How To Plan a Holiday Time Wedding That's Not Holiday Themed

Charcoal Grey Wedding Table

Are you planning a holiday-time wedding but want to steer clear of a holiday theme? Choosing a wedding date during the enchanting holiday season offers a multitude of advantages, from stunning seasonal wedding venues to the joy of festive cheer that has everyone in a good mood surrounding your special day. And today, we're giving you all the wedding advice you can handle about how to plan a holiday time wedding that isn't over-the-top-holiday themed! 

Just because your wedding falls within this magical time doesn't mean you are obligated to embrace a traditional holiday-themed celebration. (Read: You do not have to use the traditional holiday colors or the decor that your wedding venue might already have in place this time of year!) Instead, you can infuse your nuptials with unique elements that reflect your personal style and vision, while still taking advantage of the beauty and charm of the season.

 

From elegant winter themes and wedding motifs to rich wedding color palettes and creative wedding decorations, there are countless ways to celebrate love without overtly incorporating holiday decorations or themes for your big day. Embrace the holiday season's cozy ambiance and find inspiration in its natural beauty to create a sophisticated and memorable wedding experience that resonates with you and your partner - and doesn't feel like just another generic holiday party!

Today, we're here to dish out some wedding planning advice on how to plan a non-holiday themed winter wedding. For a lovely winter wedding we're thinking cozy and chic!

Winter Wedding Bridal Shawl
winter wedding idea
Made by: MODA Crochet

**********

Choosing a Holiday Season Wedding Date

First up, you're choosing a wedding date and there are benefits to choosing within the holiday season. Wedding venues and locations often have more available dates during the winter holiday season since fall and spring are their busiest times of year.

Plus, their rates are often discounted during the winter - who ever hated a lower venue cost, no one! It can also be a great time of year for your family to gather and celebrate your nuptials since they're often already traveling for the holidays.


Winter Wedding Decor Without the Holiday Theme

Have you been searching high and low on Pinterest for wedding decor and planning ideas for your winter wedding and only coming up with Christmas-y type inspiration? We've got you covered! Let's design a winter wedding without the overloaded Christmas theming.

Perhaps some festive winter wedding details without those holiday touches. A non-holiday themed winter wedding can happen. After reading through this post's wedding ideas, check out our other winter wedding posts for Winter White Wedding Ideas & Easy Last Minute Winter Wedding Ideas.

Here are some top tips on how to avoid holiday decor for your winter wedding.

Tips For Planning a Non-Holiday Themed Holiday Time Wedding 


1 - Choose A Winter Color Palette That's Anything But Red and Green

Another easy winter wedding color is white! All white, everything makes a winter wedding feel snow filled and bright. But, if you're not into the monochromatic look of just white, white and more white, here are some other winter wedding color palettes to consider.

Check out our post on Winter White Wedding Ideas!

Consider grey and white for a snow inspired winter wonderland or grey and moody tones for an indoor affair that feels all aglow against the right lighting.  For a glam packed wedding, opt for white and gold or white and silver.

Last but not least try a different shade of green, like a soft fern green, mixed with white and grey.

2 - Use Seasonal Flowers But Avoid Evergreens, Wreaths and Poinsettias

What types of flowers are in season during the winter months and don't scream 'holiday'? We love this list of winter floral options: sweet peas, anemones, roses, hellebores, tulips, calla lilies and orchids.

Eucalyptus is another popular winter floral to use throughout your wedding. Sometimes this flower can look holiday-ish when paired with other holiday decor but paired with rustic or modern decor can make for the perfect winter design.

3 - Try a Woodland Wedding Theme

Rustic weddings aren't just for fall or spring. Think raw woods and snowflakes! Birch trees, snow covered mountaintops, and pinecones galore lend way to a winter woodland wonderland.

Wood design details like wood chargers, wood wedding cake toppers or wood signs help support a winter wedding theme. 

4 - Go All Out Modern

A winter wedding doesn't have to feel seasonal. Clean lines lend way to a crisp wedding design that pairs perfectly against a chilly winter day. For this we envision a classic black and white color palette, clear acrylic wedding decor details and a formal dress code. There's no holiday feeling here...just pure sophistication.

5 - Using All The Right Textures

Using textures to create a cozy feel is just right for a winter wedding. Velvet is a popular texture to use for winter weddings. We love to see velvet used in bridesmaids dresses and tablecloths. Faux furs and crochet knits can also help add to a cozy feel.

If you need more, don't forget that we have this amazing post on our favorite Easy, Last Minute Wedding Ideas!

*****

Ok, so there you have our top tips for planning a holiday season wedding that is not holiday themed! Now, we get to show you some of these wedding ideas to inspire you...


Champagne Luxury Tablecloth for Winter Wedding
winter wedding idea
Made by: Magpie Linens

**********

winter woodland pinecone cake decor
winter wedding idea
Winter Woodland Pinecone Cake Decor
Made by: Magaela Accessories

**********

Winter Wedding Bouquet for Bride
winter wedding idea
Made by: Mavka Floral Studio

**********

frosted and gold wedding welcome sign
winter wedding idea
Frosted and Gold Wedding Welcome Sign
Made by: Art of Affairs

**********

Rustic Wood Wedding Cake Topper
winter wedding idea
Made by: Yippee Daisy

**********

snowflake bridal necklace
winter wedding idea
Made by: Swan Jewelry US

**********

Grey Velvet Tablecloths for Winter Wedding
winter wedding idea
Made by: Magpie Linens

**********

Sequin Drapes
winter wedding idea
Made by: Jessmy

**********

Cozy Winter Candles Wedding Favors
winter wedding idea
Made by: Wedding Favors Tr

**********

Winter Wedding Wood Guest Book
winter wedding idea
Made by: Copper Cloud Creative

**********

Modern Black and Gold Flatware for Wedding
winter wedding idea
Made by: Efavormart Boutique

**********

black lace and tulle wedding dress
winter wedding idea
Made by: Shop Golden Thread

**********

donut wall acrylic stand

winter wedding idea
Made by: Wedding by Eli

**********

olive wood candle holder
winter wedding idea
Olive Wood Candle Holder
Made by: Rustic Flitch

**********

Winter Wonderland Cocktails Sign
winter wedding idea
Made by: Weddings By Jamie

**********

Gold Geometric Cake and Cupcake Stand
winter wedding idea
Made by: Efavormart Boutique

**********

Birch Vase Wedding Decor
winter wedding idea
Made by: Charlie Chalk Designs

**********

Winter Wonderland Wedding Placecards
winter wedding idea
Made by: Dandelion Prints DIY

**********

Wedding Sweater
winter wedding idea
Made by: Bridal Coat Shop

**********

Simple and Elegant Wedding Invitation
winter wedding idea
Made by: Little Bridge Designs

**********

Winter Wedding Champagne Flutes
winter wedding idea
Made by: Ivory Pearls Craft

**********

Hot Cocoa Wedding Favor
winter wedding idea
Made by: Natural Honey Bee

**********

snow confetti
winter wedding idea
Snow Confetti
Made by: Adamapple Ltd

**********

Grey Velvet Table Runner
winter wedding idea
Made by: Magpie Linens

**********

silver mercury glass votive candle holders
winter wedding idea
Silver Mercury Glass Votive Holder
Made by: And All That Glass

**********

Velvet Bridesmaid Dress
winter wedding idea
Made by: Isabelle Maurice Shop

**********

Charcoal Grey Wedding Table Runner
winter wedding idea
Made by: Snug Babii

**********

Eco Friendly Snow Confetti
winter wedding idea
Made by: Saharas Supplies

**********

There you have it! Our top tips and favorite ideas for a holiday wedding that's anything but holiday-ish. Remember, if you're looking for more winter wedding inspiration and ideas be sure to check out our other winter wedding posts, Winter White Wedding Ideas & Easy Last Minute Winter Wedding Ideas.

Don't forget, we have so much helpful and practical wedding planning advice on our blog. Whether it's with our our tips or our wedding heirlooms, our main goal in life is to share our expertise and help you have a joyful and stress-free wedding planning experience. You can shop our wedding garters and bridal accessories anytime.

For more of my wedding ideas and inspirations, be sure to check out my Garter Girl Loves blog series and you can see all of my wedding garter designs right here.


With love,

The Garter Girl



Some of the above product links are affiliate-connected and purchasing through these links helps to support the blog.