Winter Wedding

There is just something about a winter wedding that lends itself to everything crisp and whimsical. From the cool temperatures to the potential for a dusting of snow on the ground, I get so excited thinking of how much fun you can have implementing the winter theme on your big day.

For the overall design of a winter wedding, focusing on the weather makes guests think of the season!  Snowflakes, pine cones, glitter, and more should be included in a winter wedding.  Though most might not want to focus on a certain winter holiday, things like snow and rustic elements, i.e. branches, are perfect elements to include in a winter wedding.

“Snowy” tipped pine cones atop the wedding cake and glittery branches attached to the candle glass. Creative, simple, festive and easy decorations.

Green is a great color and even if you do not want to use green flowers you can use green candles, greenery, or mini pine trees.

A very popular DIY project winter brides take on is ice kissed branches.  Look how dramatic this aisle looks lined with them. It’s a statement detail that is very easy to achieve.

          

    

Ceremony Musicians

Nothing creates the mood of the moment like music. The right wedding songs/music can add dignity and solemnity to a wedding ceremony.  From majestic to joyous, spunky to traditional, the choice is yours. 

If you are marrying in a church, it is typical that the church’s pianist /organist will be happy to play for your ceremony.  The choice to ask them to perform is your decision as it is not required for them to perform during your ceremony.  Whether marrying in a church or elsewhere, there are several other types of musicians you can choose other than a pianist/organist.

If your ceremony style is romantic, a harpist or flutist is a beautiful accompaniment for your wedding ceremony. For a classic style, a string quartet is one of the most prominent chamber ensembles in classical music.  It consists of usually two violin players, a violist and a cellist.  For a relaxed or bit country style, a 12-string guitar produces a ringing tone with a natural chorus effect. 

One wedding I attended a few years ago had a bagpipe player greeting guests as they arrived at the church! We all knew that was the groom’s choices and everyone enjoyed it.

 

Fall Cocktails

Fall weddings are an enjoyable way to incorporate pumpkins, apples, mums and fall foliage into making your special day that much more unique.  Pumpkins may be scattered up the walkway to the church, fall colored floral bouquets make your wedding pictures stand out against a tree lined background and mums may be placed outside the doors to your reception greeting guests as they enter.  A small touch of including the crisp fall season into your wedding is having a fall drink or more available at the bar.

A drink that would be popular with the ladies is a Caramel Appletini served in a chilled martini glass.  The taste of Bailey’s Caramel Irish Cream, a tart green apple flavored vodka and a bit of caramel makes for a tasty variation.  Also for the ladies, margaritas aren’t just a summer enjoyment! An Apple Cider Margarita with a coating of cinnamon sugar on the glass rim and garnished with thin apple slices add the fall element you are looking for.  Don’t forget to include the cinnamon stick for stirring! 

The gentleman will enjoy the Caramel Appletini and Apple Cider Margarita, but probably would prefer a Cider Bourbon Cocktail instead.  What gentleman doesn’t enjoy Bourbon while hanging out with the guys?! Enjoying the evening with a glass of Whiskey is always a favorite for the gentleman too.  An Autumn Chai is a seasonally inspired drink that channels the flavors of fall with a Chai Whiskey that infuses a blend of spices.  

Napkin Table Decor

Recently, Eva and Christian had an exquisite October reception in the Carriage House of the Evergreen Museum in Baltimore.  Tables were adorned with bronze shaped pumpkins with fall colored flowers illuminated by the flicker of a single candle.  The appearance of the tables moved to the napkins, which guests commented on throughout the evening.  Eva and Christian personally tie dyed 200 cloth napkins and wrapped a tag around each napkin simply stating, “We Dyed the Knots”. 

Napkins can be displayed in an array of styles adding ‘that touch’ to the setting of the tables and even fitting with your wedding style.  Yes, napkins can add so much!  Take for example this picture of a folded floral patterned cloth napkin.  This style napkin would look elegant, but relaxed, for a garden style wedding on a spring afternoon. Spring wildflower centerpiece arrangements would POP with this style napkin surrounding the arrangement.     

If your wedding style is more formal (or even black and white!) than folded napkins such as the below may suit your preference. 

    

Menus inserted into a threefold napkin topped with a single flower welcome your guests to their table. Gerber Daisies, Orchids, Roses, and Carnations are a popular choice and add the touch of elegance you desire.   

Napkins are essential to the setting of your tables and can be displayed in an assortment of ways.  Deciding how you want yours to be presented will bring the table together by adding that ‘extra touch’ you desire for your special day.