More and more couples are realising the beauty of winter weddings and the potential to create an elegant cosy celebration full of atmosphere and candlelight. There are many benefits to a winter wedding, particularly as plans are less dependent on the weather and venue hire costs tend to drop considerably outside of peak season. So if you like the idea of bringing the magic of snowy Narnia to your special day, read on for our top tips and winter wedding inspiration.
Choose your palette What colours spring to mind when you think of winter? For us, it’s all about white, evoking the tranquil moment when snow begins to fall and the world becomes silent for a moment. We love an all white palette, but how about layering different shades of white with green and earthy tones for an organic feel, or with metallic details in gold, silver, copper or rose gold for a more luxe and glamorous look? Black and white is a beautiful choice for classic black-tie weddings, and you can add dramatic dark touches to your flowers with inky berries, dark foliage and black silk ribbon. Or keep it light and ethereal as we’ve done here.
Bring the outside in Indoor wedding receptions can be given a wintery touch by bringing the outside in – minus the temperature! In the California wedding featured here, this stunning rose-filled floral chandelier creates a dramatic centrepiece for the top table, allowing guests to chat unobstructed across the table. Pop a sprig of spruce or mimosa foliage at each place setting and go heavy on seasonal evergreen foliage, trailing garlands along bannisters, mantelpieces and runners on banquet tables for a lush verdant look and fresh wintery scent. Weave in dainty LED warm white fairy lights for extra twinkle in the low winter light.
Make a statement with roses A winter wedding would not be complete without fluffy white roses. In our collection of David Austin wedding roses, Leonora (Auswagsy), Eugenie (Ausimage), Patience (Auspastor) and Purity (Ausoblige) each add their individual ivory and blush tones. They are ideal for creating layers of white shades, adding an elegant touch to floral displays throughout your indoor winter wedding reception as well as delivering the perfect white bridal bouquet. Whether alone or mixed with other flowers, David Austin white and ivory roses add a feeling of pure luxury like no other rose, with their countless ruffled petals, subtle nuances in tone and exquisite evocative scents.
Work with texture When working with a monochrome colour palette like winter whites, texture is key to add depth and prevent the look from feeling flat. By adding other flowers and foliage, such as snowberry, pussy willow and white nerines, or incorporating different materials into your wedding styling, you can create warmth and depth without adding colour. For example, crumpled linen napkins; plush velvet ribbon; rustic wood; wool throws and sheepskin rugs are all ways to add character to your celebration.
Go heavy on the candles If your venue permits naked flames, we say display candles on every available surface. From chunky church candles to tapers and tea-lights, there is nothing quite like flickering candlelight to create a welcoming cosy atmosphere and the feeling of ‘hygge’ that we all want on our wedding day. Most LED candles just don’t have the same effect, but there are some more authentic ones around if your venue has strict rules.
VENDOR DETAILS Wedding Roses: David Austin Wedding Roses | Rose Growers: @alexandrafarms @rosaprimaroses @greenvalleyfloral @agrirose @tambuziroses | Planning: @weddingsparrow | Design & Styling: @joyproctor | Florals: @bowsandarrowsflowers | Photography: @jessicamangiaphotography | Videography: @annalord | Venue: @sunstonewinery | Hair, Make-up: @pagebeauty | Model: @hannah.burnard via @notiesmodels | Bridal Gowns: @kimkassascouture @nettabenshabu @ritavinieris via @kinsleyjamescouturebridal | Rentals: @theonicollection | Linens: @latavolalinen