The past few weeks, I’ve been noticing some beautiful holiday decorations and snapping them on my phone to share with you. Then one morning earlier this week, our managing editor, Talley Sue Hohlfeld, was telling me about her segment on the "Living Today" radio show. She and Mario Bosquez took several calls from listeners to gather ideas about winter weddings.
Talley and I thought we’d share some of those ideas, both from listeners, and from me. Do you have any inspiring ideas for a winter wedding (or any wedding) from this holiday season?
Charlotte from New York took advantage of the after-Christmas clearance to buy silk poinsettias and greenery garlands. She added them to the normal holiday decorations put up at the mansion on Long Island where her daughter’s wedding was held. (One tip right there: If you can visit your venue a year before your event, you'll get a chance to see their normal decorating schemes.)
Now is also a great time to stock up on strings of tiny lights. They're festive and affordable.
Lois from New Jersey married in a Christian church 42 years ago in the week after Christmas, and discovered that she could rely on her church’s holiday décor, which saved her a lot of money. (There are some Christian congregations that put up their Christmas décor just before the holiday itself, so be sure to check with yours.)
This door would be great for both ceremony and reception spaces.
When I was taping a Martha TV segment, I got to enjoy the wonderful seasonal decorations on set, like this juniper and greenery, and these gilded walnuts. Could they be a centerpiece inspiration?
Laura from Indiana, whose anniversary is January 9 (happy anniversary, Laura!), tweaked the traditional Christmas red and green, using deep pink and deep green velvet.
And the impressive amaryllis, which blooms in winter, comes in deep pinks and corals, as well as red. Wouldn't this make a great focal point as an altar display during the ceremony?
I always love caterer Peter Callahan’s presentations. Without having a full bar, he still creates special and fun feeling.
This Baked Alaska was at the Four Seasons; what a spectacular presentation!
Winter conjures up images of drifts of snow—so does this white-candy favor buffet.
Even if it’s too chilly for a "sparklers" send-off outdoors at the end of the night, try having them "light up" your wedding cake cutting. (Talk to the folks at your location about fire regulations). Sorry it’s not such a great shot, but it was quite festive!
From: Henry | 12/29/08 at 8:15 am
One of the most beautiful weddings I've been to had winter for its theme. The bride chose the colors silver and pale blue. She made sure there were no loud colors in the church and the reception venue that would clash with her motif. Everything looked very elegant and sophisticated but also very relaxed with the subdued colors.
From: Connie Costa | 12/29/08 at 12:30 pm
Absolutely breathtaking! Excellent ideas!!
From: Anne | 12/30/08 at 3:44 pm
Love all these ideas! Everythings looks so chic and so polished!
From: Mel | 1/3/09 at 7:09 pm
These decorations are truly beautiful. I think a winter wedding can be so magical. But the designs can make it or break it.
From: Talley Sue Hohlfeld, Martha Stewart Weddings | 1/5/09 at 7:58 am
I think that the pearly pink that often shows up in vintage Christmas decorations (think those flocked trees, or blown-glass ornaments, a la Martha) would make for an incredible winter color scheme!
Like this opening shot (and sevral others in the gallery):
http://www.marthastewart.com/photogallery/glow-and-behold
We've shown pink and gold, but pink and silver would be pretty magical, too!
From: Becky | 4/21/09 at 2:06 pm
Do you know where I can find the plastic shelving as shown in the bar picture?