23 enchanting winter wedding ideas and inspiration
A winter wedding celebrates your love during a magical time of year. With crisp, cool air, twinkling lights, and snowy landscapes, it’s the perfect season for spreading joy and gathering with loved ones.
Welcome the warmth of the most wonderful time of the year by saying “I do” to your one and only. Whether you’re dreaming of a ceremony set in a charming chalet or a wedding amid a winter wonderland, our winter wedding ideas—complete with inspiration for winter wedding invitations, décor, and attire—will make your big day truly unforgettable.
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Winter wedding themes
From a rustic union atop the mountains to a festive holiday fête, these winter wedding themes (along with décor, attire, and invitation ideas) will help bring your vision to life.
1. Rustic winter weddings
Combine earthy elements with glowing lights to create the rustic, romantic setting of your dreams. Emphasize the natural beauty of the season with intentional touches to set the tone.
- Invitations: Invitations are the first glimpse into your rustic winter-themed wedding. Set the scene with the verdant “Natural Wreath” or the purple-hued “Violette” by Paperless Post.
- Décor: Use your venue’s fireplace as a focal point or a sitting area during cocktail hour. Impart a cheerful glow by stringing up lights or placing lanterns throughout the space, and add pinecones and juniper berries to your centerpieces.
- Attire: Reflect the colors of the season with jewel tones like forest green, ruby, plum, or sapphire in accessories for the wedding party. For flowers or boutonnieres, try a mini arrangement of pine sprigs and berries or dried flowers.
2. Winter wonderland weddings
Soft winter whites or neutrals create a snowy scene that feels like a true wonderland. Use these hues to capture the softness and elegance of fallen snow, fresh air, and pure winter magic.
- Invitations: Give guests a peek into your elegant event with glittering invitations like “Confetti” by kate spade new york or “Fette” by Kelly Wearstler.
- Décor: Recreate the soft snowscape of a classic winter wonderland with a base of whites and sparkly accents. Accessorize tables with white linens, crystal or metallic accents, and florals in shades of white, and add candles or twinkling lights woven through glass vases.
- Attire: Any bride will stun in a white or ivory gown with beadwork or other embellishments, while a groom will look polished in a classic suit in charcoal grey or deep navy. The bridal party will be sure to dazzle by donning cool tones, like icy blue, silver, or lavender.
3. Christmas weddings
Celebrate your love for each other and the season with a Christmas wedding that marries the excitement of romance with the joy of holiday tradition.
- Invitations: Reflect the festive theme with designs that evoke the spirit of the season, such as “Fir Ever Frame” by John Derian or “Holiday Bows” by Paperless Post.
- Décor: Ring in the cheer of the holidays with evergreen wreaths, garlands, and centerpieces with mini Christmas trees. If you’re incorporating fresh flowers, go bold with Christmas classics like poinsettias or holly berries. Don’t forget the mistletoe!
- Attire: Call in Christmas accents in bold swatches of color like reds (in ties or pocket squares for the groom and groomsmen) or more subtle references like an emerald hairpin or jewelry for the bride and her bridesmaids. Rich tones like navy blue, forest green, and crimson pair well with traditional tuxedos and gowns to create a holiday-inspired look.
Winter wedding venues
A winter wedding venue sets the stage for a celebration of love amid the beauty of the season. Whether you’re dreaming of hosting in a cozy cabin, ski lodge, or outside in the snow, your venue will be a perfect backdrop for your winter-themed wedding.
4. Cozy cabin weddings
Say “I do” among your nearest and dearest in a charming cabin for an intimate winter wedding setting. With a crackling fireplace fending off the winter chill, it doesn’t get much cozier. You might even select a venue with multiple cabins so guests can take a quick walk (or sleigh ride) back to theirs after the ceremony.
5. Ski lodge weddings
Whether you and your partner love hitting the slopes or prefer the après ski, a mountainside ski lodge provides the ultimate rustic winter wedding backdrop. It’s already set up to accommodate large groups, and may already be decorated for the season—which is helpful for your wedding budget.
6. Weddings in the snow
For a snowswept scene with stunning photo ops, a wedding in the snow makes a perfect setting. Capture all the elements of the season: a chill in the air and a quiet, serene scene accented by the sparkle of snowflakes. If your location isn’t in peak snow season, look into snow machines that can be used outside or inside to create the same effect. Be mindful of keeping your guests comfortable during a chilly ceremony—place warm blankets on each chair along with hand warmers. If space allows, set up a coffee or tea station so they can sip to stay warm.
Winter wedding color schemes
For true winter wedding inspiration, lean on Mother Nature. Take cues from the season’s natural beauty with color schemes that range from soft and serene to bold and bright.
7. Monochromatic white
Amplify the ambiance with white, which gives an ethereal look to the setting of a winter wonderland wedding. Incorporate layers of whites in table linens, place settings, and florals to enhance the wintery feel.
8. Icy blues
Bring in shades of blue that evoke frozen lakes and clear skies. Sapphire jewels can be your “something blue,” while blue and silver accents in your winter wedding invitations give guests a peek at your wedding day color scheme.
9. Deep reds
Warm up your winter wedding with reds for a bold, romantic atmosphere. Make it glam by pairing deep shades of red with glittering gold accents, or go festive with a classic Christmas palette that incorporates vibrant reds with fresh greenery and snowy white touches.
10. Forest greens
Rich forest green lends an earthy elegance to your soirée. Hone in on the rustic beauty of fir, eucalyptus, or evergreen, or elevate your forest tones with creamy whites and gleaming golds.
Winter wedding décor ideas
When it comes to decorating for your chilly winter wedding, keep the ambiance intimate—the more lush and inviting, the better. Incorporate warm elements to balance the crisp, cool setting. For more inspiration on curating your décor, explore Paperless Post Party Shop’s wedding collection.
11. Twinkle lights and candles
Long winter nights inspire some of our favorite winter wedding ideas. Because the days get darker earlier, it’s important to get the lighting for your winter wedding just right. String up twinkling fairy lights for a cozy glow, and light tables and dim corners with romantic candles—pillar, tapered, or floating in water-filled vases.
12. Pine garlands and wreaths
Add a festive vibe to your nuptials with draped pine garlands and wreaths made from naturally evergreen tree branches. You can even add a dusting of faux snow for more winter wonderland magic. Turn up the Christmas factor with pretty red bows and metallic bells.
13. Dried flowers, branches, and berries
Incorporating dried flowers, branches, and berries into your arrangements gives your wedding décor a wintery feel. You also don’t need to worry about them wilting—they’ll last long after the night ends!
Unique winter wedding activities
Add a little fun to your winter-themed wedding with seasonally inspired activities to delight your guests and make your matrimony memorable.
14. Christmas tree ornaments station
Get guests into the holiday spirit by placing the magic right in their hands. Conversation will flow as they craft unique Christmas ornaments, and they’ll go home with a memento from the most special night of your life.
15. Bonfire pits and s’mores
Whether you’re supplementing traditional wedding cake or providing an additional late night treat, your guests won’t be able to resist roasting marshmallows around the fire. You can make (and enjoy) s’mores at an outdoor fire pit for guests to gather around.
16. Winter-themed photo station
Capture the memories of your wedding in a fun, interactive way with a photo station. Include seasonal props like faux snow and evergreens, or even a cozy fireplace and blankets. They’ll take home a fun souvenir from your big day—and it might even double as next year’s family holiday card.
Winter wedding photography ideas
Commemorate the sheer beauty of the winter season by styling your winter wedding photos amid snowy landscapes or cozy interiors.
17. Snowy backdrops
Set up a magical wedding photo that stands out against a pure and pristine snowscape. Darker tuxes pop against the white backdrop, while white wedding gowns will look even more ethereal.
18. Fireplace settings
Warm and inviting, a fireplace makes for a romantic photo setting. Decorate the mantle with florals or evergreens, flickering candles, or sentimental pieces, like photographs of loved ones, for a photo that’s unique to you and your true love.
19. Snow-covered forests
Capture the serene beauty of majestic evergreens and frosted branches in your wedding photos. Deep greens stand out against the snow-covered ground, emphasizing the setting’s natural elegance and creating stunning images.
20. Twilight skies
There’s nothing like crisp, cool air and a clear, starry night. Capturing it in your wedding photo? Positively surreal. Head to an area with minimal light pollution for the full effect of a nighttime photoshoot. The final result will be nothing short of otherworldly—just like your love story.
Seasonal food and drink ideas
Winter fare is nostalgic, nourishing, and best enjoyed among family, friends, and loved ones. Embrace the flavors of the season with comforting dishes and hot drinks to fill your guests’ hearts and bellies.
21. Comfort foods
Fill your food menu with comforting seasonal fare that’ll have all your guests feeling right at home. From soup to stew to pies, both savory and sweet, guests can warm up with wintertime favorites.
22. Hot cocoa bar
In addition to a coffee bar at the end of the evening, give guests the option to sip on some hot cocoa topped with marshmallows, peppermint, colored sugar, and more. Serve the drinks in customized souvenir mugs for everyone to keep and remember your special day.
23. Hot toddies and warm cider
Warm guests up for the reception by serving a selection of wintery adult beverages during cocktail hour. From hot toddies to steaming cider (spiked or otherwise), these cozy drinks will melt away any cold weather blowing outside.
Plan the winter wedding of your dreams with Paperless Post
Now that you’ve decided on hosting a winter wedding, it’s time to start planning and picking out a winter-inspired wedding invitation. With thousands of options by our in-house artists and distinctive design partners, you’re sure to find an invitation with the right look and feel for your gorgeous seasonal wedding.
If you’re planning a destination wedding, be sure to send out invitations at least six months in advance to allow guests time to make travel arrangements. With Paperless Post, you can keep your guests organized and informed. Use a Schedule Block to provide an itinerary for the big day, a Travel Block to share travel details such as nearby airports and transportation, and an Accommodations Block to share suggestions for nearby hotels and places to stay.
Whether you’re celebrating your love on a snow-capped mountain or you’re planning a destination wedding in the tropics, Paperless Post has what you need to bring your dream wedding to life. We take your details seriously—so you can relax and enjoy the big day!
Customizable designs from Oscar de la Renta, Rifle Paper Co., kate spade new york, and more.
