18 Breathtaking Winter Wonderland Wedding Ideas

Winter easily gets a bad rap. Sure, there’s blustery weather and endless shoveling. In fact, here in the Midwest, even our eyelashes can freeze. But a winter wonderland wedding reminds us to look beyond the frigid temperatures. If you live in Wisconsin, like I do, each day is more beautiful and austere than the next. The bare treetops glimmer with frost, and endless snowdrifts sparkle iridescent in the sunshine. 

Long after wedding fatigue hits its summer and fall peaks, your winter wedding will stand out as the highlight of the season. Accordingly, PartySlate reached out to two inspiring wedding planners for insight into capturing a winter wedding aesthetic. Kristin Banta, Creative Director of Kristin Banta Events, tells us, “Seasons play a significant role in the design of any event.” Rachael Keyl, Owner of A Fine Fête, confirms, “The season can certainly help guide the direction, especially in terms of color, textures and flowers.” From glittering winter centerpieces to dazzling winter wedding color palettes, winter weddings bring an aura of enchantment to any venue space. 

Short of hibernation, you can forget the wedding stress. PartySlate makes wedding planning simple with curated directories and thoughtful inspiration. We’ve searched through hundreds of real wedding albums to find the best winter wonderland wedding ideas. Discover 18 ways to take your winter wedding to the next level — and remind guests why winter is the most magical season of all. Plus, stay to the end to learn how to bring this unique aesthetic to life.

Winter Wonderland Wedding Invitations

Winter Wonderland Wedding Bouquets

Winter Wonderland Ceremony Arches & Aisles

Winter Wonderland Wedding Centerpieces

Enchanted Winter Dance Floors & Stages

 Winter Bar Areas

Winter Wonderland Wedding Cake

Winter Wonderland Wedding Favors

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People Also Ask…

How does season play a role in a wedding’s design?

photographer: Beautiful Day Photography | planner: Kristin Banta Events

“When selecting a time of year to get married,” Banta of Kristin Banta Events, says, “a couple often looks to align their décor, to some degree, with the existing season. This way there doesn’t feel like there is a disconnect between the surrounding environment and the guest experience.” She goes on to say, “Décor does not need to be a literal interpretation of the weather outside, but should at least harmonize with it — unless making a dramatic statement by designing something with intentional polarity, like a frosty winter scene during the height of summer.” 

How can you capture a winter aesthetic in an indoor venue such as a ballroom or industrial space?

photographer: Mari Harsan | planner: A Fine Fête

“Capturing a season in any indoor venue is best communicated with lighting and inspired décor,” Banta shares. “Don’t feel beholden to the overly obvious use of snowflakes and blue lighting — winter can also be interpreted using texture and elementals. Seek authenticity in achieving the theatrical — from winter birch trees projected on the walls, quartz crystal encrusted branch accents, and gilded antlers to perimeter pine trees, luxe plaid textiles, stacked logs, and vintage snowshoes.” 

Keyl of A Fine Fête, adds, “What I love most about winter weddings is playing with textures and patterns that can instantly warm up a space. Food and drinks are also fun ways to create a cozy vibe, especially drinks. Who wouldn’t want to be greeted with a Hot Toddy walking into a reception space with warm lighting! To top it off, you can integrate a yummy scent to complete the vibe!”

Is it bad to have a winter wedding?

photographer: Gruber Photographers | planner: cristina verger event planning & production

Traditionally, “wedding season” spans from late spring to early fall — with June and September being the most popular months to get married. Winter weddings, while less popular, have always offered many perks. Couples can expect increased venue and vendor availability, as well as more flexible price points. Moreover, friends and family are less likely to experience wedding fatigue — with your wedding standing out as a much-anticipated celebration.

Of course, the pandemic has altered traditional wedding trends for the foreseeable future. With so many couples forced to delay their nuptials, wedding season has easily become wedding year with 2022 and 2023 booking up fast. Thursday and Sunday weddings are no longer unheard of, and all months have officially joined the wedding season roster. 

Luckily, winter weddings are finally getting their chance to shine. Turn your wedding venue into a winter wonderland with the help of a skilled planner and décor team. The weather may be cold and austere, but there’s no shortage of beauty and inspiration from this much overlooked season.

What are winter wedding colors?

photographer: Waking Starlight | caterer: COHOST

Winter wedding color palettes range from classic blues and neutral champagnes to deep cherry reds and bright jewel tones. For a winter wonderland wedding, we recommend icy blues, glimmering silvers, crisp whites, and dramatic jewel tones. For an in-depth look at how colors set the mood and tone of your celebration, check out the following: Best Wedding Colors [Guide].

Where can I find a venue and vendors for my winter wonderland wedding?

photographer: Aida Malik Photography | design & floral: JP Events & Design

Use PartySlate’s curated venue directory to find an available venue for your winter wedding. Make sure to filter by location, venue type, guest count, and more. See a venue you like? Contact the venue directly or head to their profile page to see how real weddings utilized the space. 

Finding the right vendors is just as easy. Use PartySlate’s curated vendor directory to discover everything from the best local wedding planners to premier entertainment companies. Use the filters to narrow your search by vendor category, services, and more. You can also contact vendors directly or go to their profile pages for more examples of their work.

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