Sugared lemons* and potted paperwhites are the perfect decor elements for a winter wedding: simple, sophisticated, and lovely, as well as DIY- and budget-friendly (without necessarily looking DIY or budget-friendly). Clear beads strung on a bendable wire turn into a pretty table number, and lemon curd adds color to a simple buttercream cake (okay, this 5-tiered cake isn’t exactly, but you could spread lemon curd on the top of smaller layer cakes for a similar effect that is, in fact, simple). And what’s in that little favor box that doubles as a place card? How about lemon drops, or pate de fruit. (Edible favors always seem like a good idea to me: if your guests leave them behind, you’re stuck with lots of yummy treats instead of, say, 100 miniature picture frames.) Notice that this isn’t really a yellow wedding; it’s a winter white wedding with just a pop of color. For those brides who are unsure about color, and who can’t afford to hire a professional designer to direct your aesthetic choices, my suggestion is this: stick with a neutral background (preferably white), and use one color sparingly. It’s hard to go wrong with a {white + one color} palette.

*Directions for making sugared fruit.

Mood: sweet and simple winter wedding
Palette: sugared lemon yellow, crisp paperwhite

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Top row from left: sugared lemon centerpiece with beaded table number from Martha Stewart Weddings, ruffled dress via This is Glamorous, paperwhites from Brides
Row 2: calligraphy favor box and lemon curd wedding cake both from Martha Stewart Weddings
Row 3: white flower girl dresses from Martha Stewart Weddings, narcissus and freesia bouquet by Artfool, snowy house photo by Cameron Purdy
Row 4: paperwhite centerpiece by Artfool, Alee & Press blind letterpress invitation suite and eaux-de-vie both from Martha Stewart Weddings