Choosing your winter wedding colours can be both exciting and overwhelming.
With so many stunning seasonal hues available, how do you decide what suits your style, theme, and venue best?
In this guide, we’ll walk you through top winter wedding colour palettes, from timeless black and white to bold jewel tones.
Whether you’re planning a chic city celebration or a cosy countryside affair, you’ll find inspiration to match your vision.
1. Timeless Black and White
Why it works: A black and white wedding colour scheme is crisp, elegant, and seasonally appropriate. The contrast mimics the beauty of winter—think of snow-covered streets under the night sky.
How to style it:
- Dress the wedding party in sleek black attire
- Use white flowers with black vases or candle holders
- Set your reception tables with black plates and white linens
- Choose a white cake with black ribbon details or polka dots
Perfect for: Modern couples, luxury weddings, and black-tie affairs.
2. Cranberry, Dark Teal, and Wood Tones
Why it works: This rich, earthy palette brings together rustic charm and holiday warmth without feeling cliché.
How to style it:
- Use cranberry-coloured flowers for bouquets or centrepieces
- Add dark teal table runners or bridesmaid dresses
- Incorporate wooden elements like rattan chargers or wooden cutlery
- Decorate with farmhouse-style tables and string lights
Perfect for: Rustic winter weddings, barn venues, or festive yet non-traditional celebrations.
3. Emerald Green and Navy Blue
Why it works: Jewel tones like emerald and navy are elegant, regal, and rich—ideal for a luxurious winter setting.
How to style it:
- Use velvet fabrics for table runners, napkins, or even gowns
- Add gold accents to tableware, signage, or accessories
- Incorporate greenery like garlands or tree branches
- Use wooden cross-back chairs for a natural finish
Perfect for: Forest or castle weddings, couples seeking bold, dramatic colour schemes.
4. White and Gold: A Glamorous Winter Wedding Palette
Why it works: While white and silver are classic winter tones, white and gold offer warmth and sophistication with a touch of opulence.
How to style it:
- Line your aisle with mirrored gold panels and white petals
- Use white linens with gold flatware and charger plates
- Add golden candle holders and snow-dusted centrepieces
- Go for a statement cake in white with gold foil details
Perfect for: Glamorous weddings, city venues, and luxury bridal celebrations.
5. Classic Red and Green with a Modern Twist
Why it works: Red and green are timeless holiday colours, and when styled tastefully, they can feel festive without looking like a Christmas party.
How to style it:
- Use red roses, berries, and evergreen sprigs in floral arrangements
- Add plaid blankets, birchwood decor, and pinecones for texture
- Style the bridesmaids in deep red velvet and the groomsmen in forest green
- Choose linens in modern patterns or textures for a fresh spin
Perfect for: Christmas weddings, couples embracing the season, or cosy mountain lodge celebrations.
Bonus Tips for Choosing Your Winter Wedding Colours
Still unsure what direction to take?
Here are a few tips to guide your decision-making:
1. Consider Your Venue
- Historic venues pair well with rich, dark tones
- Bright modern spaces suit clean contrasts like black and white
- Barns or lodges complement woodsy, earthy palettes
2. Think About Mood
- Jewel tones feel dramatic and luxurious
- Neutrals and golds feel warm and romantic
- Contrasts (like black and white) feel chic and contemporary
3. Use Texture to Add Depth
- Velvet, faux fur, metallics, and wood all enhance a winter palette
- Layer your materials to create richness in photos and styling
How to Incorporate Your Colour Palette into the Wedding Day
Once you’ve chosen your palette, here are ways to bring it to life:
Attire
- Bridesmaids’ dresses and groomsmen’s ties or suits
- Bridal accessories like shoes, capes, or earrings
Ceremony Decor
- Aisle markers, altar florals, or a winter greenery arch
- Accent candles or draped fabrics in your colour tones
Reception Styling
- Tablecloths, runners, and napkins
- Floral arrangements and centrepieces
- Place cards, menus, and signage
Cake and Stationery
- Coloured cake icing, flowers, or gold leaf accents
- Invitations, save-the-dates, and thank-you cards that match
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I mix and match different colour palettes for different aspects of my wedding?
Absolutely! You can choose one palette for your ceremony and another for your reception, or incorporate different colours into your bridal party attire, decor, and florals. Just ensure that they complement each other for a cohesive look.
What if I don’t want to stick to seasonal colours?
You’re free to express your style with non-seasonal colours! Choosing a palette that reflects your personality rather than conforming to seasonal expectations can make your wedding feel more authentic to you.
What are some colour combinations that are not commonly seen but might work for winter weddings?
Consider combinations like plum and silver, blush and mint, or mustard and navy, as they can create a distinctive look while still conveying the essence of winter.
Planning a UK Winter Wedding? Let’s Capture the Magic
As UK-based wedding photographers, we’re passionate about turning your winter wonderland wedding into timeless photographs.
From moody winter lighting to glamorous candlelit receptions, Big Day Productions is here to document every beautiful moment.
Contact us today to learn more about our UK winter wedding photography services.
