This week we return to our conversation with Risa Kostis, creator of The Rescue Kit Company! Risa and Leah explore the trend of incorporating vintage and consignment pieces into the wedding day. Risa also shares some top tips to travel stress-free with your wedding outfit – no matter how far you’re going!
Find the free E-Book “The Bride’s Guide to Getting Dressed” here!
A winter wedding can be a beautiful and enchanting celebration but keeping your guests warm and comfortable is essential for a memorable experience. By incorporating cozy touches your guests will leave with warm memories of your beautiful winter celebration.
Winter weddings are magical, offering snow-covered backdrops, cozy vibes, and romantic lighting. But as beautiful as they are, they can also bring chilly temperatures, which may leave your guests feeling uncomfortable. As an event director, it’s essential to plan for both the beauty and comfort of your guests. Here are some thoughtful and creative ways to ensure everyone stays warm and enjoys your winter celebration to the fullest.
At Raintree, our three large stone fireplaces, create the perfect warm ambiance. One of the simplest and most effective ways to keep your guests warm and double as a generous wedding favor is to offer cozy blankets. Consider choosing blankets that complement your wedding’s color scheme or the venue’s décor. For a rustic wedding, plaid blankets can add a charming touch, while elegant throws in soft whites or metallics can provide a more luxurious feel.
Warm drinks are another perfect way to keep your guests comfortable during a winter wedding. Consider setting up a hot cocoa or cider station, which not only helps guests warm up but also adds a fun, interactive element to your reception. For a more elevated experience, signature hot cocktails like spiked apple cider, mulled wine, or hot toddies can offer warmth while giving your wedding an extra special touch. Having a warm drink station near the reception entrance will make guests feel instantly welcome as they arrive. I know I would be in heaven if there were a warm chocolate chip cookie station, too!
If your wedding has an outdoor component, such as an outdoor cigar lounge, it’s essential to plan for warmth. Portable outdoor heaters are a fantastic way to keep your guests comfortable without compromising the outdoor experience. If you’re looking to add an extra cozy element, fire pits are another great option. They not only provide warmth but also create a relaxing and intimate atmosphere.
Winter weddings also offer the opportunity for brides to wear stylish, warm fashion. Brides can embrace long-sleeved wedding dresses, faux fur stoles, or even chic capes for a glamorous look. Bridal parties can benefit from stylish winter layers, such as shawls or wraps, to stay warm while posing for photos or during outdoor moments. This way, everyone stays comfortable while still looking fabulous.
Creating a warm atmosphere goes beyond physical warmth—lighting and textiles can play a huge role in setting the tone. Consider using warm lighting such as candles, fairy lights, or string lights to create a cozy, inviting glow. Adding rich textiles, like velvet tablecloths, satin chair sashes, or plush pillows, can enhance the comfort and beauty of your venue. Layering texture in your décor helps add to the cozy ambiance and makes your wedding feel like a perfect winter retreat.
As we look toward 2025, the trends in weddings are more varied than ever — some we love, some we could leave behind, and some are really just a matter of personal taste. Here is what’s gaining traction, what’s fading away, and how to choose the trends that will make your big day truly yours.
1. Sustainability and Upcycled Decor
Couples are opting for sustainable venues, zero-waste practices, repurposed florals, and upcycled decor items are all part of a movement toward more thoughtful celebrations.
Why We Love It: It’s environmentally responsible and often more affordable, plus it creates a wedding that feels grounded and real.
2. Personalized and Custom Elements
Writing your own vows, creating custom cocktails, or even selecting your favorite music for every part of the ceremony and reception is becoming more common. The trend of personalization helps couples tell their unique love story and adds an intimate touch to every moment.
Why We Love It: Personal touches make your wedding feel like you. It’s your story, your values, and your style shining through every detail.
3. Micro Weddings
Micro weddings with smaller guest lists and an emphasis on meaningful connections rather than grand events. This trend allows couples to focus on quality time with their closest loved ones in a more relaxed and private setting.
Why We Love It: It’s less stressful, more budget-friendly, and allows for a more meaningful celebration without the pressure of a large crowd.
4. Technology Integration
Live streaming ceremonies, virtual guestbook signing, and drone photography are all on the rise. While some purists may be skeptical, these tech-savvy elements are helping families and friends who can’t be there in person still feel part of the celebration.
Why We Love It: It keeps loved ones connected, especially when travel isn’t feasible, and it offers unique ways to capture and share memories.
1. Over-the-Top Wedding Decorations
While Pinterest-inspired decor can be stunning, some trends are leaning toward excessive or over-complicated setups that can distract from the day itself. Elaborate installations can take away from the intimate atmosphere of a wedding. These over-the-top decorations and over-complicated setups become over complicated stress.
Why We Don’t Like It: Less is more. Focus on details that matter and create an atmosphere that supports the celebration, not overwhelms it.
2. Trendy Wedding Cakes
The desire for dramatic, multi-tiered cakes with unconventional shapes or crazy color schemes can sometimes fall short of expectations, both in terms of taste and aesthetics. While beautiful cakes can be a part of your day, the trend toward hyper-stylized cakes can feel like a bit too much.
Why We Don’t Like It: Trends like this often sacrifice substance for style. Consider a simpler cake design or even alternative desserts that align more with your taste. A pretty wedding cake for photos and sheet cakes for guests continue to make the nicest cuts.
3. Overly Elaborate Guest Favors
Wedding favors are a nice gesture, but lately, some trends have seen extravagant gift bags and keepsakes that guests rarely use or keep. From fancy candles to monogrammed anything, these can often feel wasteful.
Why We Don’t Like It: It’s a gesture that may not have the lasting impact you intend and adds costs for guests to not use or keep.
4. Too Much Tradition
While honoring cultural or familial traditions is important, some couples feel the pressure to include every tradition, even those that don’t resonate with them. If you’re not a fan of a specific custom, there’s no reason to feel obligated to include it just because it’s “expected.”
Why We Don’t Like It: Weddings should reflect your values, not outdated norms. It’s your day, so choose what makes you feel comfortable and joyful.
Choosing wedding trends that are right for you comes down to understanding what matters most in your celebration. Here are some tips to help guide your decisions:
1. Reflect on Your Personality and Values
Are you a nature lover who values sustainability? A foodie at heart who wants a custom dining experience? Consider what feels authentic to you and your partner and choose trends that align with your interests and passions.
Set a Budget and Prioritize
Weddings can get expensive quickly, so it’s important to be mindful of where you want to invest your money. Do you want a jaw-dropping, statement gown or is it about the music and celebration? Once you know where your budget needs to go, you can choose trends that won’t stretch your finances too thin.
Embrace What Feels Right for You
While some trends may seem cool or popular, it’s crucial to choose elements that reflect your personalities as a couple. Don’t feel pressured by social media or external expectations. Your wedding should feel like your celebration, not a trend showcase.
Keep the Guest Experience in Mind
A wedding is also about the people who celebrate with you. Think about what will make your guests feel included, engaged, and appreciated. This might mean simplifying your decor or adding personal touches that make everyone feel special.
At the end of the day, wedding trends are just that — trends. They come and go, but your love story is unique and timeless. Focus on the aspects of the wedding that reflect you and your partner’s personalities, and choose trends that make your day unforgettable, not just for the photos, but for the joy you feel in the moment. Whether you’re embracing sustainability, keeping it traditional, or making bold fashion choices, the best wedding is the one that feels right for you.
