10 Small Intimate Winter Wedding Ideas - Creative Venue Stylist (2025)

Congratulations, it’s time to start planning your special day! This blog gives you plenty of small, intimate winter wedding ideas!

Planning your winter wedding

It may come as no surprise that most weddings take place in the summer months of July and August, but what may surprise you is the amount who marry in winter. According to research, only 5% of weddings take place in the winter months! That makes your winter wedding plans even more special.

When planning a winter wedding, you’ve likely already accepted that the weather may not be the best. Who’s to say it would actually be any better during the summer months?

Sometimes, there’s nothing better than a crisp winter’s day with the sun beaming down! Or perhaps you’ll experience extreme winter, and the snow will fall; either way, you can create a beautiful winter wedding day.

Small winter wedding venues

Your wedding venue is one of the first things you’ll need to tick off. It’s quite likely that you’re endlessly scrolling for small winter wedding venues near me. There are plenty to choose from. You may even receive a discount for booking during the quieter months of the year.

When you find a venue you love, get in touch with them and ask about their wedding facilities. Some venues will offer winter wedding packages with different price points and criteria. This should provide you with an idea of how many guests you can have.

A small intimate wedding means different things to different people, but as long as you’re clear on what you want from your wedding day, you’ll be fine. Perhaps you plan to have up to 50 people at your wedding, or maybe a few more; the choice is yours.

It is very important to ensure that your wedding day is exactly how you’d like it and that it matches you and your partner. Even with a smaller wedding, there is lots to think about and lots of ways that your wedding can be made more personal. We can help you find the perfect venue for your December wedding.

10 Small Intimate Winter Wedding Ideas - Creative Venue Stylist (1)

Small intimate winter wedding ideas on a budget

You can still create a stunning wedding on a budget. We’ve got plenty of winter wedding ideas for you to consider. For more information, you can check out our blog on how to create a wedding budget.

Head outdoors and keep guests warm in the colder weather!

We know that an outdoor wedding in winter might sound like a crazy idea, but hear us out. There’s nothing cosier than being outside with heaters and blankets, and that’s exactly what you could achieve. Imagine a stunning wedding tent with hearty food, plenty of fairy lights and a gorgeous fire pit; it’s the perfect intimate wedding set-up!

Want to create even more of a winter vibe? Why not consider creating your own Christmas tree farm? Your wedding photos will look incredible!

Cosy home

Many couples getting married on a budget are able to use their home or a family member’s home for the reception. This creates a very personal touch to your wedding. You could decorate the house with a winter wonderland theme for all the guests, and you’ll still save lots of money.

If you’re getting married during the festive period, you could add a real twist to the buffet and include lots of festive food. It’s all about pigs in blankets and a warming, sticky toffee pudding.

Weekday wedding

If you’re only planning on having a small number of guests at your wedding, you could consider getting married on a weekday. Weekend weddings are popular and generally easier for most guests to attend, but if you have invited fewer people, it may not be a problem. In addition, many venues will offer lower prices for a weekday wedding package, which is perfect if you’re on a budget.

Ask others how they can help

Perhaps your friend works in design and can help you with printing wedding invitations, or another friend is great at makeup; it’s always a good idea to ask if they can help you out! Not only does it save you some money, but it also makes your day even more personal!

Wondering how you can include some wintry entertainment? Worry not; all you need is space for a dance floor. You could ask a friend to take care of the DJing for you or see if a local is available for some live music. Time to get the wedding party started!

10 Small Intimate Winter Wedding Ideas - Creative Venue Stylist (2)

How to create a cosy, small, intimate winter wedding

Candles

Adding candles to your wedding venue can really help to keep things cosy. Their flickering glow brightens up the room and helps to keep guests warm too – bonus! You could place candles down the aisle and have them on each table setting at your evening reception.

Simple, white pillar candles are a great idea for your intimate winter wedding. You can spruce up the area with a garland runner, twinkle lights and possibly even a neon sign!

Winter wedding cake

The cutting of your wedding cake is an important part of your day, so you’ll want to make sure that it matches the rest of your decoration. We think whites and browns are a great idea, with a hint of a brighter colour. Many also choose to add an outdoor theme to their winter wedding cake by including a wooden stand and pine cones to the design.

Wedding bouquet

You’ll likely want your wedding flowers to match the colours of the rest of your day, and that’s definitely a good idea. To stick to a lower budget, you should consider seasonal flowers. There are plenty of flowers to choose from, so you can definitely create a stunning bouquet!

If you fancy something a little different, why not use dry flowers for your winter wedding bouquet? You could create something stunning with gold leaf-dried flowers! Another option is a bouquet filled with red flowers and white cherry blossoms, perfect for the winter season.

Winter wedding outfit ideas

You might have been thinking about your wedding dress for a long time, so you probably have a few ideas. For winter weddings, many brides choose to add a shawl to keep them warm throughout the day. Another option is to choose a winter wedding dress with sleeves.

Make sure you don’t leave dress shopping too late, as you may need the dress ordering, and you’ll have frequent dress fittings.

Mulled wine & hot cocoa station

Goodbye for now, pumpkin spice! At your winter wedding, it’s all about hearty food and hot drinks! You could have a mulled wine, and hot chocolate station set up, where guests can help themselves.

Maybe you’d like to spice up the drinks reception with a cocktail hour? Each drink can have a winter theme.

Wedding favours

A Christmas wedding is the perfect time to get creative with your wedding favours. What about creating mini hot chocolate kits for guests to take home after the wedding? Don’t forget to add candy canes for an extra seasonal touch!

What next?

At Creative, our wedding planners near Manchester work closely with couples to deliver the wedding of your dreams. We can have as much involvement as you wish, so whether you need a little help with decor, planning the guest list, or you want us on hand every step of the way, we can help. Get in touch with our friendly team today to start planning your winter wonderland wedding.

10 Small Intimate Winter Wedding Ideas - Creative Venue Stylist (2025)

FAQs

What is a winter wonderland wedding? ›

As one of the most popular winter wedding themes, the winter wonderland wedding creates for you a mystical fairy tale at the ceremony, the reception, and just everywhere!

How do you make a big wedding venue feel intimate? ›

Making a Large Wedding Feel Intimate
  1. Make it Welcoming. ...
  2. Utilize the Columns, Drapery, and Suspended Florals. ...
  3. Create Comfortable Spaces. ...
  4. Serve Dinner Differently. ...
  5. Add Personal Touches. ...
  6. Incorporate Interactive Experiences. ...
  7. Give Yourself Opportunities. ...
  8. Say Hey.
Feb 14, 2024

What to wear as a guest to a winter wedding? ›

When it comes to style for a winter wedding, you'll often see dark colors or jewel tones, crushed velvet dresses, and even some long-sleeve gowns.

Are winter weddings a good idea? ›

Winter weddings have the tendency to be higher-risk events when one considers travel delays for guests and possible weather issues. We suggest all our clients be prepared for wind, rain, snow, and flight delays and think about the 'what if's'.” Set a cold-weather-appropriate dress code.

What is a snowball wedding? ›

A snowball wedding is one in which the female. members of the wedding party all wear white.

How to dress for a Winter Wonderland theme party? ›

Velvet is one of our favorite fabrics for winter wonderland party outfits. It's ultra warm and offers a soft, unique texture. It's a great choice if you'll be mingling outside at any point in the evening. Long sleeves, as well, are a great way to keep your look comfortable and classy without having to wear a jacket.

How to make a venue cozy? ›

11 Ways to Make a Big Space Feel Intimate for Your Small Wedding
  1. Use Trees to Create Closeness and Divide the Space. ...
  2. Make the Most of Pipe and Drape. ...
  3. Lower the Ceiling With Florals. ...
  4. Mix Up Your Seating. ...
  5. Get Creative With Lighting. ...
  6. Set Up a Lounge Space. ...
  7. Make a Visual Wall With Décor. ...
  8. Cluster Purposefully.
Jul 18, 2022

How to have a small wedding without hurting peoples feelings? ›

Here's how to limit your wedding guest list without hurting people's feelings.
  1. Only invite those closest to you. When you think about your wedding day, who do you picture being there? ...
  2. Segment your guest list. ...
  3. Don't allow people to bring dates. ...
  4. Limit children. ...
  5. Don't invite people from work. ...
  6. In short…
Nov 1, 2017

How to make a ballroom wedding unique? ›

For ballrooms stepped in history, implement unique details that hint at the time period. Whether it's busts of Greek goddesses (à la this unique wedding in Nashville) or stacks of classic novels, swapping the usual runner of flowers and candles with something different will paint a better picture of your reception.

How to style for a winter wedding? ›

If a dress isn't quite your style, a suit is a great winter wedding outfit. Especially in the colder months from December onwards. A chic suit is perfect winter wedding attire, as it offers another level of layers compared to a simple dress, so you can easily combine elegance and class, with practicality and comfort.

What are the colors for winter wedding guests? ›

Accordingly, if you're a wedding guest at a winter wedding, you need to follow a certain dress code. Most men wear a tuxedo or full suit (jacket and dress pants) in darker colors, such as black, navy blue, and brown, whereas ladies don maxi dresses made of velvet or other opulent fabrics.

What Colours do you wear to a winter wedding? ›

Winter wedding colours

We're talking shades of midnight blue, deep green or berry red—so get stuck in and embrace that warm festive feeling. Jewel tones are not only incredibly pretty, but as the traditional colours associated with winter, these tones make for a great winter wedding outfit.

What is the cheapest month to get married? ›

If you're looking to spend less on your big day, then you should consider getting hitched during the low-season winter months of January, March and November. Many venues and wedding suppliers will offer discounted rates during the off-peak period, ideal for those looking to get a wedding bargain.

What is the luckiest month to get married? ›

Most dates during the months of March, May and June are considered “lucky” days for a wedding, with Stardust highlighting the following ranges in particular: March 1-23, March 25-31, May 1- 23 and May 25-June 23.

What time should a winter wedding start? ›

Winter Wedding Timeline Without a First Look – Sunset 5:00 PM. Without a first look, my first recommendation is to start your ceremony at 3:00 PM. If you're having a somewhat standard wedding ceremony (half an hour or less), this will give you an hour and a half after your ceremony for portraits before the sun sets.

What is the purpose of Winter Wonderland? ›

The ultimate Christmas destination in the heart of London

From high adrenaline rides to family-friendly performances, classic festive treats to the newest in London's street food scene, and cosy fire pit bars to mythical ice kingdoms – we guarantee there's something for everyone.

What is the meaning of Winter Wonderland? ›

English, when we say it is a winter wonderland outside. we mean that we have just gotten a snowfall and that. there is a beautiful blanket of snow on everything. Usually, when we have a snowfall like this, and. everything just looks really, really beautiful, we refer to.

What does it mean to get married on the winter solstice? ›

The solstice is an auspicious occasion that is celebrated around the world. It represents a turning point in the year, just as marriage represents a turning point in your lives, and it can be a very happy time for a wedding. By Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway, Contributor. Wedding Officiant/Love and Romance Blogger.

Are winter weddings less expensive? ›

Winter weddings are typically considered to be cheaper by many in the wedding industry since winter is, well, cold and most people dream of having a warm spring or summer wedding.

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