With the winter wedding season officially upon us, with it comes an influx of popular, seasonal trends for you to incorporate into your celebration.
By: Meghan Ely
Photo: Clane Gessel
A common misconception is that your big day and the holidays should be synonymous, but there are a wealth of ways to pay homage to the cozy months without following a strict theme. Our experts are excited to share their top picks for this season's winter wedding trends.
"Winter wedding trends are always unique yet tied to feelings of being warm and cozy, with more intimate candlelight settings and velvety textures. One big trend that we are seeing for our winter weddings is the use of fir trees for décor. With the outdoor cliffside ceremony space that we utilize at our venue, the fir trees add to and accent the natural beauty of the picturesque landscape of the outdoor ceremony locations. The closer to Christmas the weddings are, the more we are seeing these trees being used.
Consider using a local Christmas tree farm or bringing in some of your own to create the feel of a mini forest. Clients are using trees not just as accents but also incorporating them as seating charts, memory trees, and many more unique spins on classic Christmas tree decorations." —Liney Castle, Twickenham House and Hall
"Nothing says winter more than a cabin in the mountains, a chair lift at the ski resort, or hot cocoa at the lodge. Couples seeking the snowy wintery vibes, fresh air, and a roaring fire are booking mountainous wedding venues. Seasonal weather is more likely to provide the vibe you're looking for if you climb in elevation because that's where the snow is. Mountain resorts are pushing their staff to open the season as early as possible this fall and will try to stay open late into the spring thanks to new snow-making technology." —McKenzi Taylor, Gather After
"Instead of trying to squeeze everything into a typical daylight schedule, more couples are leaning into the moody magic of early sunset. Twilight ceremonies lit by candlelight, string lights, or lanterns feel intimate and cinematic.
We're seeing comfort-forward menus like upscale soups, artisan bread, warm cocktails, and shared "family style" meals, but elevated in presentation. Think French onion soup in stoneware mugs, mulled wine bars, and family-style dessert boards. It creates a feeling of togetherness without leaning too kitschy." —Natasha Cardinal, The Cardinals
"Live guest illustrations are exploding in popularity. This service involves an artist (or team of artists) providing 4x6" or 5x7" quick sketch illustrations of guests live at a wedding or event. It's a much more elevated take on the classic caricature. The experience not only provides guests with a custom favor they'll never toss, but a lovely non-musical form of entertainment that captures their attention throughout the evening. Wedding guests are often dressed in their finest, so couples are catching on to the idea of ensuring that their fashion is captured forever!" —Brittany Branson, By Brittany Branson
"Mirrorballs continue to be a hot commodity for both décor and lighting purposes, and for a wedding that's leaning into the season, adding a bit of glitz to the dance floor or your hanging fixtures is the perfect touch. Better yet, working with your rental or production team to source some motorized mirrorballs can add fun reflective elements to your reception or after-party." —Kevin Dennis, Fantasy Sound Event Services
"Velvet is everywhere this season, and it is making a statement. Bridesmaids in jewel-toned velvet, velvet draped across tables, even velvet ribbon on bouquets, create texture that says luxury without screaming holiday party. Candlelight has also evolved from a few scattered votives into full-scale architecture. Couples are building entire environments out of candlelight with layered pillars, mirrored surfaces, and suspended lanterns, creating drama and intimacy. Silver has staged a glow-up as well, returning in brushed and burnished finishes that pair beautifully with champagne or copper. The effect is modern yet timeless, and perfectly suited to winter whites." —Amos Gott, AmosEvents
Don't be afraid to pull out all the stops and go big and bold this winter with textures, lighting, décor, and scenery — pulling in some fresh trends will help make your big day feel cozy and chic, no matter the temperature outside.
Meghan Ely is the founder of OFD Consulting, a public relations agency specializing in publicity, speaking engagements, and thought leadership for wedding and event professionals. She is a longtime wedding industry speaker, traveling globally.
