2014 Winter Wedding Trends

Even though summer is in full bloom, there is just enough time to plan for a white wedding and Wedding & Party Network has this year's most popular winter wedding trends.

Winter Wedding Colors

When brides think of a winter wedding, some may picture turquoise or light blues and silver while others go for the deep reds of Christmas. However, this year blushes of pink and tones of gold have been making their way onto the winter wedding color swatch. Consider neutral colors like greys and tans, and even pair some colors rarely seen during the season, like mint or deep purple, which  go well with neutrals.

Winter Flowers

Unless you are planning on having your wedding in the snow, bring the outdoors indoors by incorporating rustic plants along with your flowers. Holly and pine needles add to the winter theme of your wedding. You can also add these plants of the season with your reception arrangements. Baby's breath can be incorporated into all your arrangements due to its likeness to snowflakes; make your bouquet full of baby's breath and it will seem as if you are holding a bundle of snow.

Wedding Decor

Make your guests smile with a little taste of winter. Set up a hot chocolate bar with jars full of marshmallows and candy canes to stir. Add other drink options like coffee or hot tea for those who aren't fans of the sweet drink. Fill apothecary vases with marshmallows of different sizes, candy canes, and small chocolates. Both guests young and old will have fun making their wintry concoction and be grateful for the warm snack. This snack serves as both food and unique decor.

Food

You can get really creative with themed goodies like gingerbread cookies for dessert and eggnog cocktails for adults. Add a twist to the famous chestnuts roasting by dipping chestnuts in chocolate and coating them with sprinkles in your wedding colors.

Favors

Anything from snowflake shaped sugar cookies to homemade hot cocoa mix can make great wedding favors for your guests. Something they would really appreciate are some gloves, mittens, or even blankets as favors, and don't wait until after the party to give them out. Have baskets filled with them near the entrance of your reception or by the hot cocoa bar. Give them a personal touch by engraving the guest's name or the wedding date. Every time they wear the gloves or cuddle with the blanket, they will have memories of the great day they shared with you.

8 Top Winter Wedding Trends for 2014

8 Top Winter Wedding Trends for 2014

Winter color trend: Greens and whites with dusty pastel accents

This winter, it’s all about mixing unexpected seasonal elements with elegant neutral details and a hint of sparkle and sequins. Take a look.

Go back to basics and look to natural wintry greens, whites and ivories for your palette. Pair lush white blooms with leafy green accents, then add dusty accents like blush and sage for a subtle twist on an otherwise neutral palette.

Also big?

Stark contrasts like cherry red and white or black and gold (think dramatic art deco) make a statement, and add serious definition to flowers and décor.

Winter cake trend: All white cakes with metallic accents

A white wedding cake with clean lines, sugar flowers (like over-sized magnolias or a cascade of bright red anemones) and a hint of metallic (like silvery pearl beads or edible shimmery silver sugar) is the go-to look for winter wedding cakes. And colder temperatures mean you can indulge in richer flavors that might seem heavy in the warmer seasons, like caramel spice and even orange chocolate cake.

Also big?

Styled cake stands and gorgeous presentation are musts for any season. In winter, we’re talking a tree ring cake stand trimmed with fresh evergreen or a Lucite platform filled with sparkly silver ornaments or sequins.

Winter reception trends: Velvet and sequins

Winter is the season to use lots of layers. This year, the hottest reception styles involve layering luxe textures like velvet table linens or sequin overlays. If that’s too much for your tables, use texture in smaller doses--think a velvet napkin wrap or embroidered velvet chair back.

Also big?

Woodland motifs like deer, antlers or branches make for an amazing centerpiece, especially when paired with a classic evergreen wreath, or even soft, dusty rose and ivory flower centerpieces.

Winter flower trends: Greenery and non-floral elements

Full white or ivory flowers accented with lots of greens are hot for winter. For a soft look, go for dusty sage green lamb’s ear (they’re actually leaves that feel velvety) or silvery dusty miller. For a more rustic style, ask your florist to use ferns or evergreen.

Also big?

Wintertime calls for lots of light and branches. Some branchy ideas: Curly willow, eucalyptus (it smells great) and even pepper berries are all seasonal and will add serious dimension to even the simplest arrangements.

 Winter food trends: Baked comfort foods

Comfort foods are popular year-round, but something about winter makes them taste even better. For your menu, consider your favorites –- like pot pie, mac and cheese or even biscuits and gravy -- and then work with your caterer to come up with a way to serve them to all your guests. You could even add in a warm cheese course served before dinner or with the cake. (Think baked Brie with dried cranberries paired with a citrus mulled wine.)

Also big?

Hot cocoa bars are popular for a winter wedding. Put a personalized touch on your cocktails with custom calligraphed drink sleeves, and don’t forget the homemade marshmallows. Other seasonal drinks that will warm guests up and get the party started are spiced ale and bourbon-based hot toddies.

Winter invitation trend: Fabric-inspired patterns

Take a hint from ready-to-wear trends with tartan prints and other fun patterns on your invitations. For example, bring in a flannel bellyband or a houndstooth envelope liner to tie all the pieces together from the invitation suite.

Also big?

A wintry nature-inspired motif, like pinecones and wood grain paper, is a classic choice. Combine it with a gold font or a glitter border for a fresh take.

 

Winter Branches in Black White and Grey Wedding Suite

Winter bridesmaid trends: Jewel tones and lace

Lace mixed with a saturated jewel tone, like eggplant or navy, is sophisticated and perfectly complements the season. Look to lines like Noir by Lazaro, Lauren Gabrielson and Jim Hjelm Occasions for some really pretty lace designs.

Also big?

Black bridesmaid dresses will make a sultry statement this season. The best part about this hue: Your bridesmaids really can wear it again.

Winter beauty trends: Volume and berry lips

Hairstyles with volume are hot for winter. Try a chignon with lots of volume or a ton of loose curls and a sparkly headband. Hint: A hairstyle like this pairs well with a slinky, body-hugging gown. In makeup, this season it’s all about a bold berry lip color (like a jewel-tone raspberry) paired with a neutral base.

Also big?

Define your cheekbones (it’s not just for runway models) with bronzer or blush to make your features stand-out amidst all that hair and give you a dewy, just-frolicked-in-the-snow color on your cheeks.

So what is your favorite trend for this winter's bride? Which ones are you planning on incorporating in your special day?