Whimsical Winter Forest Wedding

I need to start by confessing something...I HATE snow. Well I suppose that isn't fair. Let me rephrase that. I HATE the cold. I can tolerate it for about 30 seconds. But I must admit that there is a certain beauty about the freshly fallen powder. If it weren't for actually having to be outside in the frigid upstate weather, I would have loved to marry my husband in the wintery woods behind my family's countryside home. So instead of grimacing about the truckloads of snow piling up outside right now, I'm going to embrace it and share a few ideas for a whimsical winter forest wedding.

 I think this idea is certainly best for those planning on inviting a minimal amount of people to their actual ceremony. I say this because Grandma might not be too keen on trekking through the snow and into the woods. An intimate moment in the silent white woods truly sounds dreamy to me, but its definitely not for everyone. So a few ideas for those who prefer a bigger crowd- bring the forest indoors! A rustic barn or perhaps a clear tent where your guests could watch the snow fall. For a ceremony space, hang strands of pine cones between an alter made from sticks and moss. Your guests could sit on modern white chairs, or for a unique twist, tree stumps.


If you live in the Northeast like I do, evergreen trimmings in the winter are exceptionally abundant and affordable. I feel sad inside for discarded Christmas trees and I think it would be awesome to re-purpose them to create wintery garland to hang in a reception space. If the idea of heisting trees off your neighbors curbside isn't as appealing as it is for me, then you can buy evergreens like a normal sane person would.  If you are lucky enough to have a woodsy property of your own, salvage pine cones and wood pieces or create a natural centerpiece and cute displays for escort cards. Again, these are always plentiful at your local craft store as well!

 Warm your guests up with a hot chocolate bar. Stock it full of different types of marshmallows and chocolate to drizzle. When I was married, I insisted on giving my guests a favor they would actually appreciate. So you could say it means a lot to me to find unique, useable gifts for couples to thank their guests. For your whimsical winter forest wedding, you could give chocolate spoons, personalized mugs, or s'mores kits. Each idea is affordable and functional.

Hope these ideas make you like the snow at least a teeny bit more! Check into my Etsy shop for some pine cone themed purchasable decor coming soon (I just need to shovel my way out first). For more ideas and sources to the photos above, check out the Pinterest Inspiration board.