7 Color Palettes for a Winter Wedding

winter wedding palette — Photo by GREER GATTUSO

Calling all winter brides! Want to make your wedding seasonal without being overly festive? We’ve got some ideas for you! While there’s nothing wrong with a classic red and green, we understand if you're looking for something a little more non-traditional so we put together seven different color palette ideas to inspire your winter wedding décor.

For some, we turned to magical winter scenery for inspiration. There are the blue undertones of freshly fallen snow and that rare crystal clear winter sky or the stormy grays of the more frequent gloomy days and winter blizzards rolling in. One is all magic and ice, while the other is more moody and earthy. And, of course, you can’t fail with a white-on-white palette that transforms your wedding into a modern winter wonderland.

Other palettes put a twist on subtle holiday elements. Instead of going all out with red, we suggest incorporating varying shades of red—from crimson to burgundy—of the color into your florals and tablescapes. Love evergreen accents? Pair them not with red, but with a sharp black to elevate winter’s dark side.

You can also take inspiration from warm barns and Christmas tree farms by keeping it simple with rustic neutrals like beige and ivory. Or turn to the opposite end of the spectrum and go bold with some glitz and glam—gold, copper, metallics, the works!

Here, seven color themes for your winter wedding that are anything but overdone.

01 of 07

Winter Blues: Blue, Gray-Beige, and Metallic

ceremony — Photo by O'Malley Photographers; Planning & Design by Valley & Company Events

Turn to winter weather for color inspiration. Elevate the blue of a clear winter sky and the dusty shadows of a blanket of snow in everything from tablescapes to ceremony backdrops. Add a few metallic notes here and there for a bit of extra magic.

This tablescape elevates winter rustic romance, combining gauzy linens in robin’s egg blue with mercury votives and wood accents.

This unique ceremony setting is a masterpiece thanks to a trio of oversized abstract canvases. Watercolors in wintry shades of blue and gray evoke a stormy snow day, balanced by the warm ambiance of flickering candles.

bride holding bouquet — Photo by Jonnie and Garrett

Tie a bouquet of classic white roses and dried wheat together with a cobalt hued ribbon for an elegant touch.

We love a wedding idea that’s both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Roll up blankets in varying shades of blue so guests can keep warm during your nuptials.

Blankets also double as favors, so be sure your guests take them home after the reception!

02 of 07

Rustic Neutrals: White, Ivory, and Taupe

ceremony setting — Photo by Ashley Brown, Shining Light Photography

From dried leaves and bare trees to frozen prairies and cozy barns, a neutral palette plays homage to winter’s pastoral side. Think mangers and farmhouses to influence those rustic vibes, from wooden banquet tables and burlap accents to weathered structures and organic bouquets.

Rose gold ferns, white orchids, and dried hydrangeas combine for a natural bouquet full of organic textures that looks like it was plucked straight from the woods. Heighten the look with a velvet taupe ribbon.

How picture-perfect is a larger-than-life frame fashioned out of greenery and white roses? A weathered gazebo adds a vintage touch in this romantically rustic ceremony.

table setting — Photo by Rachel Takes Pictures

Freshen up beige linens with a sprig of greenery and a sweet floral. Gilded flatware lends a dash of glam to an otherwise bucolic setting.

Burlap linens, wooden banquet tables, and white tapered candles are equal parts cozy and inviting in this farm-inspired reception. Add a runner of greenery for a pop of color.

03 of 07

Black Tie Elegance: Black, Gold, and Greenery

Black doesn’t need to be dark and dreary. On the contrary, it looks sophisticated when paired with gilded accents and festive when coupled with touches of evergreen. It’s upscale meets rustic, with a dash of holiday glitz—the perfect seasonal combination.

Black invitations with gold-foiled typography are both modern and moody. We especially love the gold-foiled brushstrokes at the top of the invite for an artsy vibe.

aisle decoration — Photo by Anna Duncan Photography

Add warmth to black ceremony seating with aisle markers fashioned out of greenery, floating candles, and pinecones.

Macaroons and gold-drip fondant look deliciously sweet in this edgy cake. Spray paint a tree stump in black to keep with the mood.

Rustic has never looked so sophisticated than it does in this table setting. Black linens and gold mercury candles carry an elevated air next to wood plate chargers and a forest-inspired centerpiece of greenery and antlers.

04 of 07

Berry Tones: Crimson, Merlot, and Burgundy

<p>escort cards</p> — Photo by Heather Waraksa

Turn Christmas red on its head with a moody palette of berry-toned hues. From wine to ruby, various shades of red go off-the-beaten-holiday path by adding dimension and texture. A great way to achieve this look is by combining similar seasonal blooms.

red bouquet — Photo by Susan Alyse Photography

A richly hued bouquet in burgundy and red looks showstopping against a white wedding dress. This bride topped it off with a lace wrap cut from her mother’s wedding dress.

wedding arch — Photo by Victoria Gold Photography

Adorn a circular arch with lush greenery and crimson and white blooms for an industrial look that’s freshened up with a garden touch.

Give golden cocktails a splash of color with a sugar-frosted trio of berries. Complete its festive feel with an evergreen leaf.

Wine colored linens and ruby-hued centerpieces speak to the holidays in a subdued way. Accent tablescape with pinecones and swaths of greenery for that winter feel.

05 of 07

Gilded Glam: Gold, Copper, and Brass

wedding escort cards — Photo by Anna Shackleford

Bring out the glitz and glam with all things gold for a New Year’s Eve wedding. Ditch the classic sparkle and instead opt for metallic finishes, from plateware to centerpieces. We especially love this look when it’s infused with a bit of celestial inspiration from a twinkling winter night sky.

welcome sign — Photo by Alexandra Wallace

Greet guests using a gilded antique mirror that elicits an old-world romance vibe. If you can’t find one, it’s an easy DIY—pick up any mirror with a vintage frame along with a can of copper metallic spray paint.

hanging star — Photo by Jami Laree Photography

The tablescape often steals the focus when it comes to the centerpiece, but don’t forget about what could go above. Overhead centerpieces like dangling metal 3D stars can make quite the statement. In this case, it’s a celestial one.

Copper escort cards are way more fun than traditional paper ones. Emblazon small sheets of metallic copper with each guests’ name and pop it into a matching geometric holder for an edgy look slightly reminiscent of a meteorite.

<p>champagne tower</p><br><br> — Photo by Logan Cole

Go for gold on gold by mixing Champagne coupes and twinkle lights. We love the idea of a Champagne tower in lieu of a traditional wedding cake or toast.

06 of 07

Stormy Grays: Concrete, Slate, and Charcoal

wedding tent — Photo by Katie Grant Photography

A winter storm has never looked as wonderful as it does evoked in your color palette. From drip cakes to stone place cards, shades of grey have an earthy vibe. Who knew the colors of post-snow slush could evoke such beauty?

The wispy brushstrokes on this modern grey drip cake call to mind a winter storm rolling in. White icing and matching flowers lighten the look, while clusters of blackberries and eucalyptus keep with the sultry vibes.

name card and candle — Photo by Map and Compass Photography

Think texture when it comes to name cards. Hand-painting names on small stone slabs brings unexpected earthy vibes to the table.

Boho brides, these agate inspired invitations are for you. Pair them with minimalist type to let the geode print have its moment.

Charcoal grays create a romantically bohemian tablescape when paired with gold-plated wine glasses and ruby carnations.

The Ultimate Guide to Winter Weddings

07 of 07

Winter Wonderland: White on White

white wedding cake — Photo by Kathryn Frugé Photography

Send guests walking into a winter wonderland with an all-white wedding. Let falling snowflakes and icicles guide your vision here, from lucite seating to classic white cakes.

Don’t be afraid to add in dashes of wintergreen for a few random pops of color. The ultimate look will be modern and timeless.

wedding aisle — Photo by This Modern Romance

An all-white ceremony is stark and stunning. Acrylic chairs and white-flowered trees that appear as if covered in snow give this winter-inspired setting a modern feel, perfect for a city wedding.

Classic meets contemporary in this cake display. A traditional three-tiered white wedding cake is reinvented when set against a backdrop of frosted leaves and a glowing neon sign.

White escort cards with a small splash of color in leafy details are timeless and elegant. The bride was inspired by her winter garden wedding set at Lake Louise.

white bouquet — Photo by Nicola Lemmon Photography

You’ll look purely angelic carrying a bouquet of all-white roses and baby’s breath against a white wedding dress. Not only does the look evoke winter magic, it’s also a total classic.