Winter wedding styling

A winter wedding can be magical - twinkling lights and dramatic floristry can combine to create enchantment and drama in any venue. I always have to tear myself away from a winter delivery as the light fades outside and the space comes to life.

A sculpted or painted cake can be designed to match any florals

While your florist may not be able to offer the huge range of colourful florals that would be available in the summer, there will be an abundant supply of lush and textural foliage to choose from, such as berried eucalyptus, asparagus fern and alder.

When it comes to flowers I’d steer away from the bright reds and greens that we associate with Christmas and instead opt for dark burgundy, purple, peach and burnt oranges. There will still be dahlias available and statement roses for richness and drama. You could punctuate your displays with dried grasses and seed heads, which will throw light back into the space and make your flowers more visible.

Dark red and burgundy avoid a bright Christmassy look

When it comes to your cake, a busy, painterly design will give the space a baroque, moody character that is perfect for a winter evening celebration in an historic venue (I’m thinking wood panelling, gilt-framed portraits and statement fireplaces). Cascades of painted buttercream flowers can be framed with piped flower spikes and foliage tendrils to match your floristry. Or you could opt for sculpted ganache, perfect for voluminous and textural 3d florals. A dark background will add drama but will only work if your cake will be set up in a bright spot of light. I’d avoid going too dark as the colouring can stain guests’ teeth!

A lighter background will frame the flowers on your cake and will ensure that it can be seen across the venue. As always, be sure to place your cake in front of a plain background. For maximum impact, arrange the space so that guests can see your cake as they arrive in the space. A plinth or high table will give it extra height. If the venue allows, frame it with candlesticks and a flower meadow around the base. I always place a cake on a cake stand or dummy so that it sits above the flowers.