December brings a touch of holiday magic to weddings, where cozy elegance meets bold, modern flair.
Here’s a look at the standout trends for the month, helping couples celebrate love with festive spirit and refined style.
Luxe Winter Wonderland Color Palettes
- Deep, Festive Colors: Traditional December palettes get a modern twist with rich jewel tones, like emerald green, deep burgundy, and midnight blue, complemented by metallics like silver, gold, and even a hint of frosted white.
- Hints of Soft Lavender and Blush: Subtle pastels add a fresh look to winter themes, adding dimension without overwhelming the winter vibe.
Elegant, Holiday-Inspired Decor
- Mixed Greenery and Floral Bouquets: Brides and grooms are opting for arrangements that mix evergreen, eucalyptus, pinecones, and frosted berries with blooms in dark red, white, and even black calla lilies.
- Cozy Luxe Touches: For a warm, festive, and ultra-cozy aesthetic, think faux fur throws for seating, velvet table runners, and even plaid accents.
Luxurious Attire with Winter Details
- Winter-Ready Bridal Gowns and Suits: Brides love long sleeves, capes, and chic faux fur wraps for a touch of winter glam, while grooms opt for velvet blazers in deep colors.
- Metallic Accessories: Crystal tiaras, silver and gold jewelry, and bold metallic shoes add shimmer and shine to bridal attire, bringing a glamorous, holiday-appropriate touch.
Festive and Comforting Menus
- Seasonal Cocktails and Hot Beverage Stations: Couples opt for festive drinks, like mulled wine, eggnog martinis, or spiced apple cider. Hot chocolate bars, complete with gourmet toppings like marshmallows, whipped cream, and peppermint sticks, add a festive touch.
- Gourmet Comfort Foods: Seasonal soups, truffle risottos, and mini shepherd’s pies are popular appetizers, while desserts like yule logs, peppermint truffles, and spiced cakes bring seasonal flavor to the reception.
Interactive and Sentimental Guest Experiences
- Ornament Guest Books: Couples are getting creative with their guest books by having guests sign ornaments that they can use to decorate their first-holiday tree together.
- Winter Favors: Personalized ornaments, mini bottles of maple syrup or hot sauce, or DIY s’mores kits are practical seasonal favors guests will love taking home.
Enhanced Lighting for a Cozy Glow
- Soft, Festive Lighting: Dimmed chandeliers, fairy lights, and hanging lanterns create a warm ambiance perfect for winter weddings, especially for evening receptions.
- Candle-Lit Ceremony Spaces: For a romantic and intimate feel, couples line the aisles with candles, use candelabras at the altar, or even set up a fireplace backdrop if the venue allows.
Vintage and Sustainable Holiday Flair
- Vintage-Inspired Décor: Vintage chandeliers, elegant candelabras, and antique mirrors make a comeback, adding a luxurious yet nostalgic feel to wedding décor.
- Sustainable Elements: Many couples are choosing eco-friendly decor, like reusable linens, upcycled décor, or even “re-gifting” holiday plants (like poinsettias or small potted trees) as favors to encourage sustainability.
Personalized Holiday Moments
- Custom Holiday Cards: Couples send “Thank You” cards as holiday greeting cards with a photo from their wedding.
- Family-Style Receptions: December weddings often feel more intimate, and family-style dinner setups encourage closeness and give the celebration a holiday gathering feel.
Winter Escape Honeymoons
- Festive Honeymoon Destinations: Mountain resorts, snow-covered villages, and cozy cabin stays are popular honeymoon choices this month, giving couples a romantic escape in wintery locales.
- Winter Honeymoon Packages: Many resorts and hotels offer winter packages that include cozy amenities like fireplaces, spa services, and snow activities like skiing or sledding.
Sentimental and Bold Photography
- Moody and Dramatic Shots: Soft, natural lighting and low-light photography capture December’s cozy vibe. Couples opt for shots by fireplaces, in candle-lit spaces, or outside if snow is present.
- Holiday Props: Think fur wraps, snow-covered trees, and soft, romantic lighting to capture the holiday spirit in photos that will last a lifetime.
These trends make December weddings magical and memorable. They combine elements of holiday warmth, winter beauty, and timeless elegance to create celebrations that are both intimate and full of festive joy.
Share your December weddings with The Barefoot Edit at [email protected].
