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12.18.2012

{wedding wednesday: planning a holiday wedding}

We are officially less than a week away from Christmas, can you believe that? And while I'm here, running around like a crazy person trying to make sure that everything is in order for the holiday, there are people putting their finishing touches on their weddings that will take place these next few weeks. Surprisingly enough, this weekend is a relatively popular weekend for weddings, and last year I worked a NYE wedding. It was an experience, and a lot of fun, but there are definitely a few things you need to take into consideration before deciding on a holiday wedding. 
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Why would you consider a holiday wedding?

I think there a few reasons why someone would consider having their wedding on a holiday or holiday weekend. The date itself may be special, or maybe they've always dreamed of having a Christmas wedding. The theme is already there, and it's easy to play up the season. I've also heard of people planning a wedding around the holidays since family will already be in the same place. 

Regardless of why you've planned a holiday wedding, there are a few issues that may come up. Specifically...

Vendors may not be as available around the holidays as they are on a "normal" weekend. Personally, I know quite a few wedding vendors that are taking the entire month of December off, so you may not be able to get your dream photographer if you decide to have your wedding the weekend before Christmas. 

Also, having your wedding on or near a holiday has the same drawbacks as having a destination wedding. It may be too expensive for people to travel to you, which keeps the guest list down. If you want a small, intimate wedding with only your friends and family, a holiday wedding might be for you. But really think it through before you decide to have both a holiday and a destination wedding. You don't want to upset people. 

Save the Dates

As soon as you solidify your date, send out your Save the Dates. However you decide to do it (paper cards, an email, a Facebook event, etc.), it's essential that you let your guests know as far in advance as possible so they can start making travel arrangements. Save the Dates are also a great first impression, so be sure to use your personalities and wedding theme when coming up with your Save the Dates. 

You'll also want to send your invitations out a little bit earlier than normal (eight to ten weeks), just in case your guests forgot about the Save the Date!
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Using the Season

I think my favorite part about having a holiday wedding is using the holiday as a theme. Obviously you don't have to use red and green as your colors, but it would be a little strange to have your wedding on the beach, with hot pink and yellow as your colors, in the middle of December. 

I just love the idea of playing with the natural colors and feelings that come with the holidays, and making it all your own. 

After searching for pictures for this post, I feel the need to add a little note in here: if it's snowing during your wedding, that's amazing! Seriously, I love seeing snow in wedding pictures. But if you want your wedding party to still love you after the wedding, don't make them stand in the snow in a strapless dress. It's kind of sad how many pictures I've seen of just that. 
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Thank Your Guests

You want to thank your guests for celebrating with you, regardless of when or where your wedding is, but this is especially true for a holiday wedding. Not only that, but there are so many fun ideas that play off the season! Why not try renting an espresso bar for the end of the night, giving out s'mores as favors, or even bringing in Santa for the kids? I promise they'll love it!

Would you ever have a holiday wedding? What are your thoughts?
There are no real rules for Wedding Wednesday, I just ask that your post be wedding related. It doesn’t need to be the same topic that I’m posting about. I also ask that you try to visit a few other blogs to say hi, and I would love it if you would use my button (found here). 



Oh, and this will be the last Wedding Wednesday before the new year! I hope you make it a good one!

21 comments:

Unknown said...

I had a summer wedding, but always loved the idea of a winter wedding. I'm definitely a fan of "wintery" color schemes, but always worried about the weather during this season.

Unknown said...

I always wanted a winter wedding, but it didn't work out for my life - as I was a teacher and summer was the best time since I wasn't working. But, my best friend just got married the Saturday after Thanksgiving. As lovely as the wedding was, it wasn't as seasonal as I might have liked, and it was a huge burden as a bridesmaid. Plus, she never sent me a STD card. =( And... planning rehearsals and showers and the like was crazy.

I think, in general, I'm anti-holiday weddings. Unless it's just you, your partner and your parents.
www.magslifetoday.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

I would have loved a Christmastime wedding, but with Keith not graduating until May it just wouldn't work out. They are so pretty though!

Unknown said...

I would have loved a winter wedding. The dates didn't work out - but it's just so gorgeous. Not enough brides give winter weddings a chance :)

Unknown said...

one of my friends had a christmas wedding a couple years ago, & it was absolutely beautiful. i really love the idea of using the neutral colors that come along with the season, rather than red & green. love the inspiration photos you've included!


also: those invitations are gorgeous.

Unknown said...

I got married in the summer, but I absolutely love winter holiday weddings! It's a time of year where you can really have fun with a snowy backdrop, cozy details, and a whole lot of sparkle!

Unknown said...

we decided to have an August wedding because it's the most likely time for us to get sun - but part of me wishes we had gone 180 the other way and done a whole cozy winter thing inside!

Unknown said...

Not married yet and I TOTALLY want a winter wedding! My link-up is to winter wedding inspiration this week -- we're on the same page, Joelle! :) And oh jeez on that "stand in the snow in a strapless dress" link... not okay! At least the bride is doing it too, but they MUST be freezing! Give them a shrug or something at least.

Unknown said...

I just had a winter wedding, a week and a half ago! We took full advantage of the season and included many winter-themed elements, such as bare branches as centerpieces and bare trees with icicles decorating the dance floor. Our guestbook consisted of blank ornaments, which our guests could sign and hang on the Christmas tree in the ballroom. Hopefully, I will get that up as a wedding Wednesday post soon!

Unknown said...

I had a summer wedding too, and as much as I loved it, there's just something about winter! Though I could say the same for fall...it's a bit ridiculous of me, since I live in California where there are no seasons at all anyway ;)

Unknown said...

We had a summer wedding for a similar reason, but because my husband is a grad student. The Saturday after Thanksgiving is definitely a holiday weekend wedding, and I'm sorry that your friend didn't treat it as such! It has the potential to be a great weekend to get married, as long as you manage your expectations accordingly. I can't believe that she didn't send you a STD either! That's not okay...

Unknown said...

That's why I couldn't have a Christmas wedding either! They are pretty, I agree ;)

Unknown said...

I don't think so either, but maybe that's a good thing. They aren't for everyone, but that just makes them that much more special ;)

Unknown said...

Aren't those invitations incredible? I probably would have had a winter wedding just so I could use gold like that!

Unknown said...

Right?! That's exactly why I love it! I love to throw parties around this time just for extra glam factor ;)

Unknown said...

I definitely understand why you would want a summer wedding! You can make that seasonal too, but there really is something about a cozy, winter white wedding ;)

Unknown said...

Haha I guess great minds think alike? And as much as I love winter weddings, and snow pictures, I just couldn't get over that one! I think a (faux) fur stole or something like that would be a great bridesmaids gift...

Unknown said...

I absolutely LOVE this idea for a guestbook! What a sweet way to remember your wedding every Christmas! And I can't wait to see it up on your blog soon my dear :)

Unknown said...

Another issue to consider is the potential for inclement weather. In the winter, there is a much higher chance of a storm that may impact travel and keep friends and family from being able too make it at all at the last minute!

Unknown said...

That is very true! It's all part of wedding planning though, since you never know if there will be a hurricane in the middle of the summer! That's what wedding insurance is for :)

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