There's a reason Christmas trees are popular well before and after Christmas. The decorated plants prevail from the time just after Thanksgiving up until New Year's Day, mostly due to the emotions they evoke. Christmas trees are often sentimental, especially when decorated with meaningful ornaments, or when present at family gatherings year after year. They also inspire excitement and wonder, as we anxiously await opening the gifts stored beneath them.
Aside from their emotional elements, Christmas trees are just plain pretty, and can even be awe-inspiring when they're tall and festive enough. The options are nearly endless when it comes to adorning them, and when they're real, their good looks are complemented by their lovely scents.
While we're talking Christmas trees up, might we suggest incorporating them into your wintertime wedding? Tons of brides and grooms have used them for holiday and seasonal affairs alike, whether they went with actual trees or included tree-inspired details instead. We've seen wedding stationery with tree motifs, wedding ceremonies with tree-lined aisles, wedding receptions with ornaments-turned-escort cards, and much, much more.
As you're planning your festive winter event, keep Christmas trees in mind. The décor elements are stunning in their classic form, or reimagined in new, creative ways. To help you plan, we put together a list of some non-cheesy Christmas tree-inspired wedding ideas. These work well for pre-wedding events and the big day itself, and no matter which one you choose, your guests are sure to be impressed, not to mention filled with Christmastime joy.
Festive Place Settings
This Christmas tree-inspired place setting was adorably festive.
Outdoor Decorations
Choose a ceremony venue where you can decorate outside, or one that's known for having pretty Christmas trees out front.
Ceremony Backdrop
Place a row of medium-sized trees behind the spot where you plan to exchange your vows.
Tree-Like Desserts
This Christmastime wedding had a croquembouche dessert, which deliciously resembled a Christmas tree.
Ornament Favors
Hang favors for guests on a Christmas tree at your reception. You can either personalize them, or provide a range of options and have attendees choose the one they like best to take home.
Farm Venue
A Christmas-tree farm is a unique setting for a rehearsal dinner or other pre-wedding event, not to mention the nuptial celebration itself.
Christmas Proposal
Embrace Christmas trees even before the wedding. This groom-to-be surprised his future bride with a proposal written on a Christmas ornament.
Christmas Seating Display
At this holiday celebration, guests' names and table assignments were written on Christmas ornaments.
Tree Centerpieces
These small evergreen centerpieces were both rustic and festive.
Alternative Christmas Trees
Escort cards hung from the branches of barren trees at this wintertime wedding. The seating displays looked like modern Christmas trees.
Evergreen Accents
If you don't want actual trees at your wedding, small sprigs are a subtle alternative. These ones were fastened to the wedding's programs.
Christmas Gift Station
Have guests place their wedding gifts beneath a Christmas tree, just like they would with Christmas presents.
Tall Trees
At this holiday celebration, large Christmas trees framed the venue's fireplace.
Festive Garlands
The way these garlands were hung mimics the pointed shape of a Christmas tree, making for abstract, tree-inspired ceremony décor.
Festive Backdrops
A lit-up Christmas tree will look lovely in the background of any wedding photo.
Warm Lighting
Give your wedding a comforting glow with the help of classic Christmas trees.
Lounge Seating
Make your wedding lounge feel extra cozy with a lit Christmas tree for décor.
Mini Trees
Mini evergreen trees can be placed on your gift table, dessert table, or wherever else you want for a Christmastime touch.
Tree Motifs
Christmas-tree motifs can be sprinkled throughout your event. This wedding's welcome bag featured pretty evergreen trees.
Festive Portraits
Posing in front of a Christmas tree is a timeless choice for a holiday celebration.
Tree-Inspired Stationery
Pine trees make pretty accents on wedding stationery. Add ornaments, bows, or other decorations to them for save-the-dates and invites that are even more festive.
Indoor Trees
Big evergreen trees were placed beside the tables at this wedding.
Tree Favors
Let your guests take home mini trees to plant in their backyards.
Unique Christmas Tree
Christmas trees don't have to be basic. This wedding included a large, red version, which was made from beautiful poinsettias.
Christmas Tree Ornament
Fill your welcome bags with holiday-related goodies, including a mini tree-shaped ornament.