When it comes to picking a date for saying “I do,” there are advantages and challenges in every season. In media and culture, warm-weather weddings are often held up as an ideal, and autumn, with its themes of harvest and renewal, seems to be an ideal backdrop for tying the knot. 

The days between the end of November and the beginning of March aren’t just the coldest in most locales; they also make up the holiday season. With major holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, and even Valentine’s Day around, it might seem like things are too busy to schedule your big day.

According to The Knot, December through February is the off-season for most weddings. While the potential for cost savings is great, winter weddings offer a special blend of romance, elegance, and cozy charm. The holiday season is a creative jump-off point for your winter nuptials. We’ll explore ways to incorporate the holidays for a magical and marvelous winter wedding.

What You’ll Love About a Winter Wedding

You might not be fully sold on the idea of starting your marriage in the cold of winter. Here are some advantages worth your consideration:

• Off-Peak Season: Because there is often less demand for wedding services in the winter, you may have more flexibility in booking venues and vendors.
• Budget-Friendly: Off-peak pricing can also save you money on venue rentals, wedding photography, catering, and other services. 
• Intimate Vibes: Winter weddings often have a more intimate and cozy feel, ideal for smaller and more personal gatherings.
• Unique Backdrops: Wintry landscapes, cozy fireplaces, and twinkling lights provide stunning backdrops for your wedding events.

Now that you’re warming up to the idea of a cold-season union, let’s take a close look at how to incorporate holiday inspiration into your winter wedding imagination.

Incorporating the Holidays Into Your Wedding Event Decor

Color Palettes and Themes

Your color palette will heavily influence the overall atmosphere of your wedding. Here are some tried-and-true holiday palettes to consider as a basis for your special day:

• Red, Green, and Gold: This classic Christmas color combination is a mainstay for spreading “tidings of comfort and joy.” It evokes feelings of warmth, festivity, and familiarity, perfect for a December to remember.
• Shades of a Winter Wonderland: White is a popular shade for wedding gowns, tuxedos, and a multi-tiered cake. Cast a spell of wintry enchantment by pairing white with silver, soft blues, and white gold.
• Rustic: Imbue your ceremony with the comfy charm of a fabulous ski lodge or chalet with a palette based on brown, orange, copper, and cream.

Decorations

Having chosen the perfect palette, you can now focus on the details with holiday-inspired decorations:

• Centerpieces: Create gorgeous centerpieces with glass candle holders, pine cones, berries, holiday ornaments, or winter greenery. Combine with candles for a romantic glow.
• Table Linens and Napkins: Extend the festive theme with season-appropriate tablecloths and napkins. If snowflakes, holly berries, and other winter symbols are too on-the-nose, consider plaid or tartan patterns for a traditional look.
• Winter-Themed Illumination: String lighting, candles, and lanterns with winter colors and patterns help create a magical atmosphere.
• Holiday Backdrops: Use cold-weather elements as focal points for wedding events, such as a lit fireplace, a Christmas tree, or a winter wonderland.

As you put your plan together, keep in mind that procuring fresh flowers may be difficult or costly during the winter. Consider swapping these out with native elements that are readily available, such as evergreen sprigs, pine cones, and twigs. You can also use silk flowers for wedding decor during the cold months. 

Creating Menus with Holiday Flavors and Flair

Image: https://unsplash.com/photos/brown-bread-on-white-ceramic-plate-EgG6wcsjFtE 

Neither the holidays nor weddings would be what they are without delicious food and beverages. Let the holidays be your guide when it comes to creating a menu for your big day:

• Appetizers and Light Bites: Whet the appetites of your guests with mini-quiches, dips, spreads, and holiday-themed canapes. Incorporate classic holiday foods such as turkey, cranberry, cornbread, and pumpkin to acknowledge the season.
• Main Courses: Roasted meats and winter vegetables can be the star of your reception menu. Pair turkey and ham with your favorite holiday sides to boost a sense of family and togetherness. Warm your guests’ bellies with hearty soups and stews such as butternut squash, split pea, clam chowder, or even a zesty chili.
• Beverages: Hot cocoa, wassail, eggnog, and spiced cider are reliable choices for winter beverages. Include them in your menu, or work with a mixologist to create cocktails inspired by these holiday classics.
• Desserts: If your heart is set on a classic multi-tiered wedding cake, you can use winter symbols such as snowflakes, icicles, and leaves in its decor. You can fully embrace the time of year by opting for classic holiday sweet treats instead of cake, such as sugar cookies, fruit pies, and fruitcakes.

Incorporating the flavors and aromas of the holiday into your wedding helps create a memorable experience for all involved. It also reinforces themes of tradition, togetherness, and family, which are especially fitting for a marriage celebration.

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Embracing the Sounds of the Season

Music sets the mood for wedding celebrations and holiday get-togethers. Holiday tunes add a festive touch to any union. Consider these ideas:

• Live Band or DJ: Hire a band or a DJ that can play a mix of holiday classics and love songs. Consider a special holiday-themed performance as part of the ceremony or the reception.
• Curated Playlists: Put together a playlist of your favorite holiday songs that could double as wedding tunes.
• Carolers or Handbell Choirs: Set the mood by having carolers or a handbell choir perform during a cocktail hour or between the wedding and the reception. 

Wedding festivities and holiday parties are all about delighting and engaging the senses, including sound.

Toasting to Love and the Holidays

Planning to wed during the winter presents a unique opportunity to create a magical moment you and your future spouse will treasure. See the holiday season as an inspiration for your big day instead of a hindrance or inconvenience. From festive decor to tasty delights and more, the possibilities are endless. Embrace the spirit of the season and let your creativity take flight. 

Article by Tess diNapoli