Popular Color Schemes to Consider for Your Winter Wedding

From classic white to holiday-inspired hues, discover winter wedding inspiration.

If you're planning a wedding in the winter months, you have a few options: lean into the season to decide your color palette or choose hues that you've always imagined for your wedding day.

angelica-and-marc-had-a-cold-january-wedding-but-using-some-creative-lighting-we-made-their-wedding
Photo: Collin Pierson

If you're planning a wedding in the winter months, you have a few options: lean into the season to decide your color palette or choose hues that you've always imagined for your wedding day. While it's perfectly acceptable to host a winter wedding with pastel tones typically reserved for spring or even hues often associated with autumn, many couples choose to select a color palette that's perfectly fitting for the winter season. That's not to say you only have a few options – winter weddings can feature dark, moody hues or even light and airy tones reminiscent of snow.

Though many different hues can work for nuptials taking place in December, January, and February, we believe that the following four color palettes are the most popular to consider. From classic white weddings to holiday-focused décor in shades of red, white, and green, take a look at popular choices as well as examples from real weddings. For more inspiration, click on each photo to see additional images from these celebrations!

White

Hosting all-white nuptials is incredibly classic and will never go out of style. Since it matches the color of snow, the tone works extremely well with winter weddings, representing a new beginning much like the new year and your marriage. 

outdoor ceremony white winter wedding ideas

Photo by Samuel Lippke Studios; Floral Design by White Lilac Inc.

winter wedding ideas white color palette green herb sprig

Photo by Harwell Photography; Planning & Design by Suzanne Reinhard Events

white winter wedding ideas lounge area at reception cocktail hour

Photo by Cooper Carras Photography; Invitations & Calligraphy by Lehr and Black; Planning & Design by Alyson Fox, Levine Fox Events

Red, White & Green

If you’re considering hosting an event with a Christmas motif, a red, white, and green color palette is ideal. Focus on one hue more than the other to provide a subtle holiday feel, or go all out with bright red and white details with plenty of greenery to take on the seasonal look completely. 

white red and green holiday christmas wedding ideas winter color palette

Photo by Harwell Photography; Planning & Design by Suzanne Reinhard Events

winter wedding ideas christmas holiday theme color palette white red green

Photo by Scott Clark Photo

christmas wedding ideas red white and green color palette

Photo by Robyn Rachel Photography; Floral Design by HMR Designs

Black & Gold

Darker colors are often used at winter nuptials, and we love the idea to pair a noir element with sophisticated gilt details. The metallic tone paired with contrasting black linens, chairs, or paper elements create a bold look that's perfect for city weddings as well as more laid-back events.

black and gold winter wedding ceremony ideas

Photo by Curtis Dahl Photography; Aisle Runner by The Original Runner Company; Linens by Luxe Linen; Planning & Design by International Event Company; Rentals by Revelry Event Designers

black and gold winter wedding ideas greenery gold black furniture

Photo by Brett Hickman Photographers; Bridal Stylist: Dear Maradee; Planning & Design by Mindy Weiss Party Consultants

black and gold winter wedding color palette real wedding ideas vibiana

Photo by Kim Fox Photography; Floral Design by Flowers by Cina; Linens by Luxe Linen; Venue: Vibiana

Blue & White

Darker blue hues are idyllic for the cooler months, giving your ceremony or reception space a frosted appearance that can feel warm as well. Accent white flowers with dark blue linens, create intrigue with bright blue uplighting, or incorporate cool blues into the stationery and paper goods used throughout your celebration for a subtle, seasonal look. 

winter wedding ideas blue and white invitation color palette

Photo by Heather Rowland & Thisbe Grace; Linens by Nüage Designs; Rentals by Revelry Event Designers

For more ideas, discover inspiration for your holiday-themed wedding, find out what not to do for your winter nuptials, and gather 10 tips for hosting a memorable celebration in the winter months.