22 Christmas Wedding Ideas That Are Full of Holiday Cheer

Winter may not be the most popular wedding season, but for anyone who loves the festive, holiday spirit, it's the perfect time to get married. And if you're saying 'I do' in December, you also have the perk of incorporating Christmas wedding ideas into your celebration—something you can't do any other time of the year. A Christmas wedding is all about creating a cozy, magical aesthetic (with a hint of rustic style) through the use of seasonal details, like fresh evergreens, pine cones, plaid patterns, berries, and metallic touches. Keep reading to find out exactly what we mean and see how to pull the look off at your own wedding. Here are some of our favorite Christmas wedding ideas to put you in the holiday spirit.  

Bright Red Wedding Invitation Envelopes

We have a feeling that your Christmas wedding invitations will be one of the most exciting pieces of mail your guests receive during the entire holiday season. Give your stationery suite a wintry vibe by using bright red envelopes, gold hand-lettering, green stamps, and patterned holly branch envelope liners. 

Greenery Ceremony Programs

Attach sprigs of evergreen to the bindings of wedding programs for a subtle Christmas wedding idea (and one that smells amazing). We love how they accent the evergreen illustration on these minimalist programs.

Plaid Flannel Shirts for Bridesmaids

Keep your BFFs nice and cozy while you're getting ready on the wedding day by surprising them with matching flannel bridesmaid button-down shirts or pajamas. Have the shirts customized with "bridesmaid" or "maid of honor" for a sweet and personal touch. 

Barn Wedding Venue

Getting married outside in the snow is one way to instantly create a magical feeling at your Christmas wedding. But if an outdoor wedding in December sounds too risky—or too cold—a barn wedding venue is an excellent alternative. You'll get the same rustic setting without the frozen fingers and toes. 

Christmas Ornament Ceremony Backdrop

Look closely—these Christmas "ornaments" are actually balloons! You can recreate this amazing backdrop by mixing glossy and matte balloons in various colors and sizes. Finish the arch with pine cones, fresh evergreens, and faux snow, and you have one of the prettiest Christmas wedding ideas we've ever seen. 

Basket of Quilts

A cozy blanket or quilt station for guests is the perfect way to accommodate them during the ceremony and provide favors that are practical and thoughtful. Pair the display with a cute chalkboard sign for added decoration. 

Seasonal Greenery Garlands and Wreaths

Don't forget about your wedding venue entrance! Whether you're getting married at a house of worship, a hotel, banquet hall, or other indoor location, you can get the Christmas vibes going before guests even enter the building. Use fresh greenery garlands and seasonal wreaths (we love this Colonial-inspired wreath made with fruit) to adorn doors, banisters, and walkways at your wedding venue. 

Red Bridesmaid Dresses

Red and green bridesmaid dresses are some of the most popular Christmas wedding ideas. Not only are these colors a natural fit for the season, but they're universally flattering and look gorgeous on all skin tones. Have your wedding party wear matching faux fur wraps or pashminas to stay warm while also looking chic in photos. 

Pine Tree Escort Cards

Tie escort cards with velvet ribbon on the branches of miniature evergreens for a festive seating chart display.

Plaid Reception Table Linens

Give your place settings a pop of holiday cheer by adding plaid napkins or ribbons. P.S.—how cute is this decorative favor bundle with white mittens and an antique-style tree ornament? 

Red Roses 

While seasonal winter flowers like poinsettias are totally appropriate for a Christmas wedding theme, they're not your only option. Classic red roses will bring a romantic, sultry look to your floral arrangements, especially if you pair them with blush roses and leafy greenery, like eucalyptus, ivy, and holly branches. 

Pine Cone Place Card Holders

This Christmas wedding idea is something you can probably recreate just by stocking up on pine cones from your own yard. Simple place cards with red calligraphy are elegant yet festive. 

Reindeer Wedding Centerpiece

Woodland-inspired details are another big component of Christmas wedding style. This reindeer bust is an adorable way to liven up your holiday-themed centerpieces, especially when you add other natural elements like painted acorns, greenery, and pine cones. Use a different type of reindeer on each reception table for an eclectic look (bonus: you can repurpose all of them as Christmas decor at your house every year). 

String Lights

No Christmas-themed wedding would be complete without string lights. Whether you choose colorful bulbs or stick with classic white, adding string lights to your venue (with permission) will give the space an undeniably cozy, cheerful ambience. You can string them across the ceiling, around doorways, in the trees, or even use them as an addition to a decorative floral arch. 

Tree Trunk Signage

This cute tree trunk sign is an easy Christmas wedding idea to try if you're feeling crafty. We love the idea of adding your names or initials to the wooden pieces, but you could also turn it into a welcome sign, bar menu, or make one for each of your guests if you have the resources.  

Christmas Ornament Chandelier

A whimsical ornament-covered chandelier looks like it came straight out of Santa's workshop. Ask your wedding venue for permission before hanging anything from existing chandeliers, or work with a local vintage wedding rental company to source and create your own. 

Lanterns and Luminaries

Boost the festive mood by placing twinkling candlelit lanterns and luminaries throughout your venue. We recommend focusing on spots that would otherwise be overlooked, like the bottom of a staircase, the pathway to the parking lot, or a foyer leading into the main reception space. 

Hot Beverages and Cocktails 

When it's cold outside, there's nothing better than warming up with a hot drink. A Christmas wedding is the perfect opportunity to serve some of the season's most beloved hot cocktails, like mulled wine, buttered rum, spiked apple cider, and hot toddies. Be sure to offer non-alcoholic options as well—hot chocolate, coffee, and herbal tea will give everyone plenty to choose from. 

Miniature Sleigh Serving Bowls 

Using miniature sleighs as serving bowls has to be one of the most creative Christmas wedding ideas we've ever seen. This fun presentation style would be great for small plates and appetizers, such as fries, popcorn, or even bite-sized desserts, like brownies and cookies. 

Cake by Bella's Bliss Bakery

Red and White Wedding Cake

For a winter wedding cake that's chic and seasonal, use fresh cranberries, holly, or sugar flowers to jazz up a simple white fondant confection. 

Vintage Red Bus

This bus is actually a photo booth on wheels, but we love the idea of renting a vintage red car or truck for your grand exit at the end of the night. Can you say Christmas card photo op? 

Seedling Wedding Favors

Surprise your guests with tiny evergreen seedlings as Christmas wedding favors they'll hopefully treasure for years to come.