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Spotlight: Cozy & Chic Winter Wedding Inspiration

Embrace the chill with these expert-approved ideas

January 29, 2024

In a world where the majority of weddings unfold between May and October, the allure of a winter celebration is undeniable. Saying "I do" surrounded by the warmth of your loved ones, combined with the cozy ambiance of the season, can create a truly magical and unforgettable experience. Winter weddings are an opportunity to embrace the beauty of seasonal florals and indulge in festive culinary delights, transforming your celebration into a perfect blend of coziness and chic sophistication. We've collaborated with local experts to explore 8 expert ideas that will promise to elevate your winter wedding into a cozy and romantic affair.

1. Elevate Your Design
Capturing the essence of chic winter wonderland weddings, Sarah Anne Thompson of Sarah Anne Photography suggests departing from the traditional cabin-cozy theme and embracing a more elevated style. The key elements of this sophisticated approach include lighter monochromatic color schemes, simple yet robust floral designs and detailed dresses. Thompson advocates moving away from the clichés of red plaid, pine needles and wood chargers, making room for a timeless experience where simple elegance takes center stage. To incorporate this style into your wedding, collaborate with your florist to design a full floralscape with rich texture in a singular color. Thompson recommends a full white monochrome look, layered with texture and candlelight, creating a dream-like opulence that is sure to captivate your guests.

inline-images/f2e5dbd3-c2a0-460c-b336-8ba835f95aa5~sc_1016.678 copy.jpg

^{Sarah Anne Photography}
2. Add Opulence with Faux Fur Accents
Incorporate faux fur into your wedding decor to bring a touch of opulence and warmth to your celebration. Elevate the winter ambiance by considering faux fur wraps for the bridal party, adding a stylish layer to their attire. Extend this cozy theme to your reception by incorporating fur details on table runners and chair covers, creating a cohesive and sophisticated look. This not only adds a tactile and inviting element to the surroundings but also infuses your winter wedding with a sense of timeless elegance.

^{The Big Day}
3. Indulge in a Warm Beverage Station
Warm your guests from the inside out with a hot cocoa and/or mulled wine station. These delicious beverages not only provide warmth, but also present a perfect opportunity to infuse sweetness into the occasion. Transform the simple beverage station into a cozy and interactive experience by offering an array of toppings and add-ins, allowing guests to customize their drinks according to their preferences.

^{Pixiedust Factory}
4. Provide Blankets as Wedding Favors
Provide cozy comfort to your guests by offering blankets as wedding favors, creating a warm and thoughtful gesture that resonates with the winter charm. Personalize these blankets with your wedding date or initials, adding an extra touch of sentimentality. Drape them over chairs in your ceremony or lounge vignettes in your reception and then as guests depart, invite them to take the blankets home as a keepsake, serving as a heartfelt reminder of your special day.

^{Arlene Chambers courtesy of CORT Party Rentals}
6. Embrace the Chill Factor
Amanda LeRoy of Edgewater Hotel adores the elegance of long-sleeved dresses, dramatic trains and lush fur shrugs. When it comes to winter weddings, LeRoy suggests embracing the season. "Nothing compliments a moody winter day like fireplace ambiance and cozy outdoor heaters. Candles lining an aisleway work great in the darker months, and create a magical, romantic feel. If you happen to be lucky enough for a snowfall, be sure to plan boots or sneakers for under your dress so you can grab some photos outdoors!"

^{Lindsay Clawson Photography}
7. Select a Winter-Inspired Wedding Cake
Choose a seasonally-inspired wedding cake to beautifully conclude your celebration. Consider designs that incorporate elements like intricate snowflake patterns, accents of dried greenery or metallic accents that add a hint of glamour. Alternatively, opt for a classic yet elegant look with a simple white frosting that resembles freshly fallen snow. Additionally, infuse your cake with delightful seasonal flavors, such as spiced gingerbread, decadent chocolate with peppermint or a luscious blend of vanilla and cinnamon. These delicious flavors not only capture the essence of the season but also add a delicious layer to your wedding cake.

^{CSwindell Photography with Lydia's Cake and Confections}
8. Create a Warm and Inviting Atmosphere
Planning a winter wedding provides a unique opportunity to infuse your celebration with warmth and charm. As Sunriver Resort suggests, by incorporating roaring fires, abundant warm candlelight, rich-textured florals, cozy blankets, long tables and a black and white color palette, your winter wedding will become a dreamy and enchanting affair. These elements will not only keep your guests cozy but will also create lasting memories of a romantic winter wonderland celebration.