7 Things You Need for a Magical Winter Wonderland Wedding

Sure, a sunny springtime wedding with an outdoor ceremony and reception may be a dream-come-true for many couples. But weddings aren’t one-size (or one-season) fits-all. Many brides or grooms would much rather celebrate their marriage surrounded by snow than sand.

If you’ve decided on a cold-weather wedding, you have countless options for creating a winter wonderland dreamscape. If you aren’t sure where to get started planning for your big day, consider these six staple elements for any winter wedding.

1. Winter Colors All Around

While warm-weather weddings usually showcase bright, lively colors, winter weddings typically have more subdued color schemes. Many couples opt to include deep red, emerald green, dark navy, pale blue, or bold burgundy in their winter color palettes. To add a little more life to their color schemes, many couples use white, gold, or silver as an accent. With these options, you can create an elegant backdrop that perfectly fits the season.

2. Sparkling Lights

Add sparkling lights, countless candlesticks, and outdoor lanterns to add warmth to a dark wintery night. Don’t be shy when it comes to lights; use ethereal string lights to decorate archways, doorways, fireplaces, exposed beams, and even tables. For an eye-catching statement feature, you can hang a massive chandelier right above your seat for the reception.

3. A Dress Fit for an Ice Queen

Apart from the myriad of seasonal options like floral crowns and bold red lips, there are plenty of styles and silhouettes for winter wedding dresses to choose from. For a cold-weather wedding, you want to prioritize both fashion and function. Accentuated sleeves, layered skirts, lacy bodices, and high but dramatic necklines all bode well for winter brides.

You also may want to consider adding an extra layer to your ensemble. Fur wraps, capes, and shrugs can add an air of luxury to your look. Or, if you want something quirkier, wear a statement jacket or sweater while taking photos out in the snow.

4. Crystals Everywhere

Whatever color palette you pick for your wedding, crystal decorations will complete the winter motif. Where can you use crystals in your decor? Everywhere. For example, you can:

• Hang a crystal chandelier above each dinner table
• Use crystal ornaments and pearl strings to decorate any indoor greenery
• Recreate these glamorous table centerpieces
• Make an overflowing champagne tower with crystal flutes
• Complete your bridal look with a crystal-embellished tiara or jewelry

5. A Whimsical Winter Wedding Cake

Who says wedding cakes have to be all white? To embrace a winter theme, you may want to choose a more creative cake option. For example, you can add holly berries and greenery to add color. Or, you can go for glamour and dazzle your guests with a metallic design.

6. A Hot Chocolate Bar

To keep your guests warm throughout the night, treat them with a hot cholate bar. To give your guests options like a kid in a candy shop, make sure your hot chocolate bar has marshmallows, whipped cream, caramel sauce, white chocolate chips, and for the adults—Bailey’s.

7. Creative Wedding Favors

While beach-bound brides often give out flip-flops as wedding favors, you’ll have to be a little bit more creative than that. To suit your winter wonderland theme, consider the following party favor ideas:

• Mini bottles of your favorite winter liqueurs like Irish cream
• Christmas ornaments that commemorate the evening
• Blankets to huddle beneath when your guests take a break from the dance floor
• Soothing candles with classic winter scents like vanilla, cinnamon, and cedar
• Mugs customized with a message from the happy couple
• Fudge and truffle treats
• A DIY s’mores kit

Melt Hearts with Winter Wedding Magic

Your friends and family may be skeptical at first about your winter wedding plans, but with recommendations, you’re sure to impress them and melt their hearts with the magic and romance of the evening. With proper planning, anyone can pull off a winter wedding to remember.