I’m getting married on September 1st, but Christmas brings out my wildest wedding fantasies. I’m drawn to its technicolor lights, grand sense of tradition and elaborate ornamentation. Above all, the holiday spirit of togetherness magnifies what’s already supposed to be one of the happiest days of your life.
These amazing photos from real weddings submissions really speak for themselves. Enjoy—consider them a gift from us to you. Good luck to all of our holiday brides!
Check out more ideas for winter weddings here.
Photo Credit: Hoffer Photography
Bridal Looks
Dramatic lashes, scarlet lips, and a high neckline with just the right amount of skin (keyhole backs are on-trend): This bride pulls it all off effortlessly.
Photo Credit: Bethany Ann Photography
Float down the aisle in a gown with textured tiers that are light as snow.
Photo Credit: Jessica Svoboda Photography
A gilded gown with intricate embroidery is a regal choice for Christmastime brides.
Photo Credit: Sarah Crowder Photography
It’s hard to say what caught our attention first—the ruched bodice-embellished skirt combo or those unexpected pine cones! I call a tie.
Photo Credits (from left to right): Jason Kaczorowski Photography and Rachel Pearlman Photography
Put the finishing touch on your gown with a ribbon belt featuring clusters of crystals.
Photo Credit: Ashfall Mixed Media
Or, if you prefer a more understated look, consider this chic floral sash. The silver beads give it extra flair.
Photo Credit: Maria Angela Photography
Darling bows add a girlie touch to these red-hot heels. Display your accessories on a gold object to make them really pop in photos.
Photo Credits: Rachel Pearlman Photography
According to ancient folklore, the Druids regarded holly as a sacred plant and believed it had magical powers of protection. What better plant to include in your groom’s boutonniere?
Photo Credit: Bethany Ann Photography
Does your groom have a quirky sense of style? A patterned vest or tie helps him stand out from the groomsmen.
Photo Credits (from left to right): Bethany Ann Photography and Robin Nathan Photography
Personally, I’ve always thought that red bridesmaids dresses would be tough to pull off, but this photo converted me. The cherry shade looks ultra-flattering on all of the ‘maids skin tones.
Photo Credit: Bethany Ann Photography
Live in a warm climate all-year round? Consider a light, breathable fabric for all of your bridal party attire. The tucked-in hair flower is a carefree touch.
Photo Credit: Life’s Highlights
I can envision my feisty flower girl, Viviana, refusing to take off this dress (pictured at right) at the end of the night. Adorn the most adorable member of your bridal party with a floral sash or back-tied bow. A faux-fur bolero keeps them warm and toasty!
Photo Credits (from left to right): Hoffer Photography and Katie Stoops Photography
These little guys stole the show with their knee-high socks, suspenders, and a hat Grandpa would wear.
Photo Credit: Jason Kaczorowski Photography
If you prefer a darker color palette, add some holiday cheer with matching red pumps.
Photo Credit: Corlis Gray Photography
Cocktail-length bridesmaids dresses for Christmas? The glittering cuff and bold bouquets make it work.
Photo Credit: Rachel Pearlman Photography
If you’re blessed with a White Christmas where you live, blow some snow into the camera for a memorable photo, like this one! (Save the hijinks until after the ceremony, so that you don’t get any wet spots on your dress).
Photo Credit: Hoffer Photography
Midnight blue tuxes are made all the more dapper with plush scarves. We’re loving how easy it is to spot the groom.
Photo Credit: Hoffer Photography
Ceremony
One of the biggest perks of being a Christmas bride is that if you’re getting married in a church, it will already be decked out in all its splendor, so you don’t have to order as many flowers and other décor.
Photo Credit: Hoffer Photography
Photo Credit: Shoreshotz
Light up your walk down the aisle with festive pew decorations (alternate them on different rows to cut costs).
Photo Credit: VP Studios Photography
At this evening wedding, each bridal party attendant carried a pillar candle as they made their way towards the altar.
Photo Credit: Hoffer Photography
Buy hurricane candle holders in bulk and fill them with sparkling votives and crystals.
Photo Credit: Shoreshotz
Recreate this stunning backdrop with massive candles in different shapes and sizes.
Photo Credit: Bethany Ann Photography
Reception
This intricate and budget-friendly centerpiece is proof that you don’t need to go overboard with flowers to transform your reception space into a Christmas wonderland.
Photo Credits: Rachel Pearlman Photography
The garland-wrapped staircase makes a picturesque room even more breathtaking.
Photo Credit: Corlis Gray Photography
Display your invitation on a mantel, surrounded by thick garlands and ornaments. Next Christmas, you can display the photo of your invitation on that very same mantel, as a fun reminder of your wedding day.
Photo Credit: VP Studios Photography
Whether your Christmas style is more subtle (patterned snowflakes) or bold (green calligraphy and wax seals), there’s invitation options for everyone.
Photo Credits (from left to right): Shoreshotz and Sarah Crowder Photography
Rhinestone-encrusted roses and evergreen make this low-lying centerpiece a standout.
Photo Credit: Rachel Pearlman Photography
Give rustic pillars an upgrade by wrapping them in twinkling lights (ask your venue for permission first). A fleet of reindeer is a fun addition to any party. The ones shown below are whimsical without being too literal or over-the-top.
Photo Credits: Rachel Pearlman Photography
Make a dazzling first impression on your guests when they walk into your reception space. Stack gift-wrapped favors underneath a towering Christmas tree. Or, if you’re not planning on giving out favors, you can gift-wrap empty boxes to create the same scene.
Photo Credit: Corlis Gray Photography
Miniature snowflake frames guided guests to their tables.
Photo Credits: Rachel Pearlman Photography
Fun Details
Include your favorite holiday tunes in the music playlist for a rollicking good time. One New Year’s Eve bride we interviewed recently had her first dance to “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” by Zooey Deschanel and Leon Redbone.
Photo Credit: Corlis Gray Photography
Pinpoints of light make for an extra-memorable first dance.
Photo Credit: A Magic Moment
A snowflake placemat enhances the shine of your new wedding ring.
Photo Credit: Shoreshotz
If only rings grew from pine cones and trees…
Photo Credits (from left to right): Rachel Pearlman Photography and Kristen Hornberger Photography
Even the most reserved elderly relative won’t be able to resist cracking a smile in these holiday-themed getups. Rudolph ears, anyone?
Photo Credit: Hoffer Photography
Dash away, dash away, dash away all. If we can’t have Santa’s sleigh, then we’ll settle for a colorful trolley or bus to transport guests, instead.
Photo Credit: Corlis Gray Photography
Holiday Treats
When an all-white cake is illuminated with light, it’s easier to spot patterns and delicate details that might be missed in a darker setting.
Photo Credits: Shoreshotz
A five-tiered dessert masterpiece with its own VIP area isn’t in my budget. However, anyone can steal this trick and enhance their cake with a lush tablecloth—no six-figure digits required.
Photo Credit: Jaxon Photography
Make a basic cake look more ornate by placing it on a decorated crystal stand. You can rent the cake stands from a wedding rental shop, bakery, wedding coordinator, or website (check out RaisetheCake.com). Or, make it a fun DIY project and create your own with craft supplies and rhinestones.
Photo Credit: Corlis Gray Photography
Learn how to recreate a similar optical illusion here!
Photo Credit: Hoffer Photography
Photo Credit: Rachel Pearlman Photography
Which photo is your favorite? How are you celebrating Christmas with your loved ones this year?
—Stefania Sainato
