21 Romantic Ways to Decorate for Your Winter Wedding
Cozying up by a fire, ice skating and intimate walks after the first snow—winter is filled with memorable moments, and a winter wonderland wedding is the perfect excuse to add a few dreamy, romantic touches to your ceremony and reception décor. Incorporate evergreen branches and pine cones into your centerpieces and place settings for a rustic affair, or opt for elegant chandeliers and candles for an inviting glow. Here are a few of our favorite winter wedding decorations for a celebration during the chilly months.
1. Illuminated Limbs
String market lights around low, twisting limbs to add a wintery twinkle to nature.
From: A Christmas-Themed Wedding at Aldie Mansion in Doylestown, Pennsylvania
2. Room With a View
Your winter wedding decorations don't have to stay indoors. Provide your guests with a view of a winter wonderland with illuminated trees outside your reception windows.
From: A Winter Ballroom Wedding at the Estate at Florentine Gardens in River Vale, New Jersey
3. Snowy Gazebo
Rich green garlands and lots of twinkle lights will add color and warmth to your winter wonderland wedding.
From: A Rustic New Year's Eve Wedding at Sanctuary on the River in Ruidoso, New Mexico
4. Candlelit Ceremony
Scattered candles (like these simple floating ones) will give your ceremony space a romantic feel without looking too over-the-top.
From:A Rustic, Chic Winter Wedding at High Mowing School in Wilton, New Hampshire
5. Wedding Wreaths
Decorate your ceremony and reception space with lush wreaths made of cascading vines and cream-colored wisteria for a whimsical touch to your winter affair.
From: A DIY Vintage Wedding at Providence Public Library in Providence, Rhode Island
6. Seasonal Toppers
A pair of gold reindeer and carefully placed petals are a sweet, wintery addition to a white buttercream cake. Serve it on top of a woodcut charger cake stand to complete the setup.
From: A Gold Winter Wedding at Trappers Cabin in Beaver Creek, Colorado
7. Peppermint Twist
No winter wedding is complete without a peppermint treat. Place candy canes on top of your napkin settings and wrap them in pine garlands for a holiday-themed surprise.
From: A Christmas-Themed Wedding at Aldie Mansion in Doylestown, Pennsylvania
8. Aisle of Candles
Instead of lining your aisle with flowers, try pillar candles to offer a warm and inviting setting at your winter wedding ceremony.
From: A Romantic, Winter-Inspired Wedding at Devil's Thumb Ranch in Tabernash, Colorado
9. Elegance in the Rafters
If you're saying your "I dos" in a rustic venue like a barn or cabin, highlight the raw space with elegant chandeliers. The contrasting elements will add an eclectic, romantic feel to the setting.
From: A Romantic, Winter-Inspired Wedding at Devil's Thumb Ranch in Tabernash, Colorado
10. Statement Florals
Winter weddings always feel a little more formal. Want your centerpieces to turn heads? Go all out and place dome-shaped bouquets in towering vases on your reception tables.
Flowers: Hydrangeas, roses and greenery
From: A Formal, Winter Wedding at Willard InterContinental Hotel in Washington, DC
11. Hot Chocolate Bar
Forget the ice cream bar (or add to it!)—your guests will love a warm pick-me-up after dinner. Set up a hot chocolate bar with marshmallows, candy cane spoons and extra chocolate toppings that'll keep your guests cozy all night.
From: A Rustic, Whimsical Wedding at Devil's Thumb Ranch Tabernash, Colorado
12. Dipped in Gold
Gold bud vases are an elegant addition to your greenery floral arrangements and satin linens.
From: A Glam, Whimsical Wedding at Union Hill Inn in Sonora, California
13. Evergreen Elegance
Incorporate fresh evergreen sprigs into your place settings for a little seasonal texture and a subtle whiff of everybody's favorite crisp, pine scent.
From: A Gold Winter Wedding at Trappers Cabin in Beaver Creek, Colorado
14. Pine Cones and Berries
Add pine cones and an assortment of berries to bring your low centerpieces to life—even in the depths of winter.
Flowers: Roses, pinecones, mums, silver brunia and evergreen
From: A Winter Mountain Wedding at Wild Basin Lodge in Allenspark, Colorado
15. Mixed Textures
Offer a mixture of shapes and textures in your centerpieces. If you're working with long, banquet tables, incorporate different blooms (like roses and tulips) that vary in style but still complement each other.
From: A Rustic Garden Wedding at The Argyle in San Antonio, Texas
16. Dessert With a Bow
Top off your white wedding cake with a big green bow for the ultimate holiday gift-themed confection.
From: A Christmas-Themed Wedding at Aldie Mansion in Doylestown, Pennsylvania
17. Cozy Ceremony
Throws are a practical way to keep winter wedding guests warm, but they can also be just for show. Knit blankets draped over wooden seating will upgrade any rustic ceremony.
From: A Rustic Winter Wedding at Whiteface Lodge in Lake Placid, New York
18. Festive Aisle
Festive garlands are an easy way to decorate your ceremony aisle, whether you lay them on the ground or elevate them using shepherd hooks.
From: An Elegant, Holiday-Themed Wedding at Black Dolphin Inn in New Smyrna Beach, Florida
19. Thematic Escort Cards
Let your seating display serve double duty by ensuring it's pretty (and seasonal) enough to double as décor. We love the look of wintery escort cards attached to pine cones.
From: A Vintage Winter Wedding at the Four Seasons Hotel in Boston, Massachusett
20. Snowflake Accents
There are plenty of classy ways to incorporate snowflake motifs into your winter wedding, but a stylish cake topper is always a safe bet.
From: A Glamorous Winter Wedding at Knights of Columbus Hall in House Springs, Missouri
21. Bare Branches
Who says bare branches aren't beautiful? Nod to the winter landscape with elegant tree centerpieces strung with thematic adornments like tinsel or hanging crystals.
From: An Art-Deco-Inspired Winter Wedding at the Stone Terrace by John Henry's in Hamilton, New Jersey
Parker Butler contributed to the reporting of this article.