Scenic City Weddings

Merry & Bright

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You’ve always dreamed of a winter wonderland wedding, and now it’s finally happening! But going with an ambiance of merry and bright doesn’t mean you have to let go of all things floral.

“We’re always shocked when brides give up the idea of greenery at their winter weddings,” says Sean Koski at the event planning company Ticket2Events.

“Winter can be a difficult time to plan a wedding, but don’t fight the season.”

In fact, you can embrace it with the following winter-filled tips from floral artist and event planners.

White Wonders

Dusty Miller’s silver-gray foliage is the way to go, according to Koski. “Dusty Miller looks almost frosted. Something everyone in the winter season can relate to, so we feel it’s a perfect addition to any winter floral arrangement,” he says. Inexpensive flowers that compliment Dusty Miller include White Anemone coronaria and white dahlias.

A Little Color

If all white isn’t your thing, adding some color to the mix is always a sure way to brighten things up.

“Winter weddings are usually indoors. Keep the flowers bright. People are in the mood to party,” says Mark Held, floral designer in Los Angeles.

Andrea Ancel, lead designer at FTD, floral and gifting company, agrees. She says adding deep rich jewel tones of reds, purples and plums creates a sophisticated and lush color palette. “Whether you’re looking for a classic holiday red, or to add deep rich tones of burgundy, carnations are a go-to option for color and texture,” says Ancel.

Flowers with Fragrance

Flowers aren’t all about looks, notes Held. He suggests incorporating florals that appease your guests’ sense of smell. “Use fragrant flowers where guests will notice them the most, at the escort card table, on the napkins, in the bouquets,” Held says.

Daphne, wintersweet and honeysuckle will do the trick, as well as rosemary trees, lemon cypress, holly and hydrangea plants. “These wintery scents will bring every wedding guest cheer,” says Ancel.
In addition to fragrance, Ancel points out that texture ignites the sense too. She suggests Amaryllis, Christmas cactus and paperwhites as non-traditional floral elements that give impressive texture.

More than Flowers

Nothing says winter like seasonal touches of pine and berries. “Berries include cranberries, pepper berry, hypericum berries and eucalyptus because there are so many varieties to choose from,” says Ancel.

Ornaments and pinecones also carry on the winter touch, as well as gilded gold or platinum colored leaves throughout your décor. “A great and simple napkin treatment is a gilded magnolia leaf with an open rose,” suggests Held.

When it comes to twigs, Koski says hold off. “We’ll suggest picking monochromatic themes, unique designs, and arrangements without twigs. We feel twigs are too overdone in fall,” he says.

Vases Matter

Choosing vases that incorporate modern shapes and colors can add a unique flare. “Metals and sheen give an on-trend metallic look and blend perfectly with holiday floral colors. Or consider vases made of glitter and heirloom brass,” says Ancel.

Tags: Brides365, flowers, winter wedding, colors