Getting married this Christmas? Our wedding contributor, wedding planner Katrina Otter, lists her top 10 tips for adding a festive touch to your wedding…
Christmas really is a special time of year and for lots of couples, it’s also the perfect time for a wedding. I absolutely adore festive weddings – love is always in the air and everyone is certainly in the mood for a fabulous party. But, when you’re planning your Christmas themed wedding, what do you do about details and décor? How festive is too festive and how can you include seasonal touches without your big day becoming more of a Christmas party than a Christmas wedding? Don’t worry, I’ve got all the answers for you right here.
The first and most important thing to keep in mind is that a Christmas wedding doesn’t have to be all out festive. In fact, all you really need are a few well-chosen and tasteful seasonal touches. I know it can be tempting to try to find ways to just keeping adding additional details but sometimes, less is more.
I’m also a big fan of taking traditional Christmas or winter ideas and giving them a little twist. This is definitely the best way to put your own stamp on your wedding and to keep things seasonal without letting them become too over-powering. You want your day to feel like a wedding, not Christmas Day mark 2!
So, with that in mind, here are some of my favourite ideas for décor and details:
- Start setting the scene for your big day early. Stationery with a festive touch will let guests know what to expect. Think berry motifs or touches of gold.
- On cold days, warming drinks are an absolute must. Mulled wine and winter Pimms are always popular or how about adding a stylish hot cocoa bar?
- Add a pop of festivity to the look of your day by incorporating extra winter tones and textures to floral centerpieces. Pinecones, velvet and silver leaves all look amazing.
- Wreaths aren’t just for your front door, they’re brilliant for weddings too! These classic Christmas decorations are also a symbol of everlasting love and you’ll find lots of great examples of wedding wreaths online.
- Let’s be honest, we all dream of a white Christmas so creating this feel on your wedding day will certainly impress your guests. Candles, soft lighting and white flowers will give the illusion of a snowy winters night and will create a really magical atmosphere.
- Whether you’ve chosen a religious ceremony or not, there’s something so joyous about singing Christmas carols with friends and family. Get everyone together around a roaring log fire or pretty Christmas tree and create your own seasonal entertainment.
- Why not give guests bells to ring instead of traditional confetti? This is particularly great if your venue doesn’t allow confetti. Alternatively, bells are a brilliant way for your guests to welcome you into dinner!
- Festive favours are an absolute must and whatever you choose, make sure they’re wrapped prettily to really give guests that wonderful Christmas present feeling. Set all your favours under a tree for added seasonal joy.
- Finally, embrace the season and get outside if you can. Wrap up warm with a snuggly bridal bolero, shrug or stole and pose for your couple photos outside. For your guests, light a fire, provide baskets of blankets for them to use and serve warming canapés – mini comfort food favourites are always a top choice and who could turn down a hot mince pie with clotted cream?
As you can see, Christmas really is a most wonderful time of the year for a wedding.
Katrina Otter is a Cambridgeshire based wedding planner and event organiser with over 10 years experience. Find out how she could help you plan your wedding day
