8 Steps to a Ralph Lauren Christmas Wedding

If you keep up with home trends, you may have heard the buzz about one term: Ralph Lauren Christmas. And, if you’re having your big day in winter, you can capture this aesthetic. We have the scoop from experts on what it takes to have a Ralph Lauren Christmas wedding.

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What is a Polo Ralph Lauren Christmas?

One thing comes to mind when thinking about Ralph Lauren’s lines: timelessness. If you look at the clothing put out by the brand—Polo, Lauren, Chaps, and RLX—none of the pieces seem to fit into a specific period. While folks were diving deep into trends, Ralph Lauren was delving into a style. A little bit equestrian, somewhat outdoorsy, but always with a purpose.

“The Ralph Lauren Christmas vibe is a HUGE trend this year for the holidays,” says Danielle Rothweiler, the owner of Rothweiler Event Design in Verona, New Jersey. “There is a nostalgia around this look because it’s essentially a throwback to the colors we used in the ’90s for Christmas.” She suggests thinking in warmer tones, adding candlelight, and committing to using lots of velvet.

The video below by The Beautiful Home gives a great visual glimpse into the Ralph Lauren Christmas trend. It’s like a Pinterest-fest of inspirational photos.

Why think about a Ralph Lauren Christmas wedding?

Did you love that little peek into the vibe? Well, in Rothweiler’s eyes, “Incorporating that look and aesthetic into a holiday wedding is actually very easy.” After all, when you look back at your wedding pictures, they shouldn’t feel dated.

But Rothweiler has another reason that is about sentiment. “This aesthetic works so well for a holiday wedding because a wedding is about joy and love and warmth,” she reveals. “Nothing brings that to life more than the design aspects of a Ralph Lauren Christmas.”

Are you ready to leap and combine Ralph Lauren Christmas decor into your wedding day? Let’s break it down.

8 Elements of a Ralph Lauren Christmas Wedding

1. Use a classic color palette.

One of the biggest ways to set the tone for your big day is through the color palette. A monochromatic Boho palette of browns conveys something different than a day bursting with springy pastels. One way to nail the Ralph Lauren Christmas 2025 trend is to focus on a color scheme.

“Start with a palette of deep pine greens, aubergine red, and dark sapphire blues, accented by candlelight and vintage silver,” recommends Kati Curtis, the principal of her namesake Kati Curtis Design in New York City.

Rothweiler recommends looking to gemstones for inspiration. “Jewel tones are another great way to bring this trend to life at your wedding,” she advises. Deeply colored elements used intentionally will help create an elegant feeling.

Christmas Place Setting

2. Include plaid sparingly (if at all).

With a Ralph Lauren aesthetic, minds jump straight to plaid. And it makes sense as the brand’s shirts, scarves, and jacket linings all include the pattern. However, don’t make your event an explosion of plaid to say you did it. Curtis says that skewing away from the immediate obvious, such as plaids and monograms, can help hone the look.

Rothweiler thinks that innovative applications of plaid can pack a punch when used correctly. “Adding in a tartan linen on the escort card table or the sweetheart table gives that pop you’re looking for without it being too overwhelming,” she says. Of course, if you don’t care for plaid, deep greens and reds will add the coziness the Ralph Lauren trend is known for.

3. Place fresh greens and berries.

Toss (or donate!) the plastic-and-wire combo of fake greenery and opt for fresh greenery instead. Curtis suggests, “Use only natural greenery and layer it with winter berries and white winter blooms to bring a crisp freshness and depth.” You or your florist can forage evergreens, and the scent is an added benefit of utilizing real greenery for your wedding decor.

Fresh Greens as Christmas Wedding Decorations

4. Go all in on candlelight.

You know I’m going to say it. If you’re going to use candles for a Ralph Lauren Christmas wedding, make sure they’re real candles. Of course, make sure they’re safe and won’t start a fire. However, you just can’t beat the real thing!

“Candlelight is very important in keeping with the Ralph Lauren Christmas vibe,” adds Rothweiler. “Opt for clusters of smaller candles in warm gold holders to surround centerpieces filled with evergreen and pine cones.” Candlelight with natural elements has such a stunning impact.

Curtis says that light is critical, so think creatively for all aspects of your special day. From the pre-ceremony to the last lingering hours of the reception, utilize natural flame. “Line aisles with real candlelit lanterns, set tables with taper candles, and look for venues with fireplaces where it is possible for a built-in golden glow,” she advises.

5. Simplify your tablescape.

Simplifying doesn’t necessarily mean being bare. If you love layered plates and lots of greenery, go for it! But if you choose to elevate in areas, scale back in others. For example, Rothweiler says to keep your plates simple and classic. “Use ivory plates, and if you want to add in chargers, pick the clear ones with the gold details around the rim,” she adds.

Curtis says that your wedding reception tabletop should balance refinement with rusticity. “Vintage crystal glassware and polished antique silver paired with wooden chargers and linen napkins” make a beautiful statement.

Christmas Wedding Tablescape

6. Lean into your venue.

A lot hinges on where you have your wedding, and the date may be the first thing that comes to mind. Although the location of your wedding will also impact your decor choices, especially when having a day resembling a Ralph Lauren Christmas.

“When choosing a venue, look for character-filled spaces such as a historic lodge or library, so the architecture itself serves as the decor,” says Curtis. Letting the bones of a venue and its existing decor do the talking can speak volumes.

7. Make a great first impression.

Before your wedding guests arrive, they should know what to expect from your big day. So, your stationery suite should align with the look of a Ralph Lauren Christmas wedding. ”

“Your day of stationery should be warm ivory with gold or brass detailing,” says Rothweiler. “Think about adding velvet ribbons where you can as well here.”

Leaf Invitations

8. Highlight texture.

When color and pattern aren’t appropriate, use texture. It’s incredible what a weave or color-on-color pattern can do. “Using rich colors and textures, like velvet ribbons around the bouquets, wool runners on your dining tables, and cozy cashmere throws in lounge areas, instantly create that RL vibe,” says Curtis.

“First and foremost, a super easy way to use these colors is through your linens,” Rothweiler adds. “You can add in velvet touches through other tables or even in the napkins.” If something that simple can be high-impact, sign me up!

Final Notes on Having a Ralph Lauren Christmas Wedding

To truly recreate the RL Christmas trend at your wedding, Curtis sums it up perfectly. “The result should feel like stepping into a winter fairytale — layered, romantic, and quietly glamorous, not logo-filled or tartan-draped,” she adds. With a short list of things to include and what to avoid, you can be well on your way to having stunning wedding decor.