| Planning a Christmas wedding can be a great way | | | | that favorite chocolate fountain a twist of flavor - |
| to combine your special day with the magic of | | | | peppermint flavor. Cinnamon bears reign as the |
| the holidays. For brides planning their wedding | | | | popular dipping item for chocolate fountains this |
| around the holidays, here are a few suggestions | | | | winter, and not only for peppermint-flavored |
| to have you walking in your own winter | | | | fountains. Milk and dark chocolate please the pallet |
| wonderland. | | | | as well with this spicy snack. In addition to the |
| FLOWERS: | | | | chocolate fountains, serve hot bread pudding and |
| If you're getting married in the winter around | | | | pumpkin pie as desserts for your reception. Or |
| Christmastime, why not embrace the season? | | | | select pumpkin spice and cream cheese filling for |
| "There's something magical about the winter | | | | your wedding cake to stay true to the season. |
| season - bring those elements in. Lots of red, | | | | However simple or lavish you're planning your big |
| especially the darkest crimson blooms such as | | | | day, utilize the winter season to your advantage. |
| black magic roses, create bold, stunning | | | | Give your guests those extra details that will |
| arrangements. A traditional red rose is a safe way | | | | have them remembering your wedding whenever |
| to play it and then pick other elements to jazz it | | | | winter season rolls in. |
| up a bit. Add to those roses some additional | | | | DECORATIVE DETAILS: |
| details chocolate cosmos, hypericum berries, | | | | Use Christmas ornaments in place of traditional |
| pepper berries, and winter berries. For a good pop | | | | guest cards. Simply attach a small card and ribbon |
| of color, submerging cranberries in the vases of | | | | with their name imprinted on the ornament. Or |
| water. If red is not in your wedding pallet, another | | | | hand paint each name on the individual ornaments. |
| option awaits. There is nothing more beautiful than | | | | Your guests will remember your wedding for |
| a traditional white wedding. Not only does the cold | | | | years to come each time they place their |
| air prevent white petals from browning around | | | | ornament on their Christmas tree. Dip candy |
| the edges, but your blooms will also reflect | | | | canes in white or dark chocolate and wrap them |
| winter's snowy ambiance. Pair white roses with | | | | in plastic bags tied with a simple red or white |
| green berries, combine dramatic amaryllis with | | | | ribbon. Give away these treats as your favor at |
| white gazer lilies, or couple green and white | | | | the end of your wedding reception. Display gifts in |
| cymbidium orchids. With all of the romance your | | | | a sleigh or under an evergreen decorated with |
| blooms will exude, make sure you're not the only | | | | pictures of the couple. Instead of a star or angel |
| ones enjoying kissing throughout the evening. | | | | as the tree topper, use a bride and groom in its |
| Hang mistletoe in entryways or any other place | | | | place. Before you walk down the aisle, have your |
| guests might want to share a smooch. This | | | | flower girl toss imitation snow or miniature |
| romantic seasonal green also works well as an | | | | snowflakes in place of flower petals. Replace the |
| accent to all floral arrangements, including | | | | wedding march with a slow-paced, instrumental |
| corsages and boutonnieres. | | | | holiday tune. Fill your reception with sweet winter |
| CATERING: | | | | aromas. Boil apple cider with floating oranges and |
| To keep your guests warm on the inside with the | | | | cinnamon sticks in various hidden corners of the |
| cold winter chill outside, add a hot chocolate and | | | | room. Or light deeply scented evergreen candles |
| wassail cider bar to your reception beverage | | | | to bring the outdoors in. |
| station. Spicing up your hot drinks with cinnamon | | | | There's no denying the romance of the winter |
| sticks for stirring and cinnamon & nutmeg | | | | season: gently falling snow, softly glimmering lights |
| for toppings. Keep that chocolate coming. Give | | | | and sweetly scented evergreens. |