The Beauty and Advantages of Winter Weddings

The words “Winter Wedding” evoke visions of snow, sparkles, white, and all things glamorous. Think winter wonderland, and you have an excellent theme for a wedding. There are so many things that you can do with a winter wedding, and better yet is the fact that there is no “norm”. You can be as creative as your imagination and budget will allow.

Some of the advantages to having a winter wedding include the cost. Winter is considered the “off-season” for weddings, making the cost of certain items go down. Some of the items on that list usually include the wedding location and reception hall, both of which you will be more likely to book for your desired date. Since there are fewer weddings, your date is less likely to already be booked. Another advantage to having a winter wedding is the fact that more of your family and friends may be able to attend.

One of the first decisions to make when you are planning your winter wedding is the theme. Do you want to have a general winter theme or something more specific and special? One of the most common themes is the winter wonderland theme. The winter wonderland theme is exactly what it sounds like, whimsical and majestic. Think yards of fabric (organza or tulle) draped on the ceiling and cake table. Twinkle lights lighting the room and gorgeous center pieces. Most often the colors used for this theme are white and silver, or white and pale blue. If you are really adventurous you can use all of the colors together.

Once you have decided on your theme, you need to decide on your floral arrangements. Some of the flowers that work well with winter themes are white tulips, hydrangeas, and orchids. White flowers combined with bright green foliage look beautiful.

Wedding party attire is also a big decision. With a winter theme brides may want to wear satin gloves, a faux fur wrap, or even a tiara. Think princess, and you get the idea. You can make your bridal attire as lavish and fairytale like as you wish. Once you have decided on the bridal attire, next you need to think of the other members of the wedding party. Silvers and light blues look beautiful on both bridesmaids as well as vests on the men.

Wedding favors can be especially fun with a winter themed wedding. There are so many options available. You may want to go with something as simple as a beautiful ornament, or something a little more involved like a wintery snowflake inspired candle holder. Anything that will make you think of winter is a great choice.

Whatever winter theme you may decide to go with, winter weddings are beautiful. Not only are they fun and romantic, but they also give you a great excuse to find a sunny tropical destination for the honeymoon. Using a little creativity can give you a wedding you will remember for a lifetime.

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Winter Wedding Theme Ideas

Winter Theme Weddings – 27 Ways to Tie in the Season
By Cori Russell

Winter theme weddings can be uber chic and ethereal – an absolute wonderland, if you will. Read on for tips, ideas, and inspiration on planning a winter wedding.

All In the Details – Winter Wedding Ideas

Invitations & Stationery

* Add a wintery motif – such as a snowflake or holly branch – to your stationery suite
* Go white on white – and create a snowy first impression.
* Add metallics – jazz it up with a hint of silver or gold.

Location

* Think intimate and cozy – bed and breakfasts or inns complete with roaring fires and plush décor create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Bonus points if you can score a view overlooking a scenic winterscape.

* Think elegant and grand – a formal hotel ballroom overlooking the city evokes a celebratory mood to match the holiday spirit.

* Think seasonal activities – a ski lodge or mountain chalet guarantees a true winter experience and a nice getaway for your guests

Décor elements

* Color palette – 1) new-fallen snow – use whites and creams accented with silver or gold. 2) winter sparkle – ice blue or navy accented with silver. 3) black tie – black is especially suited for a winter wedding when paired with white, silver or gold.

* Go glam – deck your halls with crystal detailing for a sparkling winter effect – adorning linens and chair covers or sprinkled over table tops. The result is deliciously glam and oh so fab.

* Liberal use of candle light – the glow will add warmth and elegance.

* Holiday theme – decorate with potted evergreens, pine branches, wreathes, poinsettias, ornaments, bells, or twinkling white lights.

Flowers

* Seasonal blooms – white stephanotis, poinsettia, holly, amaryllis, camellias, roses.

* Added interest and texture – incorporate holiday greenery or tiny crystals into your arrangements

* Creative bouquets – instead of flowers, carry tea lights, votive candles or cascading bells Tossing alternative – have your flower girl throw silver glitter or sprinkle fake snow.

Menu

* Hearty dishes – serve heartier fare in sophisticated, creative ways – such as colorful butternut squash puree or warm pumpkin soup in ramekins or shot glasses.

* Wintery beverages – warm guests with eggnog, spiced wine or mixed coffee drinks.

Cake

* White on white – adorn an all white cake with marzipan snowflakes or swiss dots, or top with fresh white poinsettias or stephanotis

* Get rich – serve a decadent chocolate cake or cheese cake with raspberry sauce/filling, and decorate with chocolate covered cherries or strawberries.

* Top it off – use a decorative snow globe or snowflake as a seasonal topper

Attire

* Rich fabrics – warm up to velvet, satin, brocade, and heavy silk

* Add a layer – if your wedding dress is sleeveless or strapless, add a wrap, shrug or cape in white or in one of your wedding colors

* Winter white – dress the wedding party, flower girl and ring bearer in winter white for a chic, clean look.

* Black tie – formal attire at an elegant winter wedding is always a classic

Favors

* Sip it – give decorative tins or packets of hot cocoa mix
* Let it snow – inside mini snow globes
* Celebrate – with splits of champagne
* Indulge a sweet tooth – decorate sugar cookies as snowflakes, bells, or another seasonal emblem

If you’re looking for even more inspiration to help you plan your winter wedding, you can view wedding pictures and get advice from successfully planned winter weddings in this real weddings guide.

Consult this complete Winter Theme Weddings guide for even more ideas to tie in the winter season.

Cori Russell is editor for Elegala.com and Gala Weddings Magazine. Elegala.com is a comprehensive weddings and wedding planning resource with a national directory of wedding venues and services, along with articles, expert advice, checklists and photo galleries to lead brides through every step of the planning process.