Winter Wedding Decor: Diy Ideas For A Magical Day

Planning a wedding in the colder months? You're in the right place. From hanging florals to candles galore, here are some ideas to help you transform your venue into a festive wonderland.

First, consider the flowers. You could ask your florist to arrange them into a gorgeous floral arch for you to get married in front of. You could also hang florals from the ceiling, creating the illusion of a smaller, cosier room.

Fairy lights are another great way to create a festive atmosphere. They don't have to be too Christmassy, but a subtle nod to the holiday season will go down well with your guests. If you're planning a winter wedding in December, make sure your venue has some fairy lights on hand.

Candles are another great way to create a romantic, wintery feel. For the ultimate winter wedding feel, use candles with wintry scents like cinnamon, mulled wine and pine.

If you're planning a winter wedding in a barn or semi-open space, add faux fur warmers to the backs of your chairs to keep your guests cosy.

For a simple, natural wedding chair decoration, add winter flowers and foliage to the backs of your chairs.

For more winter wedding decoration ideas, see our list below:

- Illuminated limbs

- Peppermint treats

- Pillar candles

- Elegant chandeliers

- Evergreen branches and pine cones

- Gold reindeer cake toppers

Use candles, fairy lights and chandeliers to create a cosy, romantic atmosphere

Candles, fairy lights, and chandeliers can be used to create a cosy and romantic atmosphere at a winter wedding.

Fairy lights can be draped over reception tables or strung up to create a canopy of lights. They can also be hung from ceilings, incorporated into tablescapes, or strung into a majestic canopy at the reception. For a unique twist, try draping lights in a straight line rather than a draped canopy. Alternatively, create a ""sky full of stars" by stringing twinkle lights above a reception area. For a more laid-back feel, opt for larger bulbs such as Edison-style lights.

Chandeliers can be used to bring the indoors outside. For example, a couple who got married under a grove of redwood trees asked for a forest chapel to be constructed, which was then lit up with several chandeliers.

Candles can be used to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. For example, a New Orleans winter wedding was decorated with countless pillar candles, an outdoor fireplace, and strands of market lights. Candles can also be used in combination with fairy lights and chandeliers for a magical effect.

Decorate with winter flowers, pine cones, mistletoe and evergreen sprigs

Flowers, pine cones, mistletoe, and evergreen sprigs are all excellent choices for winter wedding decorations. These natural elements can be used in a variety of ways to create a festive and romantic atmosphere for your special day.

To start, consider using evergreen branches as a base for your decor. Fir branches, in particular, are affordable and evoke a cosy, winter holiday feel. Create lush evergreen arches or garlands for your ceremony space, or use them as table runners for your reception tables. You can also attach evergreen sprigs to tableware pockets, napkins, and place cards for a subtle wintry touch. Mini fir wreaths can be used as chair decorations, while small bunches of evergreen branches with pine cones make for beautiful wedding aisle decor.

Incorporate winter flowers, such as amaryllis, pomegranates, carnations, and garden roses, into your bridal bouquet and table centrepieces. These blooms will add a pop of colour and a seasonal touch to your wedding. Mistletoe, with its romantic connotations, can be used to decorate doorways or suspended over tables for a playful touch.

Pine cones are a versatile addition to your winter wedding decor. They can be used in centrepieces, table runners, or even as place card holders. Pair them with evergreen sprigs and candles for a cosy and rustic look. For a unique favour idea, consider giving your guests small pine tree saplings wrapped in burlap and tied with a sprig of evergreen and a pine cone.

By combining these natural elements, you can create a romantic and festive atmosphere for your winter wedding. Whether used as centrepieces, decorations, or accents, flowers, pine cones, mistletoe, and evergreen sprigs will help make your wedding day a memorable one.

Create a hot chocolate bar with marshmallows and candy canes

A hot chocolate bar is a great way to add a cosy, festive touch to a winter wedding. Here's how to create one with marshmallows and candy canes:

Choose a Location

First, decide where you want to set up your hot chocolate bar. A table or counter near an electrical outlet is ideal, as you'll need access to power for any warmers or appliances. If you're using a slow cooker or similar appliance to keep the hot chocolate warm, make sure it's placed on a heat-resistant surface.

Gather Supplies

You'll need a variety of supplies to create a hot chocolate bar, including:

• Hot chocolate mix or ingredients to make it from scratch
• Milk
• Marshmallows (both store-bought and homemade are great options)
• Candy canes
• Mugs or paper cups
• Spoons or stirrers
• Napkins
• Toppings and sauces, such as chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, or crushed white chocolate
• Optional extras: a chalkboard sign, a tray or crate for presentation, and blankets for guests to snuggle up with their drinks

Prepare the Hot Chocolate

You can make the hot chocolate from scratch or use a packaged powder mix. If you're making it from scratch, simply combine the ingredients and keep the mixture warm in a slow cooker or insulated carafe. If using a powder mix, provide instructions for your guests so they can prepare their drinks according to their preferences.

Set Up the Bar

Arrange the hot chocolate, milk, and toppings on your chosen surface. If you're using a slow cooker, set it to low to keep the hot chocolate warm throughout the event. Provide mugs or cups, spoons or stirrers, and napkins so guests can help themselves. Don't forget to add some festive decorations to your hot chocolate bar, such as a garland or string lights!

Encourage Interaction

To make your hot chocolate bar even more engaging, consider adding a game or activity. For example, you could have a jar of marshmallows and invite guests to guess how many are inside. This will encourage guests to interact with the bar and create a fun, memorable experience.

Use faux fur, blankets and rugs to keep guests warm

Faux fur, blankets, and rugs are a great way to keep your guests warm and cosy during a winter wedding, especially if your venue is a barn or semi-open space. Here are some ideas on how to incorporate them into your wedding decor:

Faux Fur

Faux fur is a stylish way to add warmth to your winter wedding. You can offer individual faux fur blankets for each guest to snuggle up in, or go for larger faux fur rugs that can be shared. This will create a cosy atmosphere and ensure your guests are comfortable throughout the celebration.

Blankets

Blankets are a practical way to keep your guests warm, especially if you are having an outdoor wedding or if your venue tends to get chilly. You can offer fleece blankets as guests arrive, which they can use during the ceremony and then take home as wedding favours. This is a thoughtful way to ensure your guests stay cosy and also have a memorable keepsake from your special day.

Rugs

Rugs are an unexpected but effective way to add warmth and colour to your winter wedding decor. They are especially useful if you are getting married in an industrial venue, as they can help to warm up the space. Choose rugs in rich, warm colours like red or rust-orange to create a cosy ambiance. They will also add a touch of luxury to your venue, making it feel like a stylish home away from home.

Mix and Match

Don't be afraid to mix and match these elements to create a cosy and inviting space. Combine faux fur blankets with rugs and soft furnishings to make your venue feel extra welcoming. You can also add pillows and cushions to create a truly comfortable and intimate atmosphere for your guests to relax in.

Colour Schemes

When choosing colours for your faux fur, blankets, and rugs, consider rich, warm hues such as emerald green, burgundy, navy, or rust-orange. These colours will complement the winter theme and create a stylish and inviting space. You can also add gold or metallic accents for a touch of elegance and glamour.

Add festive touches like bows, baubles and snowflakes

Bows, baubles and snowflakes are a great way to add a festive touch to your winter wedding. Here are some ideas on how to incorporate these elements into your wedding decorations:

Bows

• Add sweet bows to the back of your chairs, wrapping them like presents under the tree.
• Opt for a rich, warm colour like rust-orange or burgundy to contrast with dark-coloured chairs and create a cosy ambiance.
• If you're crafty, you can make these bows yourself with shop-bought ribbons.

Baubles

• Hang light-up baubles above the aisle to create a unique and festive light installation.
• Combine baubles with fairy lights and foliage for a subtle nod to Christmas.
• Use light-up baubles to elevate any winter wedding theme, especially for weddings in December.

Snowflakes

• Include snowflakes in your wedding décor by decorating table runners, centrepieces, chairs, napkin rings and even food with snowflake designs.
• Cupcakes, cakes and cake pops can be adorned with icy snowflakes or snowflake toppers.
• Accessorise with snowflake earrings, headpieces, necklaces and sashes to turn into a charming snow queen!

These festive touches will add warmth and charm to your winter wedding, creating a magical and memorable celebration.

Frequently asked questions