by Samantha Iacia

It’s no secret that spring, summer and fall are popular seasons for weddings, but getting married during the winter is special in its own right. From the cheer of the holiday season, winter weddings bring a whole new level of romance. Ready to plan your winter wedding? Here’s what you need to know.

Venue
Unless you live in a region where temperatures are warm year-round, most winter weddings will require indoor venues. Hotel ballrooms, country clubs and banquet halls are just a few that come to mind, but don’t be afraid to branch out to non-traditional venues if you’re looking for a way to change things up a bit.

Season
Winter weddings can range from mid-November to early March.

Color Palette
Festive colors, such as red, green and gold, are popular for couples getting married during the winter, especially around the holidays. This is the perfect palette if you and your S.O. love all things Christmas and want to showcase the spirit of the season on your big day. If a festive palette isn’t your style, don’t stress, there are plenty of other wintry options to choose from that are just as beautiful.

Jewel tones (think emerald green, plum, cobalt blue, and amber yellow) will bring a moody, dramatic spin to your big day and are ideal for glamorous and modern styles. Pairing these tones with metallic details will really make them pop, and a bit of shimmer will add seasonal flair to the decor. If you’re looking for something more classic and sophisticated, pastel hues, such as blush and powder blue, are the way to go. You might think of pastels as being traditional springtime colors, but during the colder months, they’re perfect for creating a “winter wonderland” setting that is elegant and romantic.

Still feeling stuck? Some of our favorite winter color palettes include: blush and marsala; powder blue and gray; purple and silver; and emerald and gold; For the ultimate winter-chic soiree, keep your color palette to neutrals only—white, ivory, brown, black, and gray. Your decor will take central stage with a neutrals-only palette, so add greenery and use a variety of materials/textures so the colors don’t feel flat.

Decor
Getting married during the winter doesn’t mean you have to use holiday-themed decor, but there are definitely ways to incorporate seasonal elements in a tasteful and sophisticated way. The trick is to choose the items wisely and remember that sometimes less is more.

Two accents we love are plaid and buffalo check patterns. Whether used on your invitation suite, as a table runner, or even as ribbon tied to your favors, plaid and buffalo check will instantly add a bit of festive flair to your wedding. Baubles and ornaments can look beautiful as decor, just be sure not to go overboard with them (you probably don’t want your guests feeling like they walked into Santa’s workshop, right?). Use them as escort cards, in your centerpieces, or hang them in clusters from the ceiling using long ribbons. The effect will be magical!

Winter wedding decor also puts a strong emphasis on nature-inspired elements and bringing the outdoors in. Pinecones, birch tree branches and even faux fur pillows or throws will all bring a wintry, cozy twist to your big day.

Lastly, focus on using lighting to create the perfect ambiance. String lights and clusters of candles will give your ceremony and/or reception space a romantic glow, especially if you’re having an evening wedding. Amplify the shimmer by using mercury glass vessels, metallic charger plates or strands of crystals that will catch the light.

Stationery
When we think of winter wedding stationery, we think of sparkles, snowflakes and pine tree motifs. While these are all great options, they’re also popular choices for just about every holiday greeting card out there, so you might be wondering how you can make your invitation suite stand out from the rest of the crowd.

If you want your stationery to be festive yet subtle, try incorporating laurel wreaths, foil details, antler motifs, polka dots, or your wedding monogram. These can all help set the tone for your winter wedding without being over-the-top seasonal.

Flowers
Some of the most popular flowers for winter bouquets and centerpieces are roses, calla lilies, hydrangeas, and anemones. These blooms are typically paired with wintry accents, such as pinecones, dusty miller, lamb’s ear, eucalyptus leaves, and various berries.

Greenery has become super-popular at weddings year-round, but this trend takes center stage at winter celebrations. Lush evergreens look beautiful as decor and will give an outdoorsy, enchanted forest vibe to your wedding. Since greenery is a cost-effective alternative to flowers, you can use it to create a cozy setting without breaking the bank. Hang fresh evergreen wreaths and garlands throughout your venue, or use loose branches on your banquet tables as an alternative to table runners. The fragrance alone will get you in the holiday spirit!

Finally, what would a winter wedding be without a touch of mistletoe? Place a sprig at your ceremony altar or hang it above your seats at the reception. It will give you and your brand new spouse an extra-sweet reason to share a kiss (as if you really needed one).

Attire
If you’ve ever dreamed of wearing a wedding dress with sleeves, winter is the perfect opportunity to give it a try. Gone are the days when wedding dresses with sleeves looked outdated—the current styles are chic, timeless and regal, à la Kate Middleton. For brides who want the look of sleeves without being too covered up, sheer details and illusion lace are the perfect compromise.

For suits and tuxedos, look for designs in heavier fabrics, such as wool, tweed, or even velvet if your personal style is more fashion-forward.

Thanks to the cold weather, you’ll also need to think about accessories to keep you warm. Stay cozy with a faux fur wrap or treat yourself to a new dress coat or sweater that you can wear over your wedding day attire.

Cake and Dessert
Whether you choose festive hand-painted snowflakes or shimmery fondant, winter wedding cakes are a chance to showcase some of the season’s prettiest elements. Have your baker decorate each tier with fresh evergreens, festive ribbons, or a rustic faux bois pattern. Another option? Finish each tier with edible glitter or coconut shavings to create the illusion of a snow-covered cake.

During dessert, treat your guests to warm beverages, such as mulled wine, hot toddies, cocoa, or coffee-flavored cocktails.

Top photo by Pepper Nix Photography; middle photo by Paisley Layne Photography; bottom photo by Al Weddings