Postponing the wedding. Ugh. Something you likely never thought you’d have to do in your wildest dreams. And yet, here we are…living in the strangest of times and facing realities that once seemed impossible. We know it’s a heartbreaking call to make and we’ve been so inspired by the tenacity and resilience of LOVE. Couples who are getting creative with small ceremonies while postponing the big celebrations.
check out all our Wedding + Coronavirus resources here
Here at GWS, we’re rallying around the wedding industry and creatives who work day in and day out to make couples’ dreams weddings come true. And that’s why we say: postpone, don’t cancel! But we get it…for those of you who planned a spring or summer wedding, it can be hard to visualize a new concept. However, we’d argue that a winter wedding comes out on top when it comes to romance, fashion, and design.
We know a bit about finding inspiration and since that’s what we all need right about now, here’s a little winter wedding inspiration to get your gears turning! Ten reasons we LOVE winter weddings:
1. Winter is the Season for Rich Tones + Texture
Bridesmaids in burgundy is a look that always wows and it just works so beautifully in winter. Velvet is a HUGE trend right now, as well. We love a mix of textures and tones, especially when it comes to bridesmaids. Winter is the perfect time to play with deep jewel tones and creamy velvets for the gals.
photo by Northern Native Photography from this wedding in an abandoned cathedral
2. Call on Unique Materials for Creative Bouquets
Winter allows for your florist to get more creative with florals – think way outside the box with more natural elements! Painted greenery, feathers, pinecones, even berries or vegetables. Your flowers can still push boundaries of design outside of the typical spring + summer season.
bouquet by Fabiana Cicuttini (Petali di Rosa) | photography: Alen Karupovic | planning: Giada Marcuzzi Weddings
bouquet: stek bloemen & styling | photo: Frankie and Fish
3. Bright White Makes for Color Pops
If you think winter is the wrong season to play with bold color, think again. Color pops best against bright whites…aka, snow! A red lip can make just as much of a statement as a colorful bouquet.
photo by Lindsay Hackney Photography from this glam winter wedding
4. Romantic Lighting Abounds
You just can’t get more romantic than candlelight. Whether strategically placed as decor or used full force for the ceremony, it’s one way to set the mood that’s totally made for winter weddings.
photo & design by Hunter Leone from this romantic Great Gatsby wedding inspiration
Dream of saying I Do under the most romantic lighting? Winter Weddings let you do that! We love the creative use of hanging lights here and can imagine so many unique ways to use lights for your ceremony…
photo: Kay + Bee | venue: Distillery 244 | planning: Bel Amour Events | florals: Moore Flowers from this Refined Industrial Wedding
5. Winter Whites Lead to Cozy Nights
Two reception looks…one wedding! Go with a tented reception to take advantage of the wintery elements that then turn to pure magic when the sun goes down. This is also proof that winter weddings don’t have to be dark and dreary — play up that white space! (PS: Fairy lights forever!!)
photos by Katherine Rose of Max & Friends from this ethereal winter wedding
6. Comfort Food Abounds
Winter is a time for eating! Plates piled high with comfort food and tables filled to the brim with cheeses and plump fruits — we’re all about it. And that’s not all…
photo by Dawn Derbyshire from this Shakespearian-inspired wedding shoot
7. Cozy Drinks
A warm drink is like a warm hug…even better if it’s spiked with a surprise! We love how this couple served hot toddies as guests arrived. You can even set up a cute hot cocoa bar or create these DIY flavored hot cocoa favors in cute glass vials!
8. Portraits in the Snow – Real or Faux!
Need we say more?!
photo by Everbay Co. from this secret snowy wedding
Believe it or not, that’s fake snow! Just as magical as the real thing.
via: California Wedding Day | photo: Jessie Jean Photography | planning: Jane Alexandra Events
TIP: Bring an extra pair of boots and warm socks to get some gorgeous First Look portraits in the snow!
planning: Kcidy Design | photo: We are Matt and Jess | location: Della Terra Mountain Chateau | florist: Emma Lea Floral | wedding dress: Grace Loves Lace
photo by Kensie Dawn from this snowy surprise proposal
photo by Farbklang Photography from this boho winter wedding inspiration
9. Fun Cake Alternatives
Wedding cakes are great. Three-tiered gingerbread house wedding cakes are better! We’re fans of dessert alternatives any day, but winter just lends itself to something a bit more…magical!
cake: Chelsea Buns Cake Design | photo: Rebecca Carpenter Photography | styling: Locate to Create
Or make a gorgeous WOW statement with a black wedding cake! We love how elegant this cake looks + your guests will be so impressed!
cake: The Sweet Society Co. | styling: Beautiful Weddings Australia | photo: Becky van Straalen Photography
(love the idea of a black wedding cake? We rounded up 14 of the Most Chic Black Wedding Cakes!)
10. A Spark of Celebration
We’ll never get tired of a sparkler wedding exit! This one works all year round but takes on a little more meaning as the year winds down. Cheers to all that’s come, and all that’s ahead!
photo by Logan Cole from this bespoke winter wedding
Bonus: Snow Makes for the COZIEST Elopements!
And we’ve got this video by Cinema of Poetry to prove it. Believe us, it’s worth five minutes of your time to get lost in the romance of this snowy Austrian Alps elopement! Because sometimes being alone together isn’t so bad 😉
For more winter wedding inspiration, we’ve got you covered here!
