The holidays are a special time of year, and nothing can make them even more monumental quite like adding a wedding on top of it all. Indeed, getting married during the holidays brings even more joy to an already joyous season — and this feeling is something you will remember forever.
On the other hand, it does add some complications. Your family, friends and loved ones already have a lot on their plates. Even beyond the logistics of family traditions, gift-buying, and festive events, there is almost always an increased level of stress around this time of year.
That doesn’t mean you should rethink your plan; it just means you have a few other things to consider. And if you understand the following three tips, there is no reason you can’t pull off an epic wedding during the holiday season.
1. Set the Date Early
If you want people to show up for a December wedding, you need to give them plenty of notice. That’s the bottom line. It isn’t personal, but people have other parties, family commitments, and vacations to plan. Most will be more than happy to fit your special day into their plans, but they need to know about it as early as possible. Make sure you send out save the dates well before you normally would if the wedding were to be held on a random Saturday in June.
2. Prepare for Extra Costs
Just like always, the laws of supply and demand will apply here. While you’re moving out of peak wedding season in the summer, there are many other couples looking to get hitched during the holidays as well. And you’re all competing for reception space, caterers and decorations, as well as the countless holiday parties taking place (that almost two-thirds of employees don’t even like). The rates tend to be higher, especially with Christmas and New Year’s fast approaching. Bottom line: Be prepared so you don’t get blindsided by the sticker shock.
3. Making the Day Festive
While some people enjoy a themed wedding, other brides and grooms believe theirs should be typically ceremonious in nature. That is certainly understandable; it is your day after all. Nobody — not even Kris Kringle — should take priority. But, at the same time, you can have a little holiday fun.
For some, this could mean setting up a Christmas tree, using wreaths as table centerpieces or having fake snow around the dance floor. If that’s too much, perhaps just offer some eggnog, pumpkin craft beer or another signature cocktail during the reception. You don’t have to go overboard, but a few small touches can go a long way toward embracing the season.
Making Your Holiday Wedding Epic
The most important part of any wedding day — starting a life together with the person you love — stays the same no matter when the ceremony takes place. But there are a few things you must understand if you plan to pull off a great holiday wedding.
First, you must set the date and inform your guests early. Then, be sure to understand that costs may be higher as you form a budget. And don’t forget to consider tying the holiday season into the event — even if it’s only rather subtle.
If you get this all right, you will be well on your way to pulling off an epic event. Then, this holiday season won’t just be special because of the typical celebrations. It will be personally — and deeply — special to you for the rest of your life.
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