Poppy Belle, Durham florist. Feature photo by Riley McLean Weddings.
Today we’re talking about winter weddings. With the first day of winter just a few days past, we are now officially in the season of colder weather. Brrr! If you’re planning a winter themed wedding, grab your hot chocolate and listen up.
Most brides choose their wedding season for a reason, and winter is no different. Maybe you love evergreen and snow, or maybe you just want your guests to be comfortable in their party clothes. But winter weddings pose their own sets of challenges, just like spring, summer or fall weddings. If you’re throwing a winter-themed wedding, here are some tips to keep it from feeling too cliché.
1. Keep decorations classic.
When we think winter, we think snowflakes and certain color schemes: Red, gold, green, silver, blue. These are all beautiful ideas that bring back a lot of good memories. But to avoid feeling a little too on the nose, keep things rooted in a classic feel. If you’re going silver and gold, considering using these beautiful (but strong) colors as accents. Imagine metallic chargers on simple white table cloths, for example, or metallic flower vessels or candle holders. Contrasting with a more simple color, such as white, red or lavender will add a luxe feel without overwhelming your palette. If you’re going with a classic holly red as an accent, keep the touches small. It’s easy for a bright color to overwhelm your wedding.
Check out some winter themed ideas here.
2. Add a few nostalgic winter touches…but not too many.
If you decide to serve roasted chestnuts as a party favor, that’s a small touch of winter cheer that will have your guests smiling. Roasted chestnuts, fake snow, a hot chocolate bar, snowflakes, AND evergreen? That might be going a bit too far. Pick the details you really want and ensure they’re done well. This goes for any themed wedding. It’s easy to go overboard, but hard to draw back and be selective. Pick the details that really mean something to you, or you think will be a hit with guests.
3. Don’t add nonseasonal flowers.
In our current day and age, we can get flowers all year round, no matter the season. But it won’t stop a spring or summer flower looking out of place, especially if you live in a climate where winters are, you know, actually cold. Here in the Raleigh area, we have mild winters, but it still gets into the low twenties. So a bright summer daisy might seem out of place, especially if your guests are bundling just to walk from their car to the chapel. If you’re dead set on having out-of-season flowers, be sure to avoid the ones that are brightly colored. A yellow daisy will just look out of place surrounded by lush winter foliage.
For example, take a look at this beautiful floating centerpiece I designed for a recent shoot!
Photography by Riley McLean Weddings
4. Do your research.
The best way to decide if something’s your style is to research it. Make a Pinterest board, a mood board, or just bookmark every winter wedding picture you can find. Knowing what you want is the easiest way to make sure your wedding is exactly how you want it. If you like an idea, keep it in mind and bring it up to your wedding planner.
As professionals, wedding planners have lots of experience, and know how to make your dreams a reality. It’s our job to make sure your wedding, themed or not, is exactly what you want. Check out our gallery to see weddings planned and designed by Poppy Belle Design. Contact us here to make sure your special day is perfect!