Christmas wedding ideas: Easy festive touches to add to your big day

Getting married near Christmas time? You'll probably want to acknowledge the season to be merry, so here are some Christmas wedding ideas!

What is more magical than a wedding at Christmas? From enjoying cosy nights by a fire with freshly baked gingerbread cookies, to listening to nostalgic holiday music, the scents and sounds of the winter season are some of the most romantic. 

We've found some of the most enchanting Christmas wedding ideas that are sure to amaze, no matter what your theme or style is. From rustic to chic, all of them can be incorporated into your style to create your perfect Christmas wedding. 

Christmas wedding venues

(Photo: Cory Ryan)

When choosing the location for your festive wedding, consider the theme or ambiance you are trying to achieve.

A barn venue is perfect for a rustic-chic aesthetic, while a ski lodge set in the mountains offers a beautiful backdrop that looks straight out of a blockbuster movie.

And if you're wanting a more whimsical space, a botanical garden would be completely enthralling, while you and your guests are surrounded by seasonal florals and plants.

Lighting your space

We believe little touches go a long way when decorating your venue with lighting. We love the look of adding warmth throughout to make the space feel snug and inviting. Try playing around with lighting by incorporating fairy lights or glass orbs into your décor for a modern and fresh take on ornaments. 

Tealights on the tables are also another lovely way to add a seasonal glow without busting the budget. Add ribbon around the tea light holders or a sprig of holly to make it even more Christmassy.

Of course, you can always add a Christmas tree strewn with fairy lights to give that magical festive flow. 

Festive fires

One thing guaranteed to make your wedding feel festive is a fireplace! If your venue has one, make the most of it and ask for it be lit to give that cosy glow. They can also be decorated with garlands to help up the festive flavour.

And if you've decided to be adventurous and brave the cold by having an outdoor ceremony or reception, there are ways to keep your guests warm and cosy and also add to your Christmas wedding theme.

We love the look of small, wooden fires surrounding the outside of your venue. Place a log into a metal bucket and scatter these around for heat - or just for the ambiance. Just make sure you're being safe when using these materials, especially if it is a windy day or there are children present. Fire pits are another great alternative. 

Embrace the season(al florals)

We love the warm, natural look of woodsy pieces incorporated in a modern, romantic way. Here are some ways to add simple yet meaningful touches of winter to your space.

Twigs 

(Photo: WedLuxe)

Twigs can be placed delicately inside of floral arrangements or even be used as a centrepiece themselves. We love the look of the brown branches up against white florals. My personal favourite wintertime white flower is baby's breath, which adds a ethereal, delicate touch to your displays.

Garlands

(Photo: Wedding Chicks)

A Christmas garland looks incredible draped down the walls with lights intertwined or placed on tables with candles intermixed for a cosy and inviting touch. You can also add touches of your wedding colour palette with seasonal florals like ranunculus, amarilis, tulips, or chrysanthemum.

Mistletoe

We couldn't write about a winter wedding without adding mistletoe to the list! Add this magical plant to centrepieces or hang bunches around your venue, or at the end of pews if you're getting married in a church, for a romantic and fairytale-like addition to your décor. 

Pine

If you don't want to go full out with your Christmas greenery, an easy way to add a festive touch is by incorporating some pine - and perhaps holly - as part of the table decorations. Simple and chic, it still very much sings Christmas time!

Don't forget the bouquet

Even if you don't want to go fully festive with your bouquet, adding in some winter touches like pine cones, berries and frosted evergreens will give it a magical wintry touch.

Tis’ the season... to cut cake

We love the excuse to embrace the holidays in any way possible, and what better place to incorporate the flavours of the season than into your cake!

Try love combinations such as chocolate peppermint, chai spice, and even eggnog or gingerbread. I personally love this recipe for homemade chocolate gingerbread cake. Choosing an unique flavour for your cake will make the dessert feel more special, personable, and memorable to your family and friends.

Cake decorations

Now that you've got some ideas for the flavours of your cake, it's time to talk cake decorations. 

'Tis the time to be kitsch, so if cute and retro are your thing, the cake is the perfect place to do it - especially when it means replacing the traditional bride and groom with a gingerbread version!

If you feel there’s a bit too much of a literal Christmas vibe with the traditional red and green colours, try bringing the birch look to your cake. The bark-like frosted cake with woodsy toppers will only add to the whimsy to your wedding.

Cosy and cheerful finishing touches

 (Photo: Chic Vintage Brides)

Another way to add an unique touch for your winter wedding is by including an outdoor bar/ food area for you and your guests to enjoy. We love stations like these, as it gives time for your guests to interact and join together in the wedding festivities. If you or your partner have a sweet tooth, go for a food display featuring a s'mores bar, mini pies, cookies, or donuts!

Thinking more of a drink to take the chill off? Try a hot drinks display featuring hot chocolate, apple cider, mulled wine or even a hot cocktail. Any of these are sure to have you and your guests warmed up in no time!

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