The winter wedding season is in full swing, and has a character all its own.

Having a winter wedding?  By now you have noticed that winter themes, colors, and decor are much different from spring and summer receptions.  Whether you live in the snowy Berkshires of Boston or the Deserts of Arizona, the season absolutely affect the decisions you make.

To help you sort through the plethora of ideas, we did some of our own 2018 trends research.

In contrast to the pastels and chiffon of spring, the 2018 winter wedding will showcase shawls for maids, blankets for guests and hot coco to warm the night.

Adorned with velvet and evergreen, winter weddings have a crisp and contrasted personality.  Brides have a vast landscape of colors to work with.  Dark blushing reds, dusty greens, snowy whites and delicate blush pinks will be at the top of every palatte.

The thought of a winter castle wedding makes our eyes twinkle.  Our main ballroom already boasts The Four Seasons statues, stone turrets, handsome marble floors, 30 foot ceilings and hand painted walls. Magnificent crystal chandeliers hang from the beautiful ceilings in every room creating illuminating elegance.

Light and dark hues set a timeless background for the winter castle bride.

The Black Tux demonstrates the aura of a winter wedding with their newest ‘Party-Ready’ line, in addition to their classic suit and tuxedo rentals. “Inspired by the relationships between texture, feel, and rich color, [Black Tux] built [their] collection around statement-making looks that not only catch eyes from across a room, but have lots of surprising details up close.”

Flowers follow the same trends in 2018.

Expect to see floral artists embracing colors in their natural form.  Bouquets will highlight anemones, paired with mixed greens and dahlias with peonies.  Berries will add pop to centerpieces, bouquets and wreaths.  Cake designers will be inspired by tree bark and knitted patterns.

This winter wedding season will be filled with palettes of rich color and materials of plush textures.  Jewel tones like ruby, emerald, and cobalt are interpreted through touch-finished fabrics like flannel, corduroy and velvet.

Nature will also drive invitation innovation in the new year.

UK Bride experts tell us that invites and name places are getting more creative as well.  “Stationery always plays a key part in our designs and for 2018 we are seeing couples being more adventurous with the choice of material used. You don’t always need to think in ‘paper’. Fabric, perspex and natural elements such as stone and wood, can all be used to add a twist to the traditional paper stationery suite.”

Color pairings such as Navy & Marsala, Olive & Black, and Plum & Gray will shine in 2018.  These duets will be in place settings, sign in tables, favors, bridesmaid dresses, tuxes and more.

Comfort meets elegance with winter wedding menus.

According to The Knot, “Comfort foods are popular year-round, but something about winter makes them taste even better. For your menu, consider your favorites—like grilled cheese and tomato soup, chicken and waffles (common in southern weddings) or a sweet bite like individual pies. You could even serve a warm cheese course before dinner or with the cake. (Think: baked Brie with dried cranberries paired with a citrus mulled wine.)”

While we could keep going with these super sweet wintery ways to make your big day unforgettable, it’s YOUR turn.  Take a peek at the color swatches below and our own ‘to-love-for’ favorites on Pinterest.  Also make sure to seek out the eye of a professional.  Our Wedding Coordinators at the Ashley Castle walk with brides every step of the way.  Being a constant during all of the phases of planning helps lower wedding gitters tremendously.

From our home to yours, Happy Holidays!