Festive Details for Your Christmastime Wedding

Embrace the holiday season without going over the top.

Here are some of our favorite images from real weddings that took place during the holiday season and showcase how to adopt the theme without allowing it to overpower your special day.

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Photo: Harwell Photography

Though it's generally advised to not have your wedding on a major holiday, the most wonderful time of the year can be a joyous season to host your nuptials. It’s when people want to be around loved ones anyway, and a wedding is a great way to gather those nearest and dearest to you.

When planning your special day during Christmastime, it’s important to find a balance between festive décor and an event that looks like it takes place in Santa’s Village. After all, at the end of the day, you’re planning a wedding, not a holiday party. One way to strike this balance is to select a venue that will already be decorated, perhaps via lights on the building, for the holiday season. Guests will enter your celebration seeing a winter wonderland as a backdrop, but you can still put your stamp on the wedding décor. Embracing the theme of Christmastime is best done by incorporating festive, but natural details, as opposed to excessive candy canes and visages of St. Nick.

Below are some of our favorite images from real weddings that took place during the holiday season and showcase how to adopt the theme without allowing it to overpower your special day. Click the links below each image to see more from these celebrations!

Sleigh Ride

bride and groom with furs on horse-drawn carriage in snowstorm winter wedding

Photo by Handeland Tesoro Photography; From Real Wedding: A Snowy Outdoor Winter Ceremony & Cozy Lodge Reception

Holiday-Inspired Invitation Suite

holiday wedding ideas festive invitation suite red green

Photo by Harwell Photography; From Real Wedding: Magical Winter Wedding with Luxurious Red & White Holiday Décor

Red & Green Bridal Bouquet

red and green christmas bouquet red roses holly berries pine cones holiday season

Photo by Robyn Rachel Photography; From Real Wedding: Christmas-Theme Wedding with Festive Red & Green Décor in Illinois

Holiday-Themed Welcome Boxes

holiday wedding ideas welcome box with gingerbread man cookie

Photo by Harwell Photography; From Real Wedding: Magical Winter Wedding with Luxurious Red & White Holiday Décor

Wreath-Inspired Boutonnieres

mini pinecone boutonnieres for holiday season christmas wedding

Photo by Dalal Photography; Planning & Design by Mindy Weiss Party Consultants; From Real Wedding: A Holiday Wedding with Woodsy Winter Décor Elements

Cozy Bridesmaid Dresses & Accessories

holiday wedding ideas black bridesmaid dresses fur wrap red bouquets

Photo by Harwell Photography; From Real Wedding: A Magical Winter Wedding with Luxurious Red & White Holiday Décor

Wintry Ceremony Décor

holiday wedding ideas red white green ceremony decor

Photo by Harwell Photography; From Real Wedding: A Magical Winter Wedding with Luxurious Red & White Holiday Décor

Christmas Lights at Venue

christmas lights decorate wedding venue holiday season

Photo by Dalal Photography; Planning & Design by Mindy Weiss Party Consultants; From Real Wedding: A Holiday Wedding with Woodsy Winter Décor Elements

Christmas Carolers

holiday wedding ideas christmas carolers entertainment

Photo by Harwell Photography; From Real Wedding: Magical Winter Wedding with Luxurious Red & White Holiday Décor

Pinecone Aisle Markers

large pinecones and fir greenery aisle markers christmas holiday season wedding

Photo by Dalal Photography; Planning & Design by Mindy Weiss Party Consultants; From Real Wedding: A Holiday Wedding with Woodsy Winter Décor Elements

Wreath on Wedding Car

christmas wreath on getaway car for holiday season wedding

Photo by Robyn Rachel Photography; From Real Wedding: Christmas-Theme Wedding with Festive Red & Green Décor in Illinois

Christmas Tree Décor

christmas trees at wedding, mini fir trees for centerpieces holiday season wedding

Photo by Dalal Photography; Planning & Design by Mindy Weiss Party Consultants; From Real Wedding: A Holiday Wedding with Woodsy Winter Décor Elements

Santa Hat Favors

holiday wedding ideas santa hat favors with sign ho ho ho

Photo by Harwell Photography; From Real Wedding: Magical Winter Wedding with Luxurious Red & White Holiday Décor

Red & Green Reception Décor

red roses, pine branches, pinecones, holiday season christmas wedding

Photo by Robyn Rachel Photography; From Real Wedding: Christmas-Theme Wedding with Festive Red & Green Décor in Illinois

Wintry Wedding Tablescapes

holiday wedding ideas decor red white green

Photo by Harwell Photography; From Real Wedding: Magical Winter Wedding with Luxurious Red & White Holiday Décor

Poinsettia & Holly Centerpiece

holly centerpieces red florals christmas themed wedding holiday season

Photo by Robyn Rachel Photography; From Real Wedding: Christmas-Theme Wedding with Festive Red & Green Décor in Illinois

Festive Holiday Signature Cocktails

holiday wedding ideas decor champagne flute with fresh rosemary herb

Photo by Harwell Photography; From Real Wedding: Magical Winter Wedding with Luxurious Red & White Holiday Décor

Red & Green Wedding Reception

christmas lights red and green christmas-themed wedding holiday season

Photo by Robyn Rachel Photography; From Real Wedding: Christmas-Theme Wedding with Festive Red & Green Décor

Christmas Tree Cake Table

holiday wedding decor christmas tree cake table

Photo by Harwell Photography; From Real Wedding: Magical Winter Wedding with Luxurious Red & White Holiday Décor

For more holiday tips, read the etiquette of planning a holiday wedding, discover five wintry signature drinks for your cocktail hour, and get expert tips on decorating your home for the holidays!