Upcoming Trends for the Winter Wedding Season

We are so excited for the magic that the winter season brings. There is something truly magical about the season. We don’t know whether it is the crisp weather, the occasional PNW snow fall, or maybe it’s all the Hallmark Christmas movies that we’ve been watching. But, winter has arrived and we look forward to seeing what the season, and our couples, have to offer! Winter is elegant and romantic all wrapped up in a cozy blanket. If you’re planning your winter wedding, or maybe you’ve got your upcoming winter nuptials, we’ve collected our top ten favorite wedding trends for the 2024 season.

And hey – if you’re a 2025/2026 bride or groom, we’re sure these trends will stay timeless for the following season. So, pour yourself a hot cocoa, wrap yourself in a cozy blanket, and let’s check out trends to look for this winter wedding season. 

#01: Capes 
This season we expect to see our brides wearing accessories that not only serve as a fashion statement piece, but are quite functional in the chilly weather. We have noticed brides are venturing into the world of capes! And we are not talking about Superman’s cape, but an elegant statement cape, whether made of velvet, shimmering organza with delicate crystal stars, or silk – we are HERE for the capes. If you’re still in the fitting stages, or are on the lookout for a dress, ask the bridal boutique or seamstress if they are able to customize a cape for your wedding dress. It not only is a statement piece, but gives an ode to timeless early 20th century fashion. 

#02: Faux Fur 
We’re sticking with the key word faux for this next wedding trend and furry accessory. Faux fur is perfect for the winter season. Much like the cape, it is practical for the winter temperature but adds a touch of glamour. We are expecting to see faux fur down the aisle with fur jackets, wraps, shawls, and even a cloak coat. Faux fur adds romance and we’re expecting many brides to opt  for them for not just themselves, but for their wedding party. 

#03: Bring on the Velvet
Can we just say that we love velvet – SO much. Velvet is a statement and can either be a statement piece or a subtle nod to the trend. Velvet bridesmaids dresses add romance and texture to your wedding attire. The dresses tend to stand out more and will pop in your photography sessions. Velvet has hit the wedding industry hard this year, and we forecast that it will not be going anywhere for the 2025 season. If you’re wanting to incorporate velvet in other ways, renting or creating your own velvet draping, tablecloths, or runners, are a beautiful way to incorporate this trend. Velvet can be bright or moody and is perfect for any theme! 

#04: A Formal Attire 
We’ve been seeing a rise in formal attire with not only the wedding party but with an overall formal theme. Formal dress is fun for the wedding party and for wedding guests. I don’t know about you but we sure love a reason to get dressed up in a formal gown. If you’re opting for formal attire, be sure to clearly address this on your wedding invite and share a link to your wedding website. On your wedding website you will want to ensure that you describe what formal attire looks like. Are you requiring suits? Or are you wanting to go for the classic black tie with tuxedos? For the ladies, ensure you dictate whether you want floor length or cocktail, and if you do plan on a formal affair, plan on your start time being in the evening. We suggest no earlier than 4:00PM with a formal affair. Black tie or any formal fashion is timeless and classic. This is truly something that will never go out of style.

#05: Moody Color Palettes
This winter season we are forecasting to see moody color schemes, such as emerald greens, navy blue, burgundy, and even burnt copper. The good news about selecting these hues, is that the colors will truly add depth and dimension to your overall wedding theme and photography. These colors tend to be more flattering, and honestly is a great selection for all skin tones. You can incorporate these colors from the wedding party attire to accent decor pieces throughout your event. You can even select florals in these hues! The moody hues will radiate warmth throughout your ceremony and reception. It is the perfect juxtaposition to the cool winter landscape. 

#06: Warm Lighting You seriously cannot go wrong with candles and candlelight glow at your winter wedding. This truly creates a magical atmosphere and is budget friendly, as long as your venue allows open flame (be sure to check that contract!). Candlelight can vary from glass vases and pillar candles, to taper candles arranged on tablescapes. There are endless options in on types of candlelight, as well as the color selection of candles. We are big fans of the classic white or cream colors, but do love the idea of selecting colors that match your theme – I mean can you imagine burgundy or emerald candlesticks!? If you are choosing to go in the direction of ample candlelight, select candles with varying heights to create dimension. 

#07: Bold Lips and Makeup
This past spring and summer season, we saw a lot of dewy makeup looks as well as subtle shades of pink. This winter season we are expecting to see dramatic looks such as dark, deep lips and bold eyes. We hope to see berry colors, rich plums, and deep reds. If you do want to dive into the bolder makeup look, ensure that you do several trials of different lip shades and eyeshadow bases to ensure that your makeup will last throughout the day! We highly suggest making them a part of your routine for a full day to ensure it lasts and doesn’t disappear post dinner etc. 

#08: Quality Details 
We expect to see couples choose quality over quantity. This includes selecting a menu specific to tastes and farm to table, rather than a large menu size. It also means that we are expecting to see smaller guest lists this winter, to create an intimate setting. Couples are starting to explore the idea of intimate weddings more, and we expect to see more of these kinds of experiences. This is an experience for couples and their guests and most are opting for quality events. 

#09: Vintage Details 
As the items at the top of our list feature vintage fashion, we expect to see winter couples opt for timeless, thrifted, or vintage decor and accents. We expect that couples have hit their local swap meet or favorite little thrift store and will include vintage picture frames, taper candle holders, a wide variety of crystals, and candelabras to create romantic tablescapes. Along with the capes and faux fur accessories, delicate fabrics will be selected which will create the perfect feeling of nostalgia. 

#10: Dried Flowers
While many ouples select fresh blooms, we are expecting to see an increase of sustainable dried blooms. Dried flowers are a great option to add texture and add a vintage flair to your wedding day. And even if you’re not wanting full bouquets of centerpieces of dried florals, you can add dried florals to any arrangement. Some of our favorite preserved florals include: german statice, asparagus plumosus fern, weeping willow, coastal dune grass, thistles, heather, craspedia billy, and lavender!

We are so eager for the upcoming winter wedding seasons and we’ve already been crafting and planning with our winter couples. If you’re planning a late winter wedding, don’t worry - there is still time to add some of these winter trends to your big day! This season embrace the vintage details, with both decor and wedding day attire, explore warm candlelight and dried floral arrangements, and explore moody and rich color schemes. We can’t wait to finally jump into some winter weddings – are you?!

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Lori Losee is the owner of Elegant Affairs, a Tacoma Wedding Planner with over 19 years of experience. We create awe-inspiring experiences—Events filled with meaning and refined elegance. Behind the scenes, our experienced team collaborates on each stage of the process, executing your vision and a wedding, celebration, or corporate event that is unique to you.

The Dos and Don’ts of Planning a Winter Wedding

Do you have your heart set on tying the knot in the winter? We can tell you that it’s not everyday we have a couple that is dead set on getting married in the winter. I, myself, tied the knot with my husband towards the end of December. And from personal experience, it takes a little extra planning, but if planned and executed correctly – is absolutely breathtaking. Winter is a truly magical season, I’m sure you’re tired of hearing me say that. If we forget about driving in the snow, or getting up early to shovel, there is truly so much beauty to the winter season.

It screams romance – warm fires, snow falling on the gorgeous PNW landscape, winter fashion, crisp flowers, and the smell of pine. There is SO much to love about the winter season, but it does require some extra planning just for the winter months. Not only do you have to navigate the cold weather, but you’ll have to navigate the cold terrain and set up some extra support for your guests. So, let’s talk about what to do and what not to do when planning your winter wonderland wedding. 

DO send out save the dates with ample time. 
Save the dates are a must if you are planning a winter wedding, especially if your winter wedding is a location where snow is a definite yes. Not only can the wintery location impact travel, but the winter season is also the holiday season. Many families and friends may book holiday trips far in advance. So, in order to give your guests ample notice, especially if your wedding date is near a holiday, send out your save the dates in advance. And we mean well in advance. This may be a year out if needed. If you want to send out formal save the dates six months prior, send out a digital option through e-mail or text message to get the date and location squared away. You’ll want to give your guests time to research and book airfare if needed. 

DO create a backup plan. 
If you’ve read any of our summer blogs, you know we are BIG fans of creating a backup plan. But back up plans are not just for our spring and summer brides. You may not be anticipating rain fall, but a snow storm, or a closed highway pass may impact your wedding date. If it snows your guests out, or delays travel in the airways there may be a need to adjust. This also includes planning your wedding ceremony at an earlier time, due to the shorter days and to avoid your guests driving in the dangerous winter weather late at night. Be prepared for it all and create a backup plan, or hey maybe two. 

DO be clear about the dress-code and location. 
If you have guests traveling from out of town, or are doing a destination wedding, you will need to research the weather and communicate with your guest list and wedding party. You will want to communicate via mass text, e-mail, or through your wedding website what to expect and how to dress appropriately for the weather. You do not want your guests to come unprepared or shiver the night away. Guests will worry less if they remain warm and comfortable throughout the day and/or evening. 

DO keep your guests warm and toasty. 
Even if your wedding is inside, trust us – those temps can drop and your venue may not have the capacity to keep it heated to temps that are warm and toasty for everyone. As well as communicating the dress code, be sure to ask and research reviews of your venue during the winter season. Barns, wineries etc., will get chilly and you want to provide additional information for guests to stay warm or get warm at your wedding. We love the idea of creating spaces for warmth, such as outdoor heaters or a warm fireplace. You can add baskets of blankets throughout the wedding ceremony and reception, or hand out scarves and mittens. Trust us – if your guests are cold, chances are they will get uncomfortable quickly and will have a hard time enjoying themselves and will end up calling it a night early. 

DO create a seasonal-appropriate menu and bar menu 
Stay true to the season and keep your guests’ tummies satisfied and warm with seasonal foods. Offer hot items such as roast, prime rib, and warm sides to play on seasonal flavors. You can also create a bar menu with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages such as hot cocoa, apple cider, or a classic hot toddy. 

DO plan on a coat check. 
If you’re planning your wedding in a location that requires snow boots, gloves, mittens, and hats, work with your venue to create a coat check. You guests may have to walk through wintery weather and you definitely don’t want them to have to lug around all of their gear. Whether you hire someone to man the coat check, or create a self-check system, plan on having an area dedicated to store all their warm winter attire. And while we are on the top or winter weather gear, do not forget yours – and allow your wedding party to dress for the weather! It is possible to find something timeless and classic but stay warm. Whether you opt on a long sleeve wedding gown or add a cape for an accessory, there is no reason to freeze the night away. Stay warm, too. 

DON’T stay outside for hours on end to take photos. 
It’s not worth it girl. Yes, we know you want “THE” wedding photo, but freezing and keeping your wedding party in the chilly temps isn’t fun for anyone. Work with your wedding photographer to find spaces inside that can be the perfect setting for your wedding photo. If you want all your photos outside, we suggest proper outerwear and taking breaks to warm up inside. You can suggest that your photographer scout additional places to take photos, or find a stellar venue to get ready in that provides places to take photos inside.

DON’T forget about your guests. 
Your guests are here to support you. Many will travel during the winter months through weather and holidays to support you and your partner. You want to ensure that your guests are taken care of, from accommodations, to transportation, and warmth. Keep an open line of communication with all of your guests, and create a mutual understanding that it may not be the best, or most affordable, time for all your guests to make it. The holiday season can be a financial stress for many families, so don’t take it too hard if your loved ones cannot make it. 

DON’T challenge Mother Nature. 
Winter is unpredictable. If you’re having an event that is a snowy destination, with guests traveling in, you will need to be prepared that there may be a snow storm, blizzard, or transportation may be at a standstill. There needs to be a clear line in which you call it a day, and a true Act of God, in which safety of yourselves, wedding party, and loved ones is more important. The show cannot go on in dangerous weather, and no one will hate you for it. 

Just because you’re out of the peak wedding months doesn’t mean that a winter wedding requires less planning. It will still take adequate planning and you will still have to follow the planning checklist and remember all of the details. But, unlike a summer wedding, there are elements of winter weather that can greatly impact your wedding day. Do remember your guests’ time, budgets, and overall comfort. And don’t forget that mother nature plays a large role in the winter time and things may not happen according to plan. But, if you do create a plan B, and maybe even a plan C, your wedding will truly be a winter wonderland, full of love and magic. So, enjoy the season – we know we will. 

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Lori Losee is the owner of Elegant Affairs, a Tacoma Wedding Planner with over 19 years of experience. We create awe-inspiring experiences—Events filled with meaning and refined elegance. Behind the scenes, our experienced team collaborates on each stage of the process, executing your vision and a wedding, celebration, or corporate event that is unique to you.

The Real Timeline: What Actually Happens Behind the Scenes of a Perfect Wedding Day

Ever wonder what REALLY goes on behind the scenes to make a wedding day run flawlessly? As Seattle and Tacoma's premier wedding planning team, we're pulling back the curtain to show you exactly what happens behind those picture-perfect moments. Trust us – there's WAY more happening than meets the eye!

The Secret Sauce: Your Wedding Day Timeline

Let's dive into what a real wedding day looks like, from sunrise to sendoff. Spoiler alert: Your wedding planner starts WAY before you even wake up!

5:00 AM - The Early Bird Magic Begins While you're dreaming of your big moment, your Seattle wedding planning team is already in action. We're:

• Checking weather reports (because PNW weather loves to keep us on our toes!)

• Confirming all vendor arrival times

• Reviewing backup plans (yes, we always have multiple!)

• Double-checking our emergency kits

6:00 AM - Vendor Communication Central Time to activate our vendor dream team! We're:

• Sending final timeline reminders to all vendors

• Confirming loading dock schedules with the venue

• Coordinating with the setup crew

• Starting our detailed checklist for the day

7:00 AM - Venue Setup Begins This is where the real transformation happens! We're:

• Meeting the setup crew at the venue

• Directing furniture placement

• Organizing décor elements

• Setting up weather contingency plans (because Seattle weather, right?)

8:00 AM - The Detail Magic While you're starting your hair and makeup, we're:

• Setting up ceremony details

• Arranging reception tables

• Coordinating with the florist

• Placing personal touches throughout the venue

Pro Tip: Ever wonder why we're so obsessed with timelines? Because timing is EVERYTHING on your wedding day. One small delay can create a domino effect – but don't worry, that's why we build in buffer time throughout the day!

9:00 AM - Bridal Party Prep Time While you're getting glammed up, we're:

• Setting up the bridal suite

• Organizing bridesmaids' gifts

• Steaming dresses (yes, they always need it!)

• Coordinating breakfast and lunch deliveries

10:00 AM - Vendor Parade This is when the magic really starts happening! We're coordinating:

• Florist deliveries and setup

• Rental item arrivals

• Catering team setup

• Audio/visual equipment installation

11:00 AM - The Details Dance Time for those picture-perfect moments to come together:

• Placing ceremony details

• Setting up the welcome area

• Arranging signage

• Preparing the cocktail hour space

12:00 PM - Final Touches & First Looks While you're putting on your dress, we're:

• Coordinating with the photography team

• Setting up first look locations

• Doing final ceremony space checks

• Preparing family photo locations

1:00 PM - Pre-Ceremony Magic This is when everything starts feeling REAL:

• Organizing the wedding party

• Coordinating with musicians

• Preparing ceremony cues

• Setting up guest arrival stations

2:00 PM - Guest Arrival & Ceremony Prep The excitement is building! We're:

• Directing guests to their seats

• Coordinating with the officiant

• Preparing the wedding party

• Managing any last-minute details

3:00 PM - Ceremony Time! While you're saying "I do," we're:

• Cueing music

• Managing the timeline

• Coordinating with photographers

• Preparing for the reception flip

4:00 PM - The Famous "Flip" During cocktail hour, we're executing the quickest transformation you've ever seen:

• Flipping the ceremony space

• Setting up reception details

• Coordinating with the catering team

• Preparing grand entrance logistics

5:00 PM - Reception Ready Time for the party! We're managing:

• Grand entrance coordination

• Timeline communications with vendors

• Meal service timing

• Speech coordination

6:00 PM - Party Time Management While you're enjoying dinner, we're:

• Coordinating with the DJ/band

• Managing meal service

• Preparing for special dances

• Setting up late-night elements

7:00 PM - Special Moments During the dancing and celebrating, we're:

• Coordinating special dances

• Managing cake cutting

• Preparing for late-night snacks

• Organizing send-off details

10:00 PM - The Grand Finale During your epic send-off, we're:

• Coordinating with vendors

• Managing guest departure

• Organizing personal items

• Preparing for cleanup

11:00 PM - The Invisible Cleanup After you've driven away, we're still going strong:

• Supervising vendor cleanup

• Packing up personal items

• Securing gifts and cards

• Doing final venue checks

Why Having a Seattle Wedding Planner Matters

See all those behind-the-scenes moments? That's why having a professional wedding planner is CRUCIAL. We're not just planning your wedding – we're orchestrating an entire day of perfectly timed moments that create your dream celebration.

The Elegant Affairs Difference

With over 19 years of experience planning weddings in Seattle and Tacoma, we know exactly what it takes to make your wedding day flow seamlessly. Our attention to detail, vendor relationships, and ability to handle anything that comes our way (hello, surprise PNW weather!) means you get to actually ENJOY your wedding day instead of worrying about the details.

Ready to Start Planning Your Dream Wedding?

Want to know more about how we can make your wedding day absolutely perfect? Let's chat! Book your complimentary consultation with our Seattle wedding planning team, and let's start creating your dream wedding timeline.

Remember: Your wedding day should feel like magic to you – leave the behind-the-scenes orchestration to us!

Ready to start planning your perfect wedding day? Book your complimentary consultation now! Limited dates available for 2025 and 2026 weddings in Seattle, Tacoma, and surrounding areas.

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Lori Losee is the owner of Elegant Affairs, a Tacoma Wedding Planner with over 19 years of experience. We create awe-inspiring experiences—Events filled with meaning and refined elegance. Behind the scenes, our experienced team collaborates on each stage of the process, executing your vision and a wedding, celebration, or corporate event that is unique to you.