm and engaged.
Photo courtesy of D'Amico Catering
9. Retreat to this Winter Wonderland
Every year, The Westin Edina Galleria transforms itself into an upscale alpine escape with its lobby anchored by a 15-foot fir tree surrounded by Adirondack chairs, benches and stylized gondolas all outfitted with cashmere and faux-fur throws and pillows. Candlelight dances from lanterns and a crackling fireplace waiting to warm guests before being lured via ornate decorations and smells of balsam and pine. Whether you’re staying as a visiting after a day of skiing, relax and enjoy cozy Chalet Dining in a fully heated Veuve Clicquot cabin featuring classic alpine fare. Join the festivities with entertainment and experiences such as afternoon teas, endless Veuve Clicquot bubbles with Flutes & Frites during Après at Prelude, and their exclusive Moët Hennessy dinner series featuring Dom Pérignon and Château d’Esclans. Available for private bookings.
Veronica Barnes Photography
10. Incorporate Seasonal Branches & Blooms
Embrace the festive spirit of the season by infusing your wedding accessories with winter charm. DeAnna Paulette from Radisson Blu Mall of America suggests incorporating winter greenery and pine needle branches into your wedding bouquet and boutonnieres. This seasonal touch adds a delightful nod to the colder weather, creating a botanical ensemble that captures the enchantment of winter.
Malorie Jane Photography
11. Incorporate Velvet
Reena Maheshwari of Kahani Events & Design suggests using velvet linens to effortlessly achieve a warm ambiance – a personal favorite for infusing spaces with an elegant and snug atmosphere. Velvet linens not only provide a luxurious and tactile element but also contribute to creating a cozy setting that enhances the overall warmth of your wedding celebration. The soft, rich texture of velvet adds an extra layer of sophistication, transforming your wedding venue into a welcoming and stylish haven for you and your guests.
Urbane Aperture
12. Warm Up with a Winter Color Palette
Candace Holmstadt of 651 Studio & Floral Design recommends selecting a rich and warm color palette that reflects the season. Elevate your wedding atmosphere by choosing from a spectrum of hues, including ruby red, deep burgundy, emerald green, black, and navy blue. These stunning colors, when paired with metallic accents like gold or copper, have the power to establish a luxurious and welcoming ambiance while adding a touch of opulence to your celebration.
Courtesy of 651 Studio Floral
