Planning a holiday wedding, but not so keen on red and green decor? Read on for some tips for planning a wedding during the festive season that feels uniquely your own!
Holiday weddings can feel magical, but not every couple wants their celebration to blend into the season. For those looking to host a wedding during the holiday season without it becoming overly festive, careful planning is key. Bryn Khoury, the founder of Our Day, a virtual event planning platform, shares her insights on how to balance the cheer of the holidays while letting your unique theme shine through.
Pick a Distinct Theme
The first step in making your wedding stand apart from the holidays is selecting a theme that resonates with you as a couple and is unrelated to traditional holiday motifs.
- Avoid holiday clichés: Skip the red and green palette, tinsel, mistletoe, and holly berries.
- Opt for unique colors: Neutral palettes, bold jewel tones, or soft pastels can all create a fresh and welcome contrast to the season. Consider incorporating fuchsia or maroon tones—a vibrant and appealing choice that feels celebratory without directly mimicking traditional red.
“Choosing a theme with intentional colors and design elements makes it easier to separate your wedding from the holiday aesthetic,” Bryn advises.
To explore more ideas, check out Martha Stewart Weddings for tips on non-holiday winter weddings, which highlight creative decorative options that still feel seasonal but not too festive.
Be Purposeful About Venue Selection
Choosing the right venue can make or break a non-holiday theme. Look for a space that naturally aligns with your theme. Glass enclosures or clear tents, with their open views, offer a stunning atmosphere when filled with soft, ambient lighting. The interplay of natural light during the day and glowing fixtures at night creates a breathtaking aura that feels both intimate and organic. If the venue is decked out in holiday splendor, don’t be afraid to communicate your vision. “Most venues are happy to work with couples to tone down or adapt their ornamentation,” Bryn says.
Set the Mood with Thoughtful Accents
Decor is one of the most effective ways to make your wedding feel unique.
- Floral arrangements: Use unexpected blooms and greenery like protea, succulents, or eucalyptus to go against the grain of seasonal arrangements.
- Lighting: Incorporate soft, romantic lighting, such as fairy string lights or candles in neutral hues instead of bright, holiday-specific designs.
- Stationery: Curate custom wedding invitations and signage with your chosen colors and theme. Paper materials like menus, table settings, and bulletins can set the tone before the event begins and throughout your special day.
- Greenery: A subtle way to nod to the season without becoming overpowered by it is to mix in greenery that resembles garlands or vines, such as draping evergreen branches or similar textures. Opt for white accents instead of red to maintain a sophisticated winter aesthetic without leaning into overt holiday decorations.
For more inspiration on distinctive decor ideas that will complement your theme, Brides.com offers fantastic guidance for winter weddings.
Offer Seasonal Comforts Without Overdoing It
A winter wedding doesn’t have to forgo all seasonal touches—just blend them in with a light hand.
- Food and drinks: Instead of holiday classics like turkey and eggnog, serve seasonally inspired dishes like pumpkin ravioli, butternut squash soup, or spiced mulled wine. A rosemary-infused cocktail adds a delightfully festive touch without being overly traditional.
- Desserts: Opt for a wedding cake that aligns with your theme and colors instead of typical holiday treats like gingerbread cookies.
Personalize the Experience
Personal touches make your wedding truly memorable, especially during a season filled with long-standing rituals.
- Incorporate your favorite winter activities into the day, such as an après ski–inspired cocktail hour or a hot cocoa bar with custom toppings.
- Offer meaningful favors that match the season but aren’t holiday-based, like personalized blankets, artisan teas, or locally sourced honey.
“Adding details that reflect your personality as a couple will make your wedding stand out, no matter the time of year,” Bryn says.
As far as personalizing your outfit, a white shawl or neutral faux-fur jacket not only complements wedding attire beautifully, but also ensures you stay warm and stylish throughout the celebration.
Photo Credit: Кристина Чехова | Pexels
Embrace What Makes the Season Special
While staying away from a holiday-centric theme, it’s okay to embrace what makes this time of year so special. Consider providing cozy wraps or scarves for guests at an outdoor ceremony. Even the winter weather itself can add to the ambiance if you plan ahead. Bryn suggests, “If you’re having an outdoor event, invest in heat lamps, fire pits, or even indoor-outdoor spaces to keep everyone comfortable.”
Plug into Expert Advice
Planning a wedding during the holidays offers the best of both worlds: the joyful energy of the season and the opportunity to create a celebration that’s entirely your own. With expert tips from Bryn and the network of vendors on Our Day, you can craft a wedding and source vendors that will customize your event while still integrating the spirit of the season in understated ways. For more expert advice on wedding planning, visit Our Day’s blog.