A Wedding Planner's Expert Tips for Styling a Christmas Wedding

Styling a Christmas wedding can be tricky.

Do you go all out with fir trees, stockings, and a life-sized Santa Claus in the photo booth? Or do you play it down with rustic touches or an entirely white theme?

To help us on our quest for classy Christmassy wedding decor, we consulted the experts.

And if anyone knows a thing or two about throwing a chic festive soiree, it's top luxury wedding planners, Collection 26.

Photo by JLB Wedding

Collection 26's Chic Tips for a Christmas Wedding

A wedding in the winter months allows you to add an extra bit of sparkle and opulence to your big day.

Incorporate sumptuously rich colors, luxurious textures and enchanting lighting to your décor preparations for a show-stopping celebration.

Follow our expert tips to find out how…

Radiant Orchid

Photo via Hotel Banquet

Choosing the colour scheme for your wedding is one of the most important elements to consider as it will directly affect the mood and atmosphere you are trying to create.

For those unafraid of a bold statement, Radiant Orchid is a sensational shade to incorporate into your décor.

Named as Pantone’s Colour of 2014, it’s a fresh alternative to the seasonal reds and greens we are so used to seeing this time of year.

Photo by Katelyn James Photography via Bridal Musings

Luxurious silk drapery in this gorgeous pinkish – purple hue will enhance and add drama to your ceremony entrance as well as set a warm welcoming tone.

Magenta LED up-lighters and colour filters will add a dramatic splash of colour to dark corners and highlight venue features.

The exotic shade looks stunning when it is incorporated into floral arrangements. Orchids themselves are a wonderful option for winter as they are in- season and readily available. Working wonderfully as both a subtle tone to accent neutral bouquets, or as a bold, vibrant centrepiece in itself, this colour is a magnificent choice for your winter wedding.

Warm Treats

Photo via Upcycled Treasures

Nothing says winter more than cocoa, butterscotch and egg nog. Our event designers love to incorporate hot drinks bars into their catering designs for the ultimate festive touch.

Perfect for adding an interactive element to the reception space, guests are free to help themselves to delicious toppings such as marshmallows, caramel and whipped cream.

Use an eclectic mix of vintage crystal jars for the toppings and chic espresso glasses to serve the drinks.

Decadent Feasts

Photo by Jaque Lynn Photography via Elizabeth Anne Designs

Couples are increasingly favoring informal style dining concepts, with sharing dishes and buffet tables for a more relaxed feel.

Create an enticing display of dishes using an assortment of textures such as oak slabs and pair with contemporary metal plates and antique glassware.

We love the use of vintage French wine boxes as cake stands, which create a chic, rustic look.

Add a seasonal touch and dash of colour by filling spaces between dishes with deep green ivy garlands. Accent with vibrant red cranberries for a show stopping winter feast like no other.

Enchanting Lights

Photo by Gina & Ryan Photography via Style Me Pretty

As wedding planners, we love to inject texture and depth to our creative designs. In the winter season, we introduce foliage and wood to our decorative arrangements as they add a perfect seasonal touch.

The combination of lighting and foliage is ideal for creating an eye catching, yet ambient atmosphere.

Entwine holly stems around cast iron candelabras and wrap bannisters with ivy and fairy lights to achieve a cohesive winter look throughout your venue.

You could go as far as to install an entire twig ceiling with hanging filament light bulbs for an enchanted, winter forest look, a wedding décor feature we are sure to see more of next year.