Decor that looks beautiful in a studio does not always survive the Arctic. Cold stiffens fabric, drains batteries, cracks glass and turns condensation into frost. A wedding stylist working in Lapland learns early that the materials chosen matter as much as the design. The good news is that the materials which perform best in the cold are also among the most beautiful.
Fabrics that hold their drape
Wool, heavy linen, felted fabrics and brushed cotton keep their softness in low temperatures. Silk and fine synthetics tend to cling, crease and lose their fall, so we use them sparingly, usually indoors. For outdoor runners and drapes, we choose weights that will not blow about in wind and that look natural when dusted with snow. Our textiles and soft decor collection is built around materials proven in these conditions.
Natural materials as allies
Birch, spruce, juniper, antler, reindeer hide and stone have been part of Arctic life for centuries, because they work. They do not look out of place in the snow, they do not suffer from cold, and they bring warmth to a landscape that can feel stark. We explore these in the natural materials behind Lapland wedding styling.
Glass, metal and temperature
Glass is among the most beautiful materials in winter, because it holds candlelight and reflects snow. However, thin glass can crack when a hot flame meets freezing air. We use thicker, tempered or cold-rated glass, and allow items to adjust gradually to temperature. Metal, such as brass or iron, becomes very cold to touch, so we avoid it where guests will handle it without gloves, such as on the backs of chairs.
Candles and light sources
Standard candles can become brittle, smoke more and burn unevenly at very low temperatures. We choose candles formulated for cold conditions, protected in glass, and supplement them with high-quality flameless lights where needed. Batteries lose power quickly in cold, so we use lithium cells and keep spares warm. Our lighting design guide describes our approach.
Flowers and greenery
Cut flowers can freeze within minutes outdoors. We choose hardy foliage, dried grasses, preserved blooms and a few robust fresh flowers kept warm until the last moment. For outdoor moments, we often design around greenery and texture, and place the delicate blooms indoors. See our notes on floral decor for more.
Structures and arches
An arch in Lapland has to withstand wind, weight of snow and ground that may be frozen solid. We build with stable bases, weighted anchors and materials chosen for strength. Light, decorative structures that look charming in a sunny garden can topple in a gust. Our arches and backdrops are designed with Arctic conditions in mind.
Paper and printed items
Paper curls and softens in damp air, and ink can run. For outdoor signage, we choose weatherproof materials, such as wood, slate or acrylic, and keep paper items indoors or protected. Menus and place cards are placed only once the room is warm. Our LED signs are another reliable option for outdoor lettering.
Transport and storage
Materials also need to travel in the cold. Fragile items are packed with insulation, and anything sensitive is kept warm until needed. Our piece on decor logistics explains how we manage this.
Beauty that lasts
The best materials for a Lapland winter are honest, tactile and calm. They suit the landscape, they perform in the conditions, and they feel right to the touch. When materials and place agree, the design looks effortless.
Begin the conversation
If you would like advice on materials for your own winter wedding, we would be glad to help. If you would like to talk it through, send us a message with your dates and a few words about the atmosphere you have in mind. We reply within one business day.
