20+ Ideas for a Festive Holiday Wedding

Be inspired to spread some holiday cheer at your wedding events.

Though we generally advise not to have your wedding on a major holiday, the most wonderful time of the year can be a joyous season to host your nuptials, whether you're religious or not.

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Photo: Harwell Photography

Happy Holidays! Though we generally advise not to have your wedding on a major holiday, the most wonderful time of the year can be a joyous season to host your nuptials, whether you're religious or not. The holidays are a time when people want to be around their loved ones, and a holiday wedding provides a wonderful opportunity to gather your nearest and dearest to celebrate your love.

Though you may already have a theme or style in mind for your big day, a celebration during the holiday season provides a chance to add some festive décor to your ceremony or reception. When planning your special day during Christmastime, it’s important to find a balance between romantic holiday-inspired décor and an event that looks more like an office holiday party than a wedding.

We've had couples choose to embrace the holiday spirit during just the ceremony – particularly if a church is already decorated for Christmas – as well as extend the magic of the season through to the reception. In lieu of more kitschy candy canes and reindeer décor, consider boughs of holly and evergreen garlands to keep your soirée feeling romantic and festive, yet not over-the-top.

To gather inspiration, we've pulled together 20 ideas from some of our favorite real weddings that took place during the holiday season. Click the link below each photo to see more from these festive events!

1. Romantic Sleigh Ride & Cozy Attire

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

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

2. Festive Wedding Invitation

holiday wedding ideas festive invitation suite red green

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

3. Jolly Red 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

4. Christmas Cookie Favors & Welcome Gifts

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

5. Evergreen & Pinecone Boutonnieres

mini pinecone boutonnieres for holiday season christmas wedding

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

6. Emerald Bridesmaid Gowns

bridesmaids for winter wedding in emerald green classic bridesmaid dresses

Photo by Karlisch Photography; Floral Design by HeatherLily; From Real Wedding: Traditional Mass + Classic Wedding Reception on New Year's Eve

7. Red & Green Ceremony Décor

holiday wedding ideas red white green ceremony decor

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

8. Twinkle Lights

christmas lights decorate wedding venue holiday season

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

9. Christmas Carolers

holiday wedding ideas christmas carolers entertainment

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

10. Pinecone & Evergreen Swag Décor

large pinecones and fir greenery aisle markers christmas holiday season wedding

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

11. Festive Altar Décor

church wedding ceremony bride groom with pastor holiday decor christmas trees lights

Photo by Old South Studios; From Real Wedding: Glamorous North Carolina Wedding with a Wintry, Shakespeare Motif

12. Getaway Car Wreath

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

13. Flocked Trees & Ornaments

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

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

14. Santa Hats

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

15. 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

16. Festive Tablescapes & Globe Lighting

holiday wedding ideas decor red white green

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

17. Boughs of Holly

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

18. Holiday Cocktails & Champagne

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

19. Chandelier Wreaths

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 in Illinois

20. Holiday Wedding Cake

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 tips and inspiration, read the etiquette of planning a holiday wedding, view ways to incorporate velvet wedding ideas into your big day, discover five wintry drinks for your cocktail hour, and get expert tips on decorating your home for the holidays! Be sure to also check out this festive holiday dinner party for décor inspiration!