How to decorate your venue for a Christmas wedding?

Winter weddings can be utterly magical, especially if you can match your theme to the weather and landscape. Think burnt oranges in late autumn, icy blues in the frosty New Year and, of course, berry reds and burgundy for extra wintry romance at Christmas. Here are some decorating ideas for a Christmas wedding reception.

A Christmas-themed wedding can be enchanting, from holiday music to Christmas decorations and even a Christmas tree. If you are planning a winter wedding or just love all things festive, enjoy the most wonderful time of the year with our December wedding ideas.

The majority of venues will put up festive decorations from mid-November. When you catch up with your wedding co-ordinator, ask if they put the same decorations up every year? Or if they have a theme in mind? It makes sense to piggyback on what will already be there. If your heart is set on red and gold, but the venue has blue and silver, this is an important point to consider. It is also essential to ask where these decorations will be put, as they may impact on space or your plans.

There is always room for sparkle and glitter at a wedding. But, at Christmas, you can get away with it more. Think glass ornaments and centrepieces for the table with sequins, twinkly lights and glitter. Other glam and glitzy, budget-friendly ideas include using baubles. These can be incorporated into your bouquet, put into bowls for your Christmas wedding centrepieces or even attached to a present label for your name holders.

Candles are also a charming way to cosy up your winter wedding. These can be used to light up the aisle, for your centrepieces or even as wedding favours for your guests. Just double-check with your venue if they allow this. Most do but may ask you to make sure they are in holders or in candelabras. You could also have battery operated ones. If your venue is a castle or has a gothic vibe, it definitely adds to the atmosphere.

However, if you did want to keep it more low key a woodland theme with natural elements would fit. If you are creative or crafty, you can collect pine cones in the autumn. Decorate them for your centrepieces to be placed on log slices as a place holder. Alternatively, speak to your florist about incorporating ivy, holly, mistletoe or a poinsettia into your wedding flowers.

Do not forget to tie the festive theme into the other aspects of your day. Consider serving mulled wine or cider for the drinks reception after your ceremony. Or set up a hot chocolate station. Your guests can personalise a cup of cocoa with whipped cream, marshmallows, chopped nuts or even a shot of liqueur for the adults.

Maybe think about festive dishes for your wedding breakfast & do not forget to continue this into your evening reception buffet. Think themed sandwiches and savouries or a turkey curry. Perhaps with a mince pie tower or candy canes for a sweet treat. You could even have a Christmas wedding cake.

Bring your winter wonderland theme into your clothes too. Whether you are looking for a simple, chic or more dramatic wedding dress, there are plenty of styles to choose from that will fit your theme. Consider using a splash of gold or a berry colour or textures such as feathers, lace, and sequins. For gents, consider dark greys paired with a bow tie or textures like velvet to reflect the luxury of the winter months.

Winter here in the UK is relatively mild, which means snow is very rare. Be prepared with see-through umbrellas (or ones that look like Santa's hat, coats and stoles. At your evening reception, instead of a photo booth, how about a Santa's grotto, Elfie station or backdrop instead? Transport your guests to the North Pole with props and keep the images forever.

Whether you get married in the winter or during the summer, it is your wedding day! It will be special and unique to you, surrounded by friends and family – and of course, the one you love. However, there is something magical about a Christmas wedding.

At Future Inns, we can help you with wedding inspiration, winter weddings or a Christmas wedding theme. Our wedding venues offer you the perfect venue to host your special day.

Our wedding packages offer luxury and flexibility to suit a range of budgets. We clarify what costs are included and are priced per person, and we have affordable wedding packages available, including welcome drinks, evening food, and hotel stays. If our packages don't seem quite right for you, we will happily create a bespoke package to make your wedding both individual and unforgettable.

From an intimate feel to a grander affair (up to 200 guests), the wedding suites are on the hotel's top floor with fantastic views over Bristol city centre. There is even a small terrace balcony to take in some air and enjoy the scenery. Please speak with our wedding planners, who can advise you on weddings in Bristol on 0117 304 1010 or meetings.bristol@futureinns.co.uk.

Our wedding venue in Cardiff Bay has various suites to choose from, all of which are on the ground floor. Choose from an all-day wedding celebration, wedding breakfasts, or evening-only events. Appointments must be booked with Martin in advance. They can be contacted on 02920 487111 or meetings.cardiff@futureinns.co.uk. Ask about their Welsh-themed wedding breakfast menu, too!

You are welcome to speak with our highly experienced Wedding Coordinators, Ellie or Ben, on 01752 701000 or meetings.plymouth@futureinns.co.uk. Our wedding venue in Plymouth has been nominated for several wedding awards over the last few years, so you are in knowledgeable, safe hands. The wedding suites are all on the ground floor, and guests love the outdoor space for photographs in the summer months.

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