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How to Infuse Holiday Magic Into Your Wedding (Without It Feeling Like a Christmas Party)


Gold Mercury Glass Pedestal candle holders with gold crystal votives at a Peoria Wedding Venue.

Your wedding date is nestled in the coziest time of year. Twinkling lights, fresh evergreen, and the warm, festive energy of the holidays—it’s easy to see why so many couples are drawn to a winter or December wedding. But there’s a fine line between elegantly seasonal and accidentally themed. You want your wedding to feel magical and intentional, not like a corporate Christmas party or a New Year’s bash with vows tacked on.


So how do you strike the perfect balance?


This guide will walk you through ways to embrace the holiday season while staying true to your wedding vision. We’ll talk décor, color palettes, food, entertainment, and thoughtful touches that create a winter wonderland vibe—without falling into cliché.

 

Why Holiday Season Weddings Are So Popular

December and early January are becoming increasingly popular for weddings, especially with the rise of cozy, intimate celebrations and venue availability. Here’s why:

  • Romantic ambiance: Candlelight, fireplaces, and moody lighting make everything feel magical.

  • Built-in décor: Many venues are already decorated with twinkle lights, greenery, and festive flair.

  • Guest availability: Around the holidays, people are already planning time off and travel.

  • Engagement season energy: It’s a nostalgic time of year that makes people extra sentimental.

 

The secret is to leverage this built-in atmosphere without making your wedding feel like a themed event.

 

Gold beads, pine cones and gold lanterns dress up a winter wedding.

Step 1: Pick a Seasonal—but Not Themed—Color Palette

Skip the red-and-green combo unless you really want a holiday vibe. Instead, lean into rich, winter-inspired tones or metallics that feel festive without being on-the-nose.


Try These Winter Wedding Color Combos:

  • Emerald, gold, and ivory

  • Burgundy, blush, and champagne

  • Midnight blue, silver, and white

  • Plum, forest green, and dusty rose

  • Mocha, caramel, and winter white


Neutrals and jewel tones work beautifully in the colder months. Add sparkle through metallics or subtle shimmer in linens, invitations, and accessories.

 


Bridal bouquet in red, whites and greens accented by the brides shoes on a red velvet chair

Step 2: Use Seasonal Florals Without Going Full Holiday Centerpiece

Poinsettias and holly scream holiday party. But winter offers plenty of stunning floral and greenery options that feel romantic and seasonal.


Winter Wedding Floral Ideas:

  • White ranunculus, anemones, and roses

  • Blue thistle or brunia for texture

  • Evergreen sprigs, pinecones, or cedar branches

  • Deep red dahlias or amaryllis

  • Velvet ribbon wraps in seasonal hues


You can also layer in dried flowers or winter berries for texture without making it feel like a holiday wreath.



Greenery hoops hanging from a tent ceiling accented with patio lights and red and pink florals. A chandelier hangs in the middle.

 

Step 3: Elevate the Décor with Subtle Festive Touches

The trick here is to focus on mood instead of theme. That means using lighting, texture, and scent to bring in cozy, magical vibes.


Ways to Add Holiday Spirit Without Overdoing It:

  • Use candlelight and string lights everywhere—indoors or out

  • Add fur throws or velvet pillows to lounge areas

  • Consider bare branches in tall vases, dusted with faux snow

  • Incorporate evergreen garlands down tables (no ornaments necessary)

  • Use gold or silver calligraphy for signage and place cards

  • Offer a hot drink station: mulled wine, cider, or gourmet cocoa


Keep it elegant. Think Nordic hygge or Victorian winter soirée rather than Santa’s workshop.

 

Bridal party at winter wedding with the girls wearing fur stoles. Their red dresses and guys black suits provide a contrast in colors.
Photo credit: Ernst Jacobsen Photography

Step 4: Lean Into Cozy Fashion (And Give Guests the Heads-Up)

Winter weddings = incredible fashion opportunities. Long sleeves, capes, velvet, and faux fur are not only stunning but seasonally appropriate.


Couple & Wedding Party Ideas:

  • Velvet bridesmaid dresses in rich jewel tones

  • A white or ivory faux fur wrap for the bride

  • Groom or groomsmen in navy or emerald suits

  • Leather gloves or wool capes for outdoor photos

  • Glittery or metallic heels (or boots!) for extra sparkle


Tip: Prep your guests

Include a note on your website or invite that lets them know if the ceremony or cocktails will be partially outdoors. Suggest dress codes like "winter cocktail attire" or "semi-formal with cozy layers."


White ceramic mug holding hot chocolate with mini marshmallows and cinnamon sticks as garnish

 

Step 5: Add Experiences, Not Just Decorations

This is where you take things from beautiful to memorable. Instead of filling space with themed décor, add interactive, seasonal experiences your guests will remember.


Experience-Driven Ideas:

  • Hot cocoa & spiked cider bar

  • Live acoustic holiday music during cocktail hour

  • S’mores fire pit with gourmet toppings

  • Candlelight ceremony with individual votives for each guest

  • Snowfall exit with fake snow or paper confetti

  • Warm welcome drinks served at the door as guests arrive


Want a little extra magic? Hire a live painter or caricature artist dressed in seasonal attire, or rent a photo booth with wintery props.

 

sparkly cake pops with white bow on stick on top of a white ceramic tray at a wedding.

Step 6: Food and Drink That Feels Festive, Not Holiday-Party Basic

Holiday buffets are common in office settings—but your wedding deserves an elevated take.


Festive (But Not Kitschy) Menu Ideas:

  • Appetizers: Baked brie with cranberry, mini beef Wellingtons, squash soup shooters

  • Entrées: Herb-crusted beef tenderloin, truffle risotto, maple-glazed salmon

  • Desserts: Mini pies, peppermint mousse, or a wedding cake with subtle winter designs

  • Late-night snacks: Gourmet grilled cheese, cider donuts, or spiked hot cocoa


Signature cocktails? Go for cozy with names that tie back to your story, not the holiday season. Think: “The Snowed-In”, “First Frost”, or “The Engagement Cider.”

 

Step 7: Don’t Forget the Scent

Scents create some of the strongest memories—and during the holidays, it’s even more powerful. Ask your florist or venue about pine, cinnamon, cedar, or vanilla-scented accents. Just make sure it’s subtle and not competing with your food or floral fragrances.


You can also:

  • Add a signature scent via candles at the entrance or bathrooms

  • Gift a mini scented candle or diffuser oil as a favor

  • Spray a custom scent on your stationery or welcome bags

It’s all about layering the senses for a rich experience that feels festive without being heavy-handed.

 

Bride and Groom outside near snow covered trees in winter

Bonus Tips: How to Avoid Common Holiday Wedding Pitfalls

Even with the best planning, winter weddings come with a few unique challenges.

1. Avoid Peak Holiday Dates

Try not to plan your wedding the weekend before Christmas or New Year’s Eve unless you’re intentionally leaning into those holidays. Travel is more expensive, and guests are often stretched thin.

2. Account for Early Sunsets

Schedule your ceremony earlier to allow time for natural-light photos. Bonus: Candlelight receptions feel extra romantic after dark.

3. Have a Weather Backup Plan

Snowstorms and icy roads can be an issue. Work with vendors who are familiar with winter logistics and have a solid contingency plan.

4. Give Guests Plenty of Notice

Holiday weekends fill up fast. Send save-the-dates early and consider offering hotel blocks or travel tips on your wedding website.

 

Final Thoughts

A holiday-season wedding doesn’t need to feel like a themed party. With the right intentional choices, you can infuse cozy, joyful, and magical energy into your wedding day—without a single reindeer or ornament in sight. Whether you’re planning a December wedding surrounded by twinkle lights or just want to incorporate winter touches into your celebration, remember this:

You get to define what festive means for you.


Make it elegant. Make it emotional. Make it yours.


About us: Burlap and Lace Event Decor Rentals is a small family-owned business located in the heart of Central Illinois. We offer rentals of decor, linens, furniture, backdrops, tables, and chairs for your next event. We will deliver and set up at your location or you can choose to pick up and drop off your own rental items and set them up yourself. We pride ourselves on our extensive, high-quality inventory, excellent customer service and reasonable prices. Find out how we can help assist you with your next event.  Reach out to us to book a free consultation.

 

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