New ideas for a modern winter wedding
Photo courtesy of Michelle Weeks, Spoon Photo & Design
Dreaming of a winter wonderland wedding? Don’t go for the same old, same old. Plan an enchanting and unique event with these tips and modern new trends.
1. Avoid traditional holiday colors
There’s little that can change the mood and atmosphere of a wedding more than color choice. Because red and green are so closely associated with Christmas and the holiday season, try to stay away from that combo.
Instead, elevate your winter wedding with soft romantic shades like pink and white, or create a cozy atmosphere with dark, warm colors like eggplant purple or jewel tones like ruby red.
“One of the reasons we chose a winter theme is because there is something so magical about the first snow of the year,” says Michelle Kenny of her nuptials. “Little did we know, November 21 would be the first snow of the year, both inside with the snow machine and outside. But most winter weddings are holiday-themed and I knew I wanted a soft, romantic, elegant feel instead.” To create an air of romance, Michelle and her husband Jeremy chose a palette of soft pinks and hints of sparkle.
2. Glam it up with glitter
Celebrate the holiday season by adding a touch of shimmer to your decor. Add hints of silver or rose gold glitter to everything from invites to the cake. At Michelle’s reception in Bartlett, Ill., a pale pink cake was highlighted with iridescent pearls and topped with a pink bow, and champagne flutes were accompanied glittery nametags served as place cards.
3. Look to fabrics for inspiration
Unsure of how to toe the line between winter wonderland and overdone? Lynn Dale of Boston-based Lynn Dale Events suggests finding inspiration in fabric.
“Go your local fabric store and look at the holiday ribbons that are sold by the yard and start with that as some inspiration,” Dale says. “You will see that there’s a whole world of winter colors beyond the usual. It’s all about textures – sparkle, shimmer, velvet and brocade – so use that as a jumping off point.”
4. Keep everything warm and cozy
Unless you live in an area where winter is still sunny, you’ll want to make sure you and guests are as warm as possible. Provide a comfort station with fuzzy pashminas and soft gloves.
Heat guests up with food and drink too, like a make-your-own hot chocolate bar with a variety of artisan marshmallows or a food station filled with soups and stews.
5. Break out the boots (with the fur)
Décor isn’t the only way to show off your love of winter. Add some winter-esque attire to your wedding day look by rocking a pair of warm boots or a fur shrug.
At a winter-themed wedding in Battle Creek, Mich., shot by photographer Michelle Weeks of Spoon Photo & Design, winter decor was everywhere, including in a pair of bow-adorned white UGGS for the bride, and shawls and winter boots for bridesmaids.
6. Sprinkle in some snowflakes
For Holly Yucha of Sterling Heights, Mich. and her husband Ryan, a snowflaked-covered wedding was just the right touch for their December nuptials.
“I had always dreamed of a having beautiful weddings photos with snow falling in the background!” says Holly Yucha, of Sterling Heights, Mich. “I also think cuddling up to a loved one in the cold is very romantic, and not sweating or sweltering in the heat was a plus for my husband Ryan.”
The couple utilized snowflake centerpieces, bridesmaids accessorized with snowflake earrings and even a sparkly snowflake cake topper on their big day.
7. Get nature involved
Bring the great wintery outdoors inside with decor like tree branches, leaves (add some fancy calligraphy on top for beautiful and easy place cards) or logs.
If you’re getting married in a more temperate area and don’t expect a snowy backdrop on the big day itself, showcase your love of winter with engagement photos in the snow.
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