Creating Winter Wonderland Wedding Trees

There are endless ways to decorate winter trees for a wedding, from hanging lanterns and fairy lights to floral arrangements and fabric draping. Whether you're aiming for a whimsical, elegant, or rustic look, here are some ideas to inspire you.

First, consider the lighting. Stringing market lights or fairy lights around tree branches or trunks can add a magical, twinkly effect. For a simple yet effective transformation, drape long pieces of fabric or tulle from branches, perhaps in the wedding colours. For a natural look, opt for floral garlands or wreaths made from cascading vines and cream-coloured wisteria. Alternatively, for a more glamorous feel, hang chandeliers from sturdy branches.

For a whimsical, fairy-tale effect, you could try hanging paper cranes or butterflies from the trees. To enhance a winter theme, incorporate evergreen branches, pine cones, and even candy canes into your decorations. For a rustic feel, use burlap or lace tied around tree trunks or draped over branches.

Don't forget that trees can also provide a beautiful backdrop for your ceremony, especially if you're exchanging vows outdoors. Whether you decide to dress them up or leave them bare, trees can add a romantic, enchanting touch to your special day.

String fairy lights around the tree trunks and branches

Fairy lights are a popular choice for decorating trees at weddings, creating a magical and romantic atmosphere. Here are some tips to help you achieve this enchanting look:

Choose the Right Lights:

Select fairy lights designed for outdoor use, preferably with a high IP rating (such as IP67 or higher) to withstand various weather conditions. Consider smart lights with waterproof connectors for convenience and safety. Look for additional features like a compatible waterproof extension cord, a low-voltage LED dimmer with remote control, light splitters, and a low-voltage LED driver power supply. Solar-powered fairy lights are also a great energy-saving option.

Test and Measure:

Before starting, test each light strand to ensure they are all functional. For a tree with a 6-foot trunk, you'll need approximately 54 feet of fairy lights for the trunk and an additional 12.5 feet per 5-foot branch. For larger trees, use the formula: divide the tree's height by the desired spacing between strings, then multiply by the circumference of the trunk and branches.

Prepare the Area:

Set up a ladder to reach the tree, ensuring it is stable and secure. Have someone assist you while climbing the ladder for safety. Lay a waterproof extension cord from the power source to the tree's base, and secure the connection at the base.

Start Wrapping:

Begin wrapping the fairy lights from the power plug end, securing the starting point at the base of the tree trunk. Use clear twine or plant tape to secure the lights. Wrap the lights around the trunk, moving upward in a winding motion, maintaining even spacing. For smaller trees with delicate branches, opt for smaller string lights for easier navigation.

Transition to Branches:

When you reach the first limb, connect the fairy light with a light splitter to create a fluid transition to the branches. Secure each splitter tip to the base of each branch with twine or plant tape. Continue this process as you move up the tree, securing the lights as needed.

Drape Over Branches:

Evenly drape the fairy lights over the bigger and sturdier branches, creating a curtain-like effect. Ensure the lights are tightly wrapped but not so tight that they damage the tree.

Secure and Finish:

Use plant tape or twine to secure the fairy lights and prevent them from slipping off. Stop at each branch, maintaining a uniform distance from the trunk to the crown. If you wish to work higher, do so carefully, or place the lights adjacent to each other for a uniform look.

With these steps, you can create a magical winter wonderland for your wedding, transforming the trees into captivating decorations that will leave your guests in awe.

Hang lanterns, chandeliers or origami from branches

Hanging lanterns, chandeliers, or origami from branches is a beautiful way to decorate winter trees for a wedding. Here are some ideas to achieve this:

Hanging Lanterns

Lanterns can add a magical touch to your winter wedding décor. Consider using paper lanterns in various shapes, such as the traditional round ones or more unique star-shaped or diamond-shaped lanterns. Hang them from tree branches at different heights to create a captivating display. You can also place them on shepherd hooks around the perimeter of your ceremony space. For a rustic charm, opt for metal lanterns with candles, or choose brightly coloured paper lanterns for a playful pop of colour.

Chandeliers

Adding chandeliers to your winter trees brings a touch of glamour and sophistication. Crystal chandeliers or rustic wrought iron ones can be hung from sturdy hooks or chains that can support their weight. It is recommended to hire professionals for installation to ensure safety. Chandeliers are perfect for evening weddings, reflecting light off their crystals or glass droplets and creating a romantic atmosphere. Pair them with fairy lights or lanterns for an even more enchanting effect.

Origami

Origami creations hung from tree branches add a unique and affordable touch to your wedding décor. Origami cranes symbolise good luck and longevity in Japanese culture, making them a perfect choice for weddings. You can also opt for other popular designs such as flowers, butterflies, hearts, and stars in colours that match your wedding theme. Origami decorations are visually stunning yet budget-friendly, making your big day stand out without breaking the bank.

Combining Elements

You can also combine hanging elements for a more diverse and textured look. For example, hang lanterns or origami alongside string lights or fairy lights draped over branches. This will create a magical effect, especially in the evening when the lights twinkle and reflect off the hanging décor. Remember to consider the weight and safety of the installations and seek professional help if needed.

Other Hanging Decorations

In addition to lanterns, chandeliers, and origami, there are endless possibilities for hanging decorations. You can hang ribbon garlands, floral hoops, or even picture frames with photos of the couple, their families, and friends. These personal touches will create a whimsical and romantic atmosphere, leaving your guests in awe.

Drape fabric, tulle or garlands over the trees

To determine the required length of fabric, measure the distance from the ground, over the branches, and down the other side. It's important to allow for swags between branches and some fabric to trail on the ground. Once you have the measurements, purchase the fabric and organise a time to install it. You can use a ladder to reach the higher branches and attach the fabric with a staple gun for a secure and quick installation and removal process.

If you're looking for a unique twist on the traditional floral wedding arch, consider draping fabric over a tree. This method also eliminates the worry of flowers wilting before the ceremony. You can even add fairy lights or floral accents to the fabric draping for added charm.

For a dreamy atmosphere, use tulle fabric in different colours or classic white. Drape the tulle from branch to branch, allowing it to flow gently in the breeze. Tulle draping works well on both small and large trees, making it a versatile option for any outdoor wedding setting.

Decorate trees with pine cones, berries and evergreen sprigs

Pine cones, berries, and evergreen sprigs are a great way to decorate trees for a winter wedding. These decorations are budget-friendly, versatile, and eco-friendly, adding rustic and chic touches to the event. Here are some ideas to decorate trees with these elements:

Centrepiece Tree Decorations

Choose a specific tree as the centrepiece of your decor and highlight its natural beauty. Adorn the tree with hanging lanterns or fairy lights, creating a magical ambiance. You can also hang ribbons, streamers, or even small potted plants from its branches, adding movement and colour. For a rustic touch, consider wrapping burlap or lace around the trunk or weaving it through the lower branches.

Minimalistic Tree Decor

For a modern wedding, keep the decorations subtle, allowing the natural beauty of the trees to shine through. Use delicate string lights or fairy lights to create a soft glow around the tree trunks and branches. Hang minimalist ornaments such as geometric shapes or simple glass baubles in neutral tones.

Greenery for a Natural Aesthetic

Create a whimsical and romantic look by incorporating greenery into your tree decorations. Wrap vines or ivy around the branches, or hang garlands made from eucalyptus leaves or ferns. Place potted plants of varying heights and textures at the base of each tree to enhance the natural beauty and create visual interest.

Pine Cone and Berry Accents

Pine cones and berries can be used in a variety of ways to decorate trees. Create festive centrepieces by combining pine cones with lanterns, candelabras, and flowers such as hydrangeas and baby's breath. Hang pine cones and berry sprigs on wedding chairs along the aisle, or use them as place card holders. For a simple winter wedding centrepiece, combine pine cones with candles and evergreen sprigs.

Winter Wedding Bouquets

Add a unique touch to the bridal bouquet by incorporating pine cones, berries, and evergreen sprigs. This will give a rustic and chic look to the bouquet, complementing the winter wedding theme.

Use winter-themed escort cards and seating displays

Escort cards and seating displays are an important part of your wedding decor, and they can be a fun way to showcase your creativity and attention to detail. Here are some ideas for winter-themed escort cards and seating displays to add a whimsical touch to your winter wedding:

Wintery Escort Cards

• Attach elegant, calligraphed escort cards to pine cones for a unique and seasonal touch. This idea is perfect if you're looking for something beyond the standard paper cards.
• Opt for escort cards in the shape of snowflakes, perhaps with each guest's name and table number delicately inscribed on them. This adds a classy, wintry motif to your seating display.
• For a playful twist, consider having escort cards in the form of miniature, decorated Christmas trees, with each guest's name and table number displayed on a small tag hanging from the tree.

Seating Displays

• Create a seating chart with a wintery backdrop, such as a printed or painted scene of a snowy forest or a winter wonderland. This will provide a beautiful visual element to your seating display.
• If you're feeling crafty, make a seating display by arranging pine tree branches into the shape of your initials or another meaningful word. You can attach the escort cards to the branches or simply place the display alongside a more traditional seating chart.
• For a whimsical touch, suspend escort cards from a mobile made of intertwined evergreen branches. This hanging display will be a unique focal point for your guests to find their assigned seats.

These ideas are just a starting point, and you can customise them to fit your specific wedding theme and colour palette. Get creative and have fun with it!

Frequently asked questions