Why Holiday Season Weddings Are So Popular
December and early January are becoming increasingly popular for weddings, especially with the rise of cozy, intimate celebrations and venue availability. Here’s why:
- Romantic ambiance: Candlelight, fireplaces, and moody lighting make everything feel magical.
- Built-in décor: Many venues are already decorated with twinkle lights, greenery, and festive flair.
- Guest availability: Around the holidays, people are already planning time off and travel.
- Engagement season energy: It’s a nostalgic time of year that makes people extra sentimental.
The secret is to leverage this built-in atmosphere without making your wedding feel like a themed event.
Step 1: Pick a Seasonal—but Not Themed—Color Palette
Skip the red-and-green combo unless you really want a holiday vibe. Instead, lean into rich, winter-inspired tones or metallics that feel festive without being on-the-nose.
Try These Winter Wedding Color Combos:
- Emerald, gold, and ivory
- Burgundy, blush, and champagne
- Midnight blue, silver, and white
- Plum, forest green, and dusty rose
- Mocha, caramel, and winter white
Neutrals and jewel tones work beautifully in the colder months. Add sparkle through metallics or subtle shimmer in linens, invitations, and accessories.
Step 2: Use Seasonal Florals Without Going Full Holiday Centerpiece
Poinsettias and holly scream holiday party. But winter offers plenty of stunning floral and greenery options that feel romantic and seasonal.
Winter Wedding Floral Ideas:
- White ranunculus, anemones, and roses
- Blue thistle or brunia for texture
- Evergreen sprigs, pinecones, or cedar branches
- Deep red dahlias or amaryllis
- Velvet ribbon wraps in seasonal hues
You can also layer in dried flowers or winter berries for texture without making it feel like a holiday wreath.
Step 3: Elevate the Décor with Subtle Festive Touches
The trick here is to focus on mood instead of theme. That means using lighting, texture, and scent to bring in cozy, magical vibes.
Ways to Add Holiday Spirit Without Overdoing It:
- Use candlelight and string lights everywhere—indoors or out
- Add fur throws or velvet pillows to lounge areas
- Consider bare branches in tall vases, dusted with faux snow
- Incorporate evergreen garlands down tables (no ornaments necessary)
- Use gold or silver calligraphy for signage and place cards
- Offer a hot drink station: mulled wine, cider, or gourmet cocoa
Keep it elegant. Think Nordic hygge or Victorian winter soirée rather than Santa’s workshop.
Step 4: Lean Into Cozy Fashion (And Give Guests the Heads-Up)
Winter weddings = incredible fashion opportunities. Long sleeves, capes, velvet, and faux fur are not only stunning but seasonally appropriate.
Couple & Wedding Party Ideas:
- Velvet bridesmaid dresses in rich jewel tones
- A white or ivory faux fur wrap for the bride
- Groom or groomsmen in navy or emerald suits
- Leather gloves or wool capes for outdoor photos
- Glittery or metallic heels (or boots!) for extra sparkle
Tip: Prep your guests
Include a note on your website or invite that lets them know if the ceremony or cocktails will be partially outdoors. Suggest dress codes like "winter cocktail attire" or "semi-formal with cozy layers."
Step 5: Add Experiences, Not Just Decorations
This is where you take things from beautiful to memorable. Instead of filling space with themed décor, add interactive, seasonal experiences your guests will remember.
Experience-Driven Ideas:
- Hot cocoa & spiked cider bar
- Live acoustic holiday music during cocktail hour
- S’mores fire pit with gourmet toppings
- Candlelight ceremony with individual votives for each guest
- Snowfall exit with fake snow or paper confetti
- Warm welcome drinks served at the door as guests arrive
Want a little extra magic? Hire a live painter or caricature artist dressed in seasonal attire, or rent a photo booth with wintery props.
Step 6: Food and Drink That Feels Festive, Not Holiday-Party Basic
Holiday buffets are common in office settings—but your wedding deserves an elevated take.
Festive (But Not Kitschy) Menu Ideas:
- Appetizers: Baked brie with cranberry, mini beef Wellingtons, squash soup shooters
- Entrées: Herb-crusted beef tenderloin, truffle risotto, maple-glazed salmon
- Desserts: Mini pies, peppermint mousse, or a wedding cake with subtle winter designs
- Late-night snacks: Gourmet grilled cheese, cider donuts, or spiked hot cocoa
Signature cocktails? Go for cozy with names that tie back to your story, not the holiday season. Think: “The Snowed-In”, “First Frost”, or “The Engagement Cider.”
Step 7: Don’t Forget the Scent
Scents create some of the strongest memories—and during the holidays, it’s even more powerful.
Ask your florist or venue about pine, cinnamon, cedar, or vanilla-scented accents. Just make sure it’s subtle and not competing with your food or floral fragrances.
You can also:
- Add a signature scent via candles at the entrance or bathrooms
- Gift a mini scented candle or diffuser oil as a favor
- Spray a custom scent on your stationery or welcome bags
It’s all about layering the senses for a rich experience that feels festive without being heavy-handed.
Bonus Tips: How to Avoid Common Holiday Wedding Pitfalls
Even with the best planning, winter weddings come with a few unique challenges.
1. Avoid Peak Holiday Dates
Try not to plan your wedding the weekend before Christmas or New Year’s Eve unless you’re intentionally leaning into those holidays. Travel is more expensive, and guests are often stretched thin.
2. Account for Early Sunsets
Schedule your ceremony earlier to allow time for natural-light photos. Bonus: Candlelight receptions feel extra romantic after dark.
3. Have a Weather Backup Plan
Snowstorms and icy roads can be an issue. Work with vendors who are familiar with winter logistics and have a solid contingency plan.
4. Give Guests Plenty of Notice
Holiday weekends fill up fast. Send save-the-dates early and consider offering hotel blocks or travel tips on your wedding website.
Final Thoughts
A holiday-season wedding doesn’t need to feel like a themed party. With the right intentional choices, you can infuse cozy, joyful, and magical energy into your wedding day—without a single reindeer or ornament in sight.
Whether you’re planning a December wedding surrounded by twinkle lights or just want to incorporate winter touches into your celebration, remember this:
You get to define what festive means for you.
Make it elegant. Make it emotional. Make it yours.