As you prepare for a Christmas wedding that embodies the magic of the season, incorporating festive elements is essential. To help you get started, we’ve curated a selection of inspiring ideas that will transport your guests into a Hallmark-inspired winter wonderland. From innovative decor and photo opportunities to unique favors and seasonal fashion, our top suggestions ensure that every aspect of your celebration exudes joy and charm.
Explore the world of warm cocktails, unconventional wedding cake flavors, and creative ways to bring festive flair to your special day.
How To Add Extra Festive Cheer To Your Christmas Wedding
Send a Festive Invite
Establish a winter or Christmas atmosphere for your celebration by sending a seasonal invitation suite that sets the tone. You can choose from classic color schemes featuring red and green, or incorporate motifs like wreaths, pine trees, garlands, and snowflakes to create a festive ambiance. For inspiration, explore our curated collection of 35 stunning winter wedding stationery and invitation ideas designed for your holiday celebration.
Add a Wreath With A Monogram
A winter wreath is the perfect way to extend a warm and welcoming holiday season, but what if you could take it to the next level? Consider adding a beautiful ribbon or sash with your initials or new monogram. Not only will this add a touch of personal flair to your home decor, but it also makes for a thoughtful and unique gift for friends and family. With the added embellishment, your winter wreath is sure to become a cherished keepsake that captures the essence of the holiday season.
Carry a Festive Bouquet
While many think that winter means an end to beautiful blooms, there’s still an abundance of stunning flowers available during the holiday season. To add a touch of festive flair, look for vibrant shades like red to incorporate into your arrangements. Winter florals like poinsettia, amaryllis, hellebore, and anemones bring warmth and cheer to any setting. Pair these with complementary berries, greenery such as eucalyptus, ivy, holly, mistletoe, and pine for a truly festive look.
Don’t forget to add a matching festive boutonnière to complete the look! For inspiration on which flowers are available for your Christmas wedding or how to create a ravishing red floral bouquet, explore our resources right here.
Add Ribbons Everywhere
As couples prepare for their special day, many are discovering the joy of incorporating small, yet meaningful details into their wedding decor. One such detail is the thoughtful addition of bows to various elements, from hair and place settings to candlelabras and cake. This charming touch can elevate the overall aesthetic of the celebration and create a truly unforgettable experience for guests.
Jingle Bells
Add a touch of whimsy and festivity to your wedding celebration with a unique twist on the traditional confetti toss. Instead of simply tossing paper confetti, give each guest a jingle bell to ring as they walk down the aisle, creating a joyous and memorable atmosphere.
This quirky idea can be used in various ways throughout the day, such as using them as escort cards or place cards at the reception, or even having everyone ring their bells simultaneously when you enter the room before toasts begin or during your first dance. This fun and playful touch is sure to leave a lasting impression on your guests.
Hire Authentic Carolers
Add a touch of nostalgia and whimsy to your holiday celebration by incorporating authentic Christmas carolers into your event. Imagine the joy on your guests’ faces as they’re serenaded with festive tunes, reminiscent of classic Hallmark movies. To take it to the next level, consider hiring professional carolers who can transport your partygoers to a winter wonderland.
Whether you choose to have them perform at your ceremony, cocktail hour, or even during dinner, this unique touch is sure to leave a lasting impression on your loved ones.
Mistletoe is a Must!
As winter wedding bells chime in, it’s only fitting to incorporate the whimsical charm of mistletoe into your special day. Whether you’re exchanging sweet nothings at the altar, capturing playful moments with loved ones, or posing for romantic couple portraits, a kiss under the mistletoe is an unmissable opportunity. We suggest embracing this classic Christmas tradition and getting creative – why not ask your florist to weave in some mistletoe into your bridal bouquet or groom’s boutonniere?
This way, you’ll be surrounded by festive flair as you cherish those tender moments with your partner. After all, it’s the perfect excuse to steal a kiss from your sweetheart amidst the winter wonderland backdrop.
Set the Scene with Festive Decor
As you celebrate the holiday season, why not bring the magic of Christmas into your wedding reception? With an array of creative decorating ideas, you can create a warm and inviting atmosphere that reflects the joy and cheer of this special time of year. By incorporating natural elements like fresh pine and evergreen garlands, you’ll be working with a budget-friendly approach that’s both beautiful and easy to execute.
To add an extra touch of festivity to your tablescape, consider combining red accents with Christmas berries, napkins, and bows, along with green and gold details like candles and tableware. This thoughtful combination will undoubtedly make your guests feel welcomed and cozy. While classic colors like red and green are always a staple of the holiday season, don’t be afraid to think outside the box and incorporate other seasonal hues into your design.
Berry-filled centerpieces, grey or blue linens, and silver-rimmed glassware can all contribute to a subtle yet festive atmosphere that’s sure to delight your guests. From stunning winter-inspired ceremony backdrops and tablescapes to thoughtful little favors that make the season special, there are countless ways to infuse your wedding day decor with the spirit of Christmas.
And, as we showcase 26 stylish ideas for making your wedding day decor shine, you’ll find inspiration galore to bring this festive season to life.
Gift Festive Favours
As a thoughtful touch, consider sending your wedding guests home with a memento that will forever remind them of your festive celebration. A plethora of options exists, from sweet treats like candy canes to eco-friendly choices such as mini plantable Christmas tree cuttings. Other creative ideas include gifting chutney, Christmas tea bags, candles, cozy blankets, or even hand warmers – all of which are sure to be treasured by your loved ones.
Alternatively, for a truly unique and memorable favor, have a calligrapher beautifully inscribe each guest’s name on a stunning glass bauble. To make the experience even more special, display these lovely favors in a creative manner, allowing your guests to grab them as they take their seats or say their goodbyes.
Serve a Festive Custom Cocktail or Mulled Wine
It’s the perfect time of year to get into the holiday spirit with some delicious and festive cocktails! A signature drink can be made even more merry and bright with a clever name that captures the essence of the season. And let’s not forget about the warm, comforting drinks like mulled wine or hot chocolate – they’re sure to be a hit at any winter gathering.
Imagine setting up a cozy station post-ceremony or at your evening reception where guests can warm up with a cup of apple cider, mulled wine, or even a boozy hot chocolate. The inviting aromas alone will put everyone in the holiday mood!
Add Custom Festive Napkins
When it comes to a festive custom cocktail, we believe that a matching custom napkin is the perfect accompaniment. Not only do they add an extra touch of elegance to your drinks service, but they also provide a fun and unique way to personalize your party or gathering. Consider having your bartender hand out these specially designed napkins with each drink, or setting up a stylish cocktail hour bar where guests can grab one as they mingle.
Oh Christmas Tree!
When it comes to a Christmas-themed wedding, there’s no denying the iconic presence of Christmas trees. While your venue may already have them on display, be sure to confirm whether they’ll be featured in both your ceremony and reception spaces if you want to incorporate them into your celebration. For outdoor or at-home weddings, don’t forget to add some festive flair with twinkling lights, ornaments, and classic red ribbons!
Moreover, we’ve spotted creative couples utilizing Christmas trees as innovative table plans, escort card displays, and even favour stations. And let’s not forget the delightful custom crackers from The Embroiderd Napkin Company that can add an extra touch of whimsy to your special day.
Christmas Crackers as Favours
Winter weddings offer a unique opportunity to get creative with favours that not only reflect the season’s charm but also cater to eco-conscious couples. A better alternative to traditional crackers, reusable custom favours can be filled and personalized to make them truly special. The ribbon-tied cracker can be used as a napkin during dinner before being taken home as a thoughtful keepsake. Not only do these unique favours double as place cards, but they’re also gentle on the environment.
It’s a winter wedding win-win!
Add A Fun Festive Wedding Card Post Box
Imagine the joy and excitement of creating a unique and personalized experience for your guests at your Christmas wedding. One way to do this is by setting up a ‘Letters to Santa’ mailbox where guests can drop off their holiday cards, making it a fun and interactive activity that they’ll remember long after the big day. To make this idea a reality, keep an eye out for sales in January when you can pick up your own mailboxes and supplies to incorporate into your special day.
Serve Christmas Confections
As the warmth of the ceremony sets in, why not surprise your guests with a delightful tower of mince pies? Not only is this a sweet treat to cap off the celebration, but it’s also a thoughtful gesture that will leave a lasting impression. Alternatively, take your Christmas wedding dessert table to new heights by adding an intricately designed gingerbread house – a show-stopping centerpiece that will undoubtedly become a cherished memory for you and your loved ones.
When it comes to your wedding cake, why settle for traditional flavors when you can create a festive fusion of Guinness and chocolate, gingerbread and eggnog crème, or even chocolate peppermint? The possibilities are endless! And to give you some inspiration, take a cue from the experts: Kelly McAllister Photography’s stunning shots on One Fab Day showcase the perfect blend of creativity and indulgence.
Go To Town With Fairy Lights
There’s something truly enchanting about an excessive display of twinkling fairy lights. They have a remarkable ability to evoke a sense of romance regardless of the season or occasion, all while making a significant impact without breaking the bank. Whether you’re looking to add a touch of whimsy to your home decor or create a festive atmosphere for a special event, fairy lights are an easy and affordable way to bring a little magic into your life.
