Looking at a snow globe can be entrancing. White snow gently falls to the ground in a setting that conveys serenity, nostalgia and a warm Christmas spirit you can only get when you go home for the holidays. Wouldn’t it be lovely if you could evoke that same feeling that’s found inside a snow globe on your big day? Well, I’ve got all the winter wedding ideas you need to pull it off.
Search through online wedding invitations
You’ll take one look at this stunning wedding invitation and immediately recognize how well it fits into the whole snow globe motif. The letterpress invitation features 100 percent cotton paper, making the stationery soft to the touch and adding an element of luxury to your invites. Your names and wedding information are surrounded with a flourish of intricately detailed snowflakes and icy blue swirls. I think even Elsa from “Frozen” would be jealous of these.
Offer gloves as favors
When there’s a chill in the air, everyone’s looking for ways to stay warm. Offer your guests comfort and coziness with glove favors. Tie simple tags with your wedding date and names on them and arrange the gloves out on a table for a cute wintry display. Choose gloves that match your wedding color palette to create a coordinated feel throughout your big day.
Take pictures outside
If you can endure the cold temperatures, taking pictures outside during winter can result in some magical wedding photos. Feel free to use props to make your pictures all the more special. This couple on Inspired by This enjoyed a snow-filled shoot (even though they were in California in 60 degree weather, shhh!). The pair pulled around a vintage sled, and the bride wore a full tulle skirt to keep with the delicate, romantic winter theme. Here are a few other adorable winter props you may want to take advantage of:
- Scarves
- Hats
- Faux fur wraps
- Holiday string lights (white or colored)
- Christmas tree
- Snowmen
- Salvaged wooden skis
- Boots
Talk to your photographer and get creative to produce pictures that really speak to your wedding theme and the personalities of you and your other half.
Add natural elements to your cake
Sometimes putting together the most simple elements can create stunning statements. Just take a look at this cake, found on The Cake Blog. I mean, it looks almost too perfect to eat. A clean layer of crisp white fondant envelops this tiered confection, and a combination of snow-covered pinecones, white blooms and silver brunia add texture and winter whimsy. Let me let you in on a secret: Although they fooled me, those are actually sugar peonies and roses. Even the pine cones are created from brown gum paste – that means everything except for the ribbon at the bottom is edible.
Use those same natural elements (i.e. pine cones, berries, twigs) in your floral arrangements and even for the groomsmen’s boutonnieres. Pine cones can make great place cards as well! Opting for the same items can create a cohesive look throughout your wedding party. And trust me – those small details are never overlooked!
Incorporate sparkle
When you shake a snow globe, there’s always a sparkling element, whether it’s the snow or a silver sleigh. Add some winter glimmer to your own ensemble with any of these shimmering ideas:
- Spray paint branches silver or gold and incorporate them into your flower arrangement
- Cover your reception tables in silver tablecloths
- Rock silver pumps down the aisle
- Choose a golden monogram cake topper
Find ways to warm up
Wearing a white dress during winter is beautiful (there’s no doubt about that), but it’s certainly not the warmest thing you can wear down the aisle. Luckily, there are more than a few ways that you can cozy up your outfit without sacrificing your bridal style. Wear adorable white booties lined with fur, drape a faux fur shawl over your shoulders or wear a chic red plaid shirt over your dress for pictures, like this bride did.
Don’t forget about your guests, either! Set up a bar of classic winter beverages like hot apple cider, hot cocoa, coffee and tea. Your loved ones can help themselves, and the drink buffet gives your wedding a warm, welcoming element.
When your guests are hungry for an after-dinner treat, how about creating your own caramel apple bar? Set out a variety of ingredients, from caramel, white chocolate and dark chocolate to sprinkles, coconuts and roasted nuts so your guests can craft creations of their own.
Scatter candles
Nothing sets a romantic mood better than candles. Scatter them throughout the length of your reception tables (you can never have too many!) They’ll instantly warm up the room, despite the chilly winter temperatures.
Do you have any other ideas for your winter wedding? Share your thoughts with us!
Photo Credit: Couple: Carly Mitchell Photography via Inspired by This, Gloves: Live View Studios via Bridal Guide, Skis and Snow Shoe: Emily Steffen Photography via The Sweetest Occasion, Cake: Erica O’brien via The Cake Blog