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Tips for Planning a Holiday Wedding

Here are some tips for holding a November, December or January celebration to remember

By Paisley HansenPublished 3 years ago 3 min read
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A Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Year’s wedding can be incredibly romantic. There are several benefits to holiday-season weddings, as well. your relatives may already be in town, and you may get discounts on alcohol and décor.

Still, before you finalize your plans for holiday nuptials, there are certain factors you need to keep in mind. Here are some tips for holding a November, December or January celebration to remember.

Costs

Winter holiday weddings may be more expensive than summer weddings are. Venues and airlines, in particular, often raise their prices in November and December.

Still, there are some ways to save money on winter weddings, as well. There are plenty of seasonal flowers and food options you can choose that will give you some extra cash to spend on the vendors. You may also want to get married on a weekday, when venues are less expensive.

You may also be able to get great deals on jewelry for the ceremony. That is because wedding and engagement rings are frequently on sale during the holiday season. Similarly, many tropical resorts offer lower rates for vacations in the winter. You can thus book your dream honeymoon at an affordable price.

Finally, do not forget that your guests will have to spend money for your wedding as well. They will need to purchase gifts and book a hotel. Your guests may already be strapped for cash due to the holiday season. You should thus include items on your registry that fit a variety of budgets. You may also want to give guests the option of several nearby hotels, each with a different price point.

Guest List

Many of your friends may have family obligations during the holidays. They may also be away on vacation the date of your wedding. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation's Bureau of Travel Statistics, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s are some of the busiest travel periods of the year.

Meanwhile, some of your other pals and family members may be extra busy during the holiday season. Those who work in retail, for instance, may not be able to take off work for your big day.

To maximize the number of attendees, be sure to send out your save-the-dates well in advance. This way, your loved ones can adjust their holiday plans, if necessary. This will also give your guests plenty of time to book their flights and request days off from work.

While you may want a holiday-themed ceremony, you should not hold the wedding on the actual holiday. No one will show up to an event that takes place on Christmas or Thanksgiving.

You could also end up with the opposite problem. Guests likely want to spend time with their spouses and partners during the holidays. This could lead to more plus-one requests than you were expecting. Tell the invitees early in the process if you are unable to accommodate these extra guests.

Weather

When you choose a winter date for your wedding, you probably envisioned a pretty and snowy backdrop. However, that snow can cause additional hazards, as well. Your guests will not be happy if they have to sit in the cold or freezing rain while you get married. Winter weather could also ruin your makeup, hair and dress.

Airports may also shut down entirely, leaving your guests stranded. Even if they do arrive at their destination, they could have trouble driving to the venue or the hotel in icy conditions.

While you cannot stop bad weather, you can prepare for this possibility. Make back-up plans just in case a member of your wedding party is stuck thousands of miles away and unable to attend the ceremony. If a storm is approaching your area, you should also talk to your vendors and venue about rescheduling the date.

A winter holiday wedding comes with some challenges. Yet by planning well in advance, being flexible and managing your budget, you can end the year with a gorgeous and happy ceremony.

ceremony and reception
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About the Creator

Paisley Hansen

Paisley Hansen is a freelance writer and expert in health, fitness, beauty, and fashion. When she isn’t writing she can usually be found reading a good book or hitting the gym.

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