Jewel tones make a winter wedding feel warm, rich and luxurious. Burgundy and emerald are a natural pair, deep enough to glow by candlelight and festive without feeling like a Christmas party. Here's how to use them well.
Why burgundy and emerald work
Both colors are deep and saturated, so they balance each other. Burgundy brings romance and warmth. Emerald brings freshness and a touch of glamour. Together they suit late fall, Christmas and New Year's weddings.
Start with your stationery
Your invitation sets the palette. Our Festive Burgundy Christmas suite pairs rich burgundy blooms with evergreen foliage on ivory. The Festive Green Christmas suite leads with emerald wreaths and poinsettias. For a more traditional look, the Christmas Red & Green collection uses classic red and pine.
Colors to pair with jewel tones
- Ivory or cream to keep things light
- Gold for candlelit warmth
- Blush to soften burgundy
- Deep navy for extra drama
- Natural wood for a rustic touch
Flowers
- Burgundy dahlias, ranunculus and roses
- Deep red amaryllis
- Eucalyptus, pine and cedar
- Dark berries and magnolia leaves
- Ivory blooms to lift the palette
Tablescapes
Velvet table runners in burgundy or emerald, gold flatware, taper candles and lots of greenery create a warm, inviting table. Add menus and place cards in your invitation design so every detail matches.
Attire
Burgundy or emerald bridesmaid dresses look stunning in winter, especially in velvet or satin. Groomsmen can wear black, navy or emerald velvet jackets with burgundy ties.
Finishing touches
- Velvet ribbon tied around invitation suites
- Burgundy or gold wax seals
- Envelope liners in a matching pattern
- Candlelight everywhere
Keep it balanced
Jewel tones are strong, so use plenty of ivory, cream or gold to give the eye somewhere to rest. One lead color with the other as an accent usually looks more elegant than equal amounts of both.
Cake and dessert ideas
A white cake with burgundy and emerald flowers, deep red berries or gold leaf looks stunning against jewel-toned decor. For dessert tables, try chocolate, spiced treats and dark fruit tarts, labeled with small cards in your invitation design.
Jewel tones in your stationery suite
Carry your colors through every piece:
- Envelopes: deep emerald or burgundy envelopes with gold or white ink.
- Envelope liners: a botanical pattern that peeks out when guests open the invitation.
- Belly bands and stickers: an easy way to add a pop of color to a simple suite.
- Day-of pieces: menus, place cards and table numbers in your invitation design.
Rich colors print beautifully on matte paper, which gives them a velvety finish that suits winter weddings.
The bottom line
Burgundy and emerald create a wedding that feels warm, rich and memorable. Choose your lead color, start with your invitation, and carry the palette through flowers, linens and candlelight. For more ideas, see our winter wedding stationery guide.
