Well it’s December, and we at The Good Party are feeling VERY festive over here. Our purple tree is up in the studio (covered in pom-poms, of course!), we can’t stop eating candy, and maybe we’ve put on a Christmas carol… or two… or three.
Even though summer is what people typically think of when they think “wedding” season, we have a special place in our hearts for cozy, winter weddings. So grab some mulled wine, a gingerbread cookie, and check out our holiday wedding inspiration below!
Candlelight Ceremony Vibes
When planning a winter wedding, one of the most important things to consider is the time of day the ceremony will be taking place. With the sun setting and the light starting to disappear as early as 4pm, couples should consider a first look before their ceremony to ensure they have enough daylight to get the portrait and family photos they really want. All of our December wedding clients choose to do a first look for this exact reason and then exchanged their vows right over sunset with candlelight ceremonies.
For Heather and Mitch, The Inn at Laurel Point was the perfect backdrop for their candlelit ceremony and reception. Guests were able to stay warm, but still feel like a part of the outdoors, with Laurel Point’s epic glass windows with their giant Christmas tree. Candles were placed everywhere and set the mood for an intimate, romantic ceremony.
(Photos: Lilly Ann Photography / Decor: Trend Decor, Decorate Victoria, Designer Weddings /
Chairs: Pedersen’s Event Rentals / Garlands: The Root Cellar)
For Lynda and Steve’s NYE wedding, an outdoor candlelight ceremony showcased their venue’s incredible view and provided the perfect backdrop for Lynda’s incredibly elegant pampas grass installation. Guests were greeted with personal blankets as they arrived to keep them warm for the quick 20 minute ceremony. The ceremony came to a close as the winter sunlight started to disappear over the mountains making for the most beautiful sky.
Could there be any better way to ring in the New Year?
(Photo credits: Rivkah Photography / Florals: FLEURtacious by Lynda Marie /
Chairs: Deep Cove Winery / Decor: Decorate Victoria)
Sometimes, candlelight just isn’t an option! But don’t let that sway your vision for a winter wedding. Adrienne had the most beautiful vision of a post sunset ceremony in the forest at Sea Cider and lead planner, Camille, helped bring her vision to life with the team from Designer Weddings resulting in a ceiling of lights creating the most beautiful venue for their intimate wedding ceremony.
(Photo credits: Helen Cyr / Lighting: Designer Weddings)
Cocktail Style Receptions
‘Tis the season for mingling and very good cocktails! Two of our favourite winter wedding couples skipped the formality of a sit down dinner and opted for served passed canapés, food stations, and lots of cocktails. To execute this style of wedding, you can’t go wrong with lots of mixed seating, from lounges to high top tables and cafe tables with chairs all around, even though people are moving around, you want to make sure they have a spot to sit down to rest their feet before the dancing starts!
(Photo credits: Rivkah Photography / Catering: Toque / Cocktails: Twist of Fate)
Elegant Tablescapes
It’s not all brie cheese filled cocktail style receptions this time of year and sometimes an incredibly elegant setting fits the venue perfectly. Jeff and Diana chose a classic colour palette to match the timeless feel of Hatley Castle. A bright red and white, with pops of gold created the most romantic setting. It looked like a scene out of the Beauty And The Beast
For the florals on their long guest tables, the florist lined the table centre’s with lush red roses, Italian Ruscus, and local foraged evergreens, filling the room with the smell of cedar. The roses continued over the magnificent mantle piece, creating an a strong focal point over the fireplace and a beautiful backdrop for behind the bride and groom and their guests seated at the head table.
On the round tables, seating Diana and Jeff’s immediate family members, taper candles and lush centrepieces were used. Vintage touches really complemented the beautiful backdrop of our famous west coast castle. Gold votives and antique books added an elegant, homey quality. The raspberry red taper candles in gold candlesticks added the perfect romantic feeling.
(Photo credits: Eternal Reflections / Linen rentals: Faire La Fete / Chair rentals: Scene About Town / Candles: Yummi /
Stationery: Kody Dishlevoy for The Good Party / Decor rentals: Darling Vintage)
Seasonal Guestbooks and Favours
Perfect for a Christmas wedding, for Heather and Mitch’s wedding guests were encouraged to sign a Christmas ornament instead of a traditional guest book. It was the perfect keepsake to remember their guests by forever, and make it a functional part of their home together!
(Photo credits: Lilly Ann Photography / Signage: Emma Allen Designs)
For Adrienne and Jesse’s guests, the perfect favour was also the most practical one: cozy blankets presented in custom canvas tote bags were carried by guests down to the ceremony and they used to keep warm during their ceremony!
The Fun Factor
Honestly, we just needed a reason to add a confetti photo here. ?
But seriously, bringing the fun, no matter the time of year or what level formality is always important. Even though Lynda and Steve’s wedding ceremony was filled with all the moody romantic vibes and elegant west coast style, they were game for fun and the post ceremony confetti pop made for a pretty epic Mr & Mrs (!) announcement.
(Photo credit: Rivkah Photography)
Also, there were balloons filled with confetti… but you’ll have a to wait until our one year anniversary post on December 31st 2019 for all those fun details!
(Photo credit: Rivkah Photography / Balloons: Decorate Victoria)
And because there’s nothing more romantic than 100+ pillar candles and a sparkling tree, we’ll leave you with these beauties to keep you in that joy filled holiday spirit. ✨
(Photo credits: Lilly Ann Photography)
