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BANQUETS, RECEPTIONS, SHOWERS & PARTIES
6 | FALL & WINTER 2018
CHICAGO WEDDING & PARTY RESOURCE
CHICAGOWEDDINGRESOURCE.COMNew Ideas for a Modern Winter Wedding
Create an elegant and unforgettable cold-weather wedding – minus the clichés
By Renee Lee, CTW Features
Dreaming of a winter wonderland
wedding? Don’t go for the same old, same
old. Plan an enchanting and unique event
with these tips and modern new trends.
1. AVOID TRADITIONAL HOLIDAY
COLORS
There’s little that can change the mood
and atmosphere of a wedding more than
color choice. Because red and green are
so closely associated with Christmas and
the holiday season, try to stay away from
that combo.
Instead, elevate your winter wedding with
soft romantic shades like pink and white,
or create a cozy atmosphere with dark,
warm colors like eggplant purple or jewel
tones like ruby red.
“One of the reasons we chose a winter
theme is because there is something so
magical about the first snow of the year,”
says Michelle Kenny of her nuptials. “Little
did we know, November 21 would be the
first snow of the year, both inside with
the snow machine and outside. But most
winter weddings are holiday-themed and
I knew I wanted a soft, romantic, elegant
feel instead.” To create an air of romance,
Michelle and her husband Jeremy chose a
palette of soft pinks and hints of sparkle.
2. GLAM IT UP WITH GLITTER
Celebrate the holiday season by adding a
touch of shimmer to your decor. Add hints
of silver or rose gold glitter to everything
from invites to the cake. At Michelle’s
reception in Bartlett, Ill., a pale pink cake
was highlighted with iridescent pearls and
topped with a pink bow, and champagne
flutes were accompanied glittery nametags
served as place cards.
3. LOOK TO FABRICS FOR
INSPIRATION
Unsure of how to toe the line between
winter wonderland and overdone? Find
inspiration in fabric.
Go to your local fabric store and look at the
holiday ribbons that are sold by the yard
and start with that as some inspiration.
You will see that there’s a whole world
of winter colors beyond the usual. It’s all
about textures – sparkle, shimmer, velvet
and brocade – so use that as a jumping off
point or check out our color collage pages.
4. KEEP EVERYTHING WARM AND
COZY
Unless you live in an area where winter
is still sunny, you’ll want to make sure
you and guests are as warm as possible.
Provide a comfort station with fuzzy
pashminas and soft gloves.
Heat guests up with food and drink too,
like a make-your-own hot chocolate bar
with a variety of artisan marshmallows or a
food station filled with soups and stews.
5. BREAK OUT THE BOOTS
(WITH THE FUR)
Décor isn’t the only way to show off your
love of winter. Add some winter-esque
attire to your wedding day look by rocking
a pair of warm boots or a fur shrug.
At a winter-themed wedding, winter decor
can be everywhere, including in a pair of
bow-adorned white UGGS for the bride,
and shawls and winter boots
for bridesmaids.
6. SPRINKLE IN SOME SNOWFLAKES
For Holly Yucha and her husband Ryan, a
snowflaked-covered wedding was just the
right touch for their December nuptials.
“I had always dreamed of a having
beautiful weddings photos with snow
falling in the background!” says Holly
Yucha. “I also think cuddling up to a loved
one in the cold is very romantic, and not
sweating or sweltering in the heat was a
plus for my husband Ryan.”
The couple utilized snowflake
centerpieces, bridesmaids accessorized
with snowflake earrings and even a sparkly
snowflake cake topper on their big day.
7. GET NATURE INVOLVED
Bring the great wintery outdoors inside
with decor like tree branches, leaves (add
some fancy calligraphy on top for beautiful
and easy place cards) or logs.
If you’re getting married in a more
temperate area and don’t expect a snowy
backdrop on the big day itself, showcase
your love of winter with engagement
photos in the snow.
© CTW Features