How to Decorate a Reception Hall for a Winter Wedding

Remember the season as you decorate your winter wedding's reception hall.

If you're having a winter wedding, not only do you want the ceremony site to look beautiful, but you'll likely also wish to transform your reception hall into a winter wonderland. Even if you don't have unlimited time and money, it's fairly easy to turn this dream into a reality. If you're just not sure where to begin, though, simply keep the season in mind as you choose your theme and decorations.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• White Christmas lights
• Poinsettias
• Glass bowls
• Floating candles
• Cranberries
• Ice sculpture
• Christmas trees
• Winter-themed place card holders (e.g., snowflakes, Santas, snowmen)
• Small boxes
• Candy or Christmas cookies
• Wrapping paper

1. Use plenty of white Christmas lights around the reception hall. Even if your wedding reception is after Christmas, they will add soft, romantic light to the area. Use the lights around doors, windows, even on the tables--adorn everything you can with them. If you're getting married after Christmas, hit the after-Christmas sales for extra savings on the lights.

2. Decorate guest tables and serving tables with poinsettias. In season during the winter, poinsettias will be a colorful and appropriate accent to a winter wedding reception. Choose from white, red and even pink poinsettias. Select the color that will look best with the rest of your wedding reception decor. But don't place the poinsettias anywhere they can easily be knocked over.

3. Use floating candles with cranberries as your centerpieces. You'll need glass bowls that are used for floating candles, floating candles in a color like white or cream, and fresh cranberries. Put the cranberries in the water surrounding the candles. They will look vibrant with the glow of the candles, and it's a very cost-effective centerpiece that is easy to assemble.

4. Include an ice sculpture. If you're not sure where to get an ice sculpture, talk to your wedding caterer. Usually this vendor can give you some names to check with. Ice sculptures look stunning and add flair and elegance to any reception hall.

5. Incorporate Christmas trees into the decor. Consider decorating the tree to match your wedding colors. You can place a large, fully decorated Christmas tree in a corner, then scatter mini Christmas trees throughout the reception hall as winter accents.

6. Add snowflake or other winter-themed place card holders. These give a whimsical touch to the guest tables. Other ideas for place card holders include Santas, mini Christmas trees and snowmen.

7. Wrap gifts and put them under the Christmas tree. This is a great way to add to your theme, while also providing your wedding favors. Fill small boxes with candy or Christmas cookies. Wrap each of the boxes with Christmas wrapping paper and place them under the tree. After the reception, have each guest take home one of the gifts as a way to thank them for attending.

Tips & Warnings

• Winter weddings are best as formal events.

• Keep children and pets away from the poinsettias. They are considered poisonous.