{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!