An Intimate Bridal Brunch in A Christmassy Cabin +Planning Tips
Planning to Be A Christmas Bride? You’ll Love This Christmas Tree Farm Wedding Dream
When this festive winter styled shoot dropped into our inbox last week we just knew it would be the perfect shoot to share with you all on Christmas eve! Especially since it features some of those classic elements that we all know and love! Cue the Christmas tree farm, the wreaths and the colour pops of red and green…
“For this inspiration shoot, the designers at The Bride Link and Custom Love Gifts wanted to portray a winter wedding nestled in the trees with some timeless yet unexpected rustic details. Bluebird Christmas Tree Farm in Blaine, Tennessee, was the perfect outdoor setting for JOPHOTO to capture the soft lighting close to sunset. The soft lighting continued into the night with vintage candlesticks from Vintage Inspirations lighting the path through the trees. The couple was framed by two vintage doors from Restoration Rentals that were embellished with adorable and easy DIY wreaths created by LB Floral. The evergreen details were repeated in winter inspired bouquet. A classic hairstyle and soft smoky eye by Southern Belle Beauty complimented the bride’s elegant pearl necklace. The gown from White Lace & Promises was topped with a fitted flannel shirt that had a hint of silver thread to add a touch of elegance to the rustic pattern. The flannel flair continued in the groom’s bow tie with a rustic denim shirt and elegant tailored suit, all from Coachmen’s Clothiers.”
Super Suppliers:
Photographer: JoPhoto//Other Location:Bluebird Christmas Tree Farm//Tuxedo and Mens Attire:Coachman Clothiers//Favors and Gifts: Custom Love Gifts//Equipment Rentals:Event Rentals by Rothchild//Floral Designer: LB Floral//Lighting:Ogle Entertainment & Light Design//Heirlooms and extras: Restoration Rentals//Hair Stylist: Southern Belle Beauty//Dress Store: White Lace & Promises//PR Rep: The Bride Link// Submitted via Two Bright Lights //
Tips For Becoming a Christmas Bride
There’s a special kind of magic in becoming a Christmas bride. The holiday season, with its warm glow and sparkling charm, sets the perfect tone for a festive and memorable wedding. However, pulling off a Christmas-themed wedding requires careful planning to ensure the season’s joys outweigh any potential stress. Here are some tried-and-true tips to make your big day truly magical.
1. Set the Date Early – Like, Yesterday
Christmas is prime time for parties, family gatherings, and corporate events, which means venues and vendors book up fast. As a Christmas bride, securing your date early is crucial to avoid disappointment. If you’re eyeing a December wedding, aim to book venues, caterers, and photographers at least a year in advance.
Our Experience: I once worked with a couple who booked their wedding at a cozy lodge for Christmas Eve. It was magical, but they had to finalize their reservations 18 months out! Planning ahead also allowed them to snag some great holiday-themed rentals before the rush hit.
2. Embrace the Holiday Spirit Without Overdoing It
It’s easy to go overboard with the Christmas theme—tinsel and poinsettias everywhere can make it feel more like Santa’s workshop than a wedding. Instead, incorporate subtle touches: evergreen garlands, candles in vintage holders, and a colour palette of deep greens, reds, and whites with metallic accents. Think timeless, not tacky.
Our Experience: One bride we worked with added a luxurious velvet green ribbon to her bouquet and had her table settings adorned with cinnamon sticks and sprigs of rosemary. These understated details complemented the season beautifully without overwhelming the overall aesthetic.
3. Weatherproof Your Plans
Winter weddings come with their own set of logistical challenges. Snow, icy roads, or even freezing rain can create delays for guests and vendors. Make sure to have contingency plans in place. Book indoor spaces for both the ceremony and reception, and inform guests of potential weather risks so they can plan accordingly.
Our Experience: During one winter wedding, guests were delayed due to unexpected snowfall. Luckily, the couple had arranged for shuttles to transport everyone from nearby hotels. A hot cocoa station at the venue was a lifesaver, keeping everyone warm while waiting.
4. Coordinate with Holiday Decor
Many venues are already decked out for the holidays, which can save you money on decorations—but it also means you’ll need to work with what’s there. Visit the venue beforehand to see their decor style and plan your wedding colours and themes around it.
Our Experience: At one church wedding, the venue had already put up a towering Christmas tree adorned with gold ornaments. The bride cleverly matched her table centrepieces to the tree’s colour scheme, creating a cohesive and elegant atmosphere.
5. Feed Your Guests with Festive Cheer
The holidays are all about indulgence, so let your menu reflect that! Consider serving traditional seasonal treats like roasted turkey, cranberry sauce, and spiced desserts. Signature cocktails like eggnog martinis or mulled wine add a festive flair.
Our Experience: A couple once had a holiday-themed dessert table with gingerbread cookies, fruitcake, and a hot cider bar. Guests loved the seasonal twist, and the smell of cinnamon and nutmeg added a cozy touch to the atmosphere.
6. Choose a Timeless Bridal Look with a Seasonal Twist
As a Christmas bride, your attire should reflect the season without compromising on elegance. Add a winter-inspired accessory like a faux-fur shawl, a sparkly headband, or even a deep red lip. Long-sleeved wedding dresses are also a stunning nod to winter fashion.
Our Experience: One bride wore a gown with intricate snowflake embroidery on the bodice and a dramatic cathedral veil. She paired it with a red bouquet and a matching lip for a striking winter-inspired look that was both bold and classic.
7. Keep Guest Comfort in Mind
Winter weddings mean chilly weather, so make sure your guests are comfortable. Provide blankets or shawls if your venue has outdoor elements, and opt for a coat check if needed.
Our Experience: At a barn wedding we covered, the couple provided fleece blankets for the guests. They were inexpensive yet thoughtful touches that doubled as keepsakes for the guests to take home.
8. Be Mindful of the Holiday Hustle
December is one of the busiest months of the year. Send out your save-the-dates well in advance, ideally 8–10 months ahead, so guests can mark their calendars. Additionally, be considerate of their holiday budgets when choosing travel-heavy destinations or extravagant gift expectations.
Our Experience: A couple once hosted their Christmas wedding close to their family’s homes to reduce travel costs. They also set up a group discount with a local hotel, ensuring their guests had affordable accommodations during the peak season.
Becoming a Christmas bride is about blending the magic of the holiday season with the romance of your wedding day. By planning thoughtfully and embracing the spirit of the season, you can create a celebration that’s as unforgettable as it is heartwarming.
For more tips on winter weddings, check out The Knot’s Winter Wedding Planning Guide.
