A Winter Wedding Ceremony Masterclass ⋆ Ruffled

Oh the weather outside is frightful, but the weddings sure are delightful! Winter weddings are festive in their own right, but when paired with Yuletide decor, fashion and experiences, these merry little nuptials become unforgettably magical. Consider this deep dive guide your comprehensive blueprint for planning a winter wedding ceremony. From the aisle ideas and bridal bouquets to the bridesmaid dresses and musician set lists, these winter wedding ideas are sure to spark some creativity for your own!

Photo by Darina Stoda with florals by Lex Hamilton Floral Studio and install by Early Hours London Ltd

Photo by Perry Vaile with planning + design by Pamela Barefoot Events and florals by Holly Chapple

How To Create A Showstopping Winter Wedding Ceremony Backdrop

No matter what kind of venue you choose for your winter wedding ceremony – outdoor or indoor, grand or intimate, minimalist or maximalist – your mission is to uplevel the hygge vibes. Creating a cozy ambiance for your guests will reassure them that you have their comfort top of mind and set the stage for a laidback and fun-filled party to come. So consider the lighting, create textural interest, play up existing architecture/views, incorporate warm fuzzies as part of the decor… whatever you do, craft meaningful moments for this most important chapter of the day.

Spruce Up The Mantle

Swag is back in the form of eye-catching garlands festooning fireplace mantles and stairwells! Tie them up with ribbon, adorn them with dried fruits, use baubles + bells in lieu of evergreen leaves… this is the ultimate way you can literally deck your halls for an indoor wedding ceremony.

(L) photo + styling by Naomi de Manana; (R) photo by The New York Times with styling + design by Putnam Flowers

Photo by Francesco Lagnese with production by Carolyn Englefield and florals by Lewis Miller Design

(L) photo + styling by Matilda Goad; (R) photo by Samm Blake with planning + design by Oren & Co and florals by Hart Floral

Put Christmas on a Pedestal

Another idea for your fireplace ceremony backdrop is an oversized floral arrangement to sit atop the mantle (or a duo placed on free standing pedestals to frame yourselves + the officiant). This idea works just as well outside as it does in, and we encourage you to go bold with your color palettes here! Create mountains and valleys through shapes, textures and light to muddy hues of your green, red or wintery white floral arrangements. The starter ideas below offer beautiful real world examples of how you can get multi-dimensional with tall urn floral arrangements that can even be repurposed in the reception thanks to their ingrained portability.

(L) Photo + florals by Jenn Sanchez; (R) photo + florals by Putnam Designs with production by Hessney & Co

Photo by Heather Nan with florals by Soil & Stem

(L) photo + florals by Frida Kim; (R) photo by Sabrina Licata with florals + styling by Rosepepper

Fit To Be Tied

Holiday wreaths are another festive way you can theme your winter wedding ceremony to the season without feeling gauche. Work with your event and floral designers to come up with elevated wreath arrangements garnished with dyed baby pine cones, dramatic velvet bows, fragrant botanicals + cinnamon sticks or even uncluttered ornaments that feel classic + clean.

Photo by Johnny Miller with wreath by Naomi de Manana and styling by Marisa Selliti

Photos + wreaths by Palais London

Glistening Winter Wonderlands

If your wedding venue feels anything like Bedford Falls, WhoVille or Central Park during NYC’s heiday, then it only seems fitting to take advantage of the postcard worthy views! Light up the snowcapped firs, draw the eyes up + out with a grounded floral crescent, embrace the ski country landscape, lead your aisle towards the edge of a cliff where the mountains shine brightly in the distance… there are tons of ways you can play up the natural scenery and panoramic vistas in locations obviously frequented by Hallmark movie scouts.

Photo by Rodeo & Co.

(L) photo by Amanda Crean with planning, design and florals by Greenwood Events; (R) photo by Nicole Clarey with florals + design by Shean Strong

Photo by Pepper Nix with planning + design by Silver Summit Events and florals by Artisan Bloom

(L) photo by KT Merry with planning + design by Michelle Rago and florals by Rishi the Designer + HMR Designs; (R) photo by Sunnie Heers with florals by Painted Primrose Florals

Photo by Eric Kelley with planning + design by Bluebird Productions and florals by Bareroot Flora

(L) photo by Heather Payne with planning + design by Bluebird Productions; (R) photo by Jose Villa with planning + design by Easton Events and florals by David Beahm

Photo by KT Merry with planning + design by Kelly Doonan Events and florals by Tulipina Design

Character Arc

True, it’s hard to beat the grand ole’ arch. Particularly when a classic green + white palette is so suitable for wintertime! Whether lush and voluminous or spartan and branchy, floral arches are another classic look for an elegant end-of-year fête. We particularly love the opportunities these structures give you for color gradients and transitional palettes, so talk with your designer + florist about how you want that color balance to feel overall. You might like an ombre effect, a wild + unruly spirit or a more symmetrical distribution of textures and hues – be specific or hold your peace!

Photo by Megan Kay Photography with production by AMV Weddings and florals by The Botany House

(L) photo by Michelle Beller with planning + design by Bash Please and florals by Hart Floral; (R) photo by Lima Conlon with planning + design by Alise Taggart and florals by The Rosehip & Berry Floral Studio

Photo + florals by Kelly Lenard

(L) photo by Sophie Kaye Photography with planning + design by Simply Styled Events and florals by Simpson & Co Flower Studio; (R) photo by Erin McGinn with florals by Stoneblossom Florals

Photo by Rebecca Yale with planning + design Shannon Leahy Events

Classic Winter Bridal Bouquets with a Modern Twist

There’s no contesting the radiance of winter bridal bouquets – particularly when they’re hallmarked by interesting shapes, textures and color gradient! With ruby red being the grand dame of winter floral pigments, vanilla cream merits a silver medal – not only for its coy versatility when it comes to layering, but for its harmonious approach to balancing the bold focal hues with grace, softness and fluidity.

Branches, Berries and Sugarplum Fairies

Photo by Lucy Munoz Photography with florals by Siren Floral Co

(L) photo by Jose Villa with planning + design by Birds of a Feather Events and florals by Max Owens Design; (R) photo by Celine Chhuon Photography with planning + design by Madame Wedding Design and florals by Floraison

The two examples above are a perfect real world example of how much range exists between hues of the same color. While the bouquet on the left evokes a more old world romantic feeling, the gathered blooms on the right feel modern and flirtatious – almost a hint of summery brights in the midst of a sometimes tired season.

Photo by Katie Stoops with planning + design by Grit & Grace Inc. and florals by Sweet Root Village

Artfully tangled clusters of berries are another fabulous way to call on the season. There’s an instant jammy-ness to this festive December bouquet, altogether cementing the bouquet as a primary reference point in the visual narrative that will immerse the couple in this very place + time years down the road.

(L) photo by Lucy Cuneo with planning + design by Laurie Arons and florals by Kathleen Deery Design; (R) photo by Elizabeth Messina with planning + design by Laurie Arons and florals by Sarah Winward

Photo by Laura Gordon with planning + design by Lacy Geary and florals by Kelly Lenard

Even with all the popularity of captivating reds and dripping berries, we’re seeing wintry whites becoming canon as we speak. The global supply chain for flower markets has made it all the more possible to access a variety of blooms that can be layered to perfection – even in a monochrome palette.

(L) photo by Kurt Boomer with planning + design by Jacqueline Hallgarth Events and florals by Siren Floral Co; (R) photo by Jen Huang Bogan with planning + design by Aly Ann Events and florals by Max Gill

Photo by Charla Storey and Jennefer Wilson with design and florals by Max Owens Design

(L) photo by Brandon Kidd with planning + design by Amorology and florals by Native Poppy; (R) photo by Kurt Boomer with planning + design by Haute Fetes and florals by Plenty of Petals

Photo by Louise Hagger with florals by Putnam Design and styling by Naomi de Manana for Martha Stewart Weddings

Another way you can achieve interest in your winter bridal bouquet is to employ flowering branches or meandering vines. Such accents draw the eyes exactly where you want them to go, in exactly the path you want them to take. They also have a way of grounding an arrangement – giving it a raw and authentic energy that an organic wedding style so often calls for.

(L) photo by Jose Villa with planning + design by Laurie Arons and florals by Sarah Winward; (R) photo by Stephanie Brauer with planning + design by DM Events & Design and florals by Porcelain Vine

Photo by Jose Villa with planning + design by Laurie Arons and florals by Sarah Winward

(L) photo by Sylvie Gil with planning, design and florals by Greenwood Events; (R) photo by Laura Gordon with planning + design by Federica Beni and florals by Kelly Lenard

Of course, we’ve seen our fair share of muddy, earthy blooms make their debut in winter weddings too. Hellebore, fritillaria, sweet pea… the beauty of modern day florals is that seemingly endless plant cultivars exist within each category, making us all spoilt for choice when it comes to finding that perfect aubergine or caramel colored bloom.

Winter Floral Varieties for Elevated Bridal Bouquets

Florals that thrive in winter are our bread + butter. You may want to bookmark the following list of winter blooms for future conversations with your florist + planner!

White Majolica Spray Rose
Mocca Amaryllis
Anemones
Purple Lilac Vine
Astrantia
Fritillaria
Ranunculus
Sweet Pea
Blooming Euphorbia
Quince Branches
Roses (Quicksand, Combo, Alabaster)
Astilbe
Delphinium
Daffodils
Scabiosa
Hellebore
Paperwhites

Pussy Willow
Green Viburnum
Star of Bethlehem
Dried Seed Pods
Chocolate Cosmo
Flannel Flower
Tallow Berry
Kumquats
Scented Geranium
Rex Begonia Leaves
Angel Vine
Grape Ivy
Copper Beech
Cedar Branches
Heuchera Leaves
Bottle Brush Foliage
Lindera Branches

Snazzy Bridesmaid Looks for Winter Weddings

Photo by Anastasia Strate Photography with florals by Devinnie’s Paradise Flowers

We fall prey to velvet bridesmaid dresses all. the. time. Whether it’s the bold jewel tone sheen or the fit + flattering silhouette, we’ll never know. What we are confident about though? Velvet bridesmaid dresses are the epitome of romance for winter wedding fashion.

(L) photo by Bonnie Sen Photography with planning + design by A Dominick Events and bridesmaid dresses by Self-Portrait; (R) photo by Liz Fogarty with planning by Favored by Yodit Events & Design, florals by Holly Chapple and bridesmaid dresses by Désir Couture

Photo by 2Brides with planning + design by Fanny Staafe Events

You don’t have to be a lone ranger when it inevitably comes to battling the winter chill either. Call upon tasteful trimmings like faux fur shawls to unify mismatched bridesmaid ensembles or simply push the cozy to the max.

Shop Red & Pink Winter Bridesmaid Dresses

(L) Markarian Marla Burgundy Velvet Burnout Corset Wrap Dress; (R) Emilia Wickstead Viri Gown

(L) The Vampire’s Wife The Light Sleeper Lamé Maxi Dress; (R) Reformation Twilight Square Neck Dress

(L) The Vampire’s WifeThe Falconetti Chiffon Midi Dress; (R) Markarian Apple Midi Dress

(L) Emilia Wickstead Felipe Cotton Velvet Dress; (R) Markarian Rita Pink Butterfly Brocade Column Gown

(L) Emilia Wickstead Birch Dress in True Rose; (R) Silvia Tcherassi Lirio Dress Rouge

Shop Green & Sage Winter Bridesmaid Dresses

(L) Reformation Julius Silk Dress; (R) Louise New York Camille Dress in Sage

(L) Retrofete Doss Pleated Gown; (R) Emilia Wickstead Nyla Dress

(L) Reformation Jasen Maxi Dress; (R) Sachin & Babi Mila Ruffle Drape Gown

(L) Reformation Sable Floral Print Smocked Mini Dress; (R) Reformation Rimini Spaghetti Strap Dress

Shop Printed & Metallic Winter Bridesmaid Dresses

(L) Eddy Desirae Embroidered Fringe Midi Dress; (R) Louise New York Marie Dress in Floral Brocade

(L) Emilia Wickstead Leila Metallic Strapless Midi-Dress; (R) Loeffler Randall Elisa Gold Puff-Sleeved Evening Dress

(L) Sabina Musayev Ray Bow Pleated Maxi Dress; (R) Damaris Bailey Rosita Dress

(L) Markarian Ginevra Gold Floral Brocade Corset Dress; (R) Saylor Gianna Set

(L) Damaris Bailey Victoria Dress; (R) Shona Joy La Lune High Neck Midi Dress

Santa’s Little Helpers

We’d never forget the little ones! Crown them with berry-garnished halos, thick satin bows, stockings, smocks and navy cardigans – whatever it takes to feel them feel like the Nutcracker’s Clara pirouetting through the party.

Photo by Erin Wilson Photography with planning + design by Jessika McCuin and florals by Tanarah Luxe Floral

(L) photo by Jackie Haxthausen with dresses by Pixie Lily x Over the Moon; (R) photo + dress by Lillou

Photo by Hunter Ryan Photography with planning by Anna Lucia Events

(L) Photo by Aaron Delesie with planning + design by Lisa Vorce; (R) photo by Jose Villa with planning + design by Laurie Arons and florals by Sarah Winward

Photo + dress by La Nonna Atelier

Shop Festive Flower Girl Dresses for Winter Weddings

(L) Metallic Gold Bow Party Dress; (R) Monnalisa Tartan Dress

(L) La Coqueta Green Velvet Maranta Dress; (R) La Coqueta Eliza Dress

(L) Bonpoint Tasmin Dress; (R) Bonpoint Blossom Velvet Dress

(L) La Coqueta White Vega Ceremony Dress; (R) La Coqueta Navy Arcadia Smock Dress

And if you find yourself liking dogs better than most people (come on, it’s a thing!), we’ve got some handsome embellishments for your fur babies too. Gossamer ribbon in crisp icy blue, a ruffled collar + satin bow the color of fresh out the fridge key lime and a blanket adorned sled to pull your Dog of Honor down the aisle. Does it get more darling than this?

Photo by Molly Carr with planning by Nicole Simeral and florals by Winston Flowers & Events

(L) photo by Valorie Darling; (R) photo by Chia Chong with styling by Houses & Parties

Photo by Mari Golovina

How darling would it be to pull your Dog of Honor down the aisle on their own fleece wrapped sled? “If the setting fits, I sits” has never rung truer.

Just Around Our Merry Little Corner

Keep an eye out for our dedicated post on winter bridal fashion. You know Yuletide bridal glamour is deserving of its own runway! Plus, our roundup of winter wedding groom attire was getting lonely. C’est la vie!

Also in the horizon is a full how-to for creative + fun approaches to your wedding reception. Believe me when I say that we’re rearing up for a holly jolly good time. Stay tuned!