Christmas Wedding Ideas

Festive Wedding Ideas

How to Decorate Your Venue for a Christmas Wedding

 

Winter weddings can be utterly magical, especially if you can match your theme to the weather and landscape. Think burnt oranges in late autumn, icy blues in the frosty New Year and, of course, berry reds and burgundy for extra wintry romance at Christmas. Here are some decorating ideas for a Christmas wedding reception.

Choosing Christmas wedding venues is one of the biggest parts of the journey. This holiday season, our hotels offer flexible wedding packages to suit every budget. Whether you’re planning a cosy gathering surrounded by warm seasonal touches or a grand Christmas party with all your loved ones, our team will help you design a themed wedding that reflects your personal style.

---

Unique Christmas Wedding Ideas

 

A Christmas or winter wedding offers endless opportunities to create a magical and memorable celebration. From festive December wedding ideas to cosy January gatherings and romantic winter-themed weddings in February, each month brings its own sparkle.

Think winter wedding colour palettes filled with rich emerald greens, deep reds, icy blues, shimmering silver, and warm gold accents. Imagine twinkling fairy lights, candlelit aisles, evergreen foliage, Christmas trees, frosted floral arrangements, and guests enjoying indulgent comfort food and seasonal cocktails like mulled wine or spiced rum punch.

Whether you’re searching for Christmas wedding ideas on a budget or dreaming of a fully tailored festive theme, the colder months are the perfect season to host an unforgettable celebration that blends romance with winter’s natural magic.

Festive colour schemes

The majority of venues will put up festive decorations from mid-November. When you catch up with your wedding co-ordinator, ask if they put the same decorations up every year? Or if they have a theme in mind? It makes sense to piggyback on what will already be there. If your heart is set on red and gold, but the venue has blue and silver, this is an important point to consider. It is also essential to ask where these decorations will be put, as they may impact on space or your plans.

Christmas wedding decorations

There is always room for sparkle and glitter at a wedding. But, at Christmas, you can get away with it more. Think glass ornaments and centrepieces for the table with sequins, twinkly lights and glitter. Other glam and glitzy, budget-friendly ideas include using baubles. These can be incorporated into your bouquet, put into bowls for your Christmas wedding centrepieces or even attached to a present label for your name holders. 

Candles are also a charming way to cosy up your winter wedding. These can be used to light up the aisle, for your centrepieces or even as wedding favours for your guests. Just double-check with your venue if they allow this. Most do but may ask you to make sure they are in holders or in candelabras. You could also have battery operated ones. If your venue is a castle or has a gothic vibe, it definitely adds to the atmosphere.

However, if you did want to keep it more low key a woodland theme with natural elements would fit. If you are creative or crafty, you can collect pine cones in the autumn. Decorate them for your centrepieces to be placed on log slices as a place holder. Alternatively, speak to your florist about incorporating ivy, holly, mistletoe or a poinsettia into your wedding flowers.

Christmas Wedding Flower Ideas

Flowers are at the heart of winter wedding décor, bringing elegance, warmth, and a touch of festive magic to your celebration. UK-grown winter blooms and seasonal foliage offer beautiful textures and colours perfect for December weddings. These can be styled into stunning bouquets, statement centrepieces, wreaths, and floral arches. Some winter favourites include:

• Roses – A timeless choice, available in rich reds, crisp whites, and blush tones that suit both Christmas and winter wedding themes.
• Amaryllis – Bold, dramatic blooms in deep red or pure white, perfect for festive floral arrangements.
• Ranunculus – Delicate, layered petals in soft whites, creams, and romantic pinks, adding elegance to winter bouquets.
• White Anemones – Striking, modern flowers with dark centres that pair beautifully with greenery.
• Hellebores (Christmas Roses) – A classic winter favourite, blooming in whites, greens, and deep purples.
• Gypsophila (Baby’s Breath) – Ideal for creating frosty, cloud-like arrangements or mixing into bouquets for a wintery touch.
• Winter berries – Hypericum, holly, or snowberries add festive colour and texture.
• Evergreen foliage – Think spruce, pine, eucalyptus, and ivy for lush greenery, seasonal scent, and winter woodland vibes.
• Cotton stems – Soft, snowy and perfect for creating a cosy, winter-wonderland aesthetic.

Festive food and drink

Do not forget to tie the festive theme into the other aspects of your day. Consider serving mulled wine or cider for the drinks reception after your ceremony. Or set up a hot chocolate station. Your guests can personalise a cup of cocoa with whipped cream, marshmallows, chopped nuts or even a shot of liqueur for the adults. 

Maybe think about festive dishes for your wedding breakfast, and do not forget to continue this into your evening reception buffet. Think themed sandwiches and savouries or a turkey curry. Perhaps with a mince pie tower or candy canes for a sweet treat. You could even have a Christmas wedding cake.

Seasonal Winter Menu

• Creamy parsnip soup
• Smoked salmon with winter herbs
• Warm goat's cheese tart with cranberry sauce
• Slow-roasted turkey or beef with winter vegetables
• Festive nut roast with seasonal sides
• Wild mushroom and truffle risotto
• Indulgent chocolate yule log
• Spiced apple crumble or mulled berry compote
• Classic Christmas pudding with brandy sauce

Festive Drinks

• Mulled wine or spiced cider served on arrival
• Festive cocktails with cranberry, cinnamon, or rosemary
• Hot chocolate stations with marshmallows and toppings
• Winter gin fizz with cranberries and a sprig of rosemary

Winter Wedding Cake Ideas

Make your cake a seasonal centrepiece. Popular winter wedding cake designs include:

• Semi-naked cakes decorated with berries, fir sprigs, or sugared cranberries
• Elegant white or silver icing with a frosted, snow-like effect
• Cakes adorned with winter flowers, pinecones, or edible glitter
• Rich flavours such as gingerbread, chocolate orange, or fruitcake for a festive twist

Winter wedding ideas in your wardrobe

Bring your winter wonderland theme into your clothes too. Whether you are looking for a simple, chic or more dramatic wedding dress, there are plenty of styles to choose from that will fit your theme. Consider using a splash of gold or a berry colour or textures such as feathers, lace, and sequins. For gents, consider dark greys paired with a bow tie or textures like velvet to reflect the luxury of the winter months. 

Wedding photography

Winter here in the UK is relatively mild, which means snow is very rare. Be prepared with see-through umbrellas (or ones that look like Santa's hat, coats and stoles. At your evening reception, instead of a photo booth, how about a Santa's grotto, Elfie station or backdrop instead? Transport your guests to the North Pole with props and keep the images forever. 

How will you be decorating your venue for a Christmas wedding?

Whether you get married in the winter or during the summer, it is your wedding day! It will be special and unique to you, surrounded by friends and family – and of course, the one you love. However, there is something magical about a Christmas wedding.

---

Christmas Wedding Packages at Future Inns

Planning your wedding venue is one of the most crucial aspects of the wedding planning process. Our hotels in Cardiff, Bristol, and Plymouth each offer flexible wedding packages designed to suit every budget. Whether you want an intimate gathering or a large party with all your friends and family, our team will help you create a themed wedding that reflects your personal style.

• Future Inn Bristol – Stunning top-floor wedding suites with city views.

• Future Inn Cardiff – Ground floor suites in the heart of Cardiff Bay, with Welsh-inspired menus.

• Future Inn Plymouth – Award-nominated wedding venue with outdoor space for photos.

Our dedicated wedding planning teams will guide you through every detail, from wedding favours to invitations, ensuring your special day is stress-free.

Elegant Christmas Weddings

---

Frequently Asked Questions

---