There is no time of year more magical than the holiday season–twinkling lights, a cool breeze, a rejuvenating fire, gratitude, and love in the air. Birth and chosen family and friends gather together to celebrate all the things that make life so sweet.
How could you not want to further indulge in the season by celebrating your love story? After all, a holiday wedding offers an air of magic that no other time of year can match.
Though this enchanting season is truly a one-of-a-kind time to gather and say, “I do,” it comes with its own set of obstacles and considerations. Careful planning, intentional curation, and thoughtful execution are essential to avoid common hosting pitfalls and ensure your dream wedding goes off without a hitch.
Need help figuring out where to begin? Here are five key tips on what to do—and what not to do—when planning your perfect holiday wedding from Kobi Cummings, the co-owner, art director, and Certified Wedding Planner at The Valley Venues.
Photo credit: Sarah Larae Gilliam
Do lean into the season
If you’re looking to tie the knot during the holidays, you likely enjoy the season’s charming sights, smells, and sounds. Rather than choosing another theme or aesthetic, lean into it!
Transform your wedding into an elegant winter wonderland by securing a cozy, winter-friendly venue or enhancing your site of choice with festive flowers, greenery, candles and an earthy color palette.
Seasonal elements like these can make a wedding feel timely and unique while cutting down on costly decor. It is important to remember to balance the seasonal feel with a touch of romance to ensure that these simple additions elevate your nuptials without becoming overwhelming.
Do consider timing and scheduling
While timing is vital for decor and aesthetics, it is also essential to consider when setting your wedding date. When planning around the holidays, ask yourself: Are guests likely to have prior engagements? Will out-of-town guests pay a premium for travel? Are travel disruptions and limited accommodations likely? These questions will allow you to align your priorities and expectations with the most suitable timeline for the occasion.
While every couple has different priorities, those with holiday weddings typically opt for dates that avoid major holidays and peak travel periods. It can also be helpful to book travel, venues, vendors, and accommodations further in advance than usual to allow for more notice and flexibility.
For example, hosting a winter wedding in mid-December is favored to avoid significant holiday expenses, busyness, and traditions. This way, guests are more likely to be able to attend while honoring existing family obligations. Not only can this approach increase guest attendance, but it can also reduce any stress the happy couple may experience throughout the planning process.
Photo credit: Konstantin Mishchenko | Unsplash
Do plan for holiday travel
Holiday travel can be stressful as it is, so you can’t go wrong by offering guests insight into local recommendations.
This information can be added to a wedding website, included on a save-the-date card, or shared with guests directly and may include nearby hotels, rental cars, restaurants, and activities. Pro tip: Consider reserving a hotel block or opting for a venue that has its own lodging, providing a private experience! Doing so will often allow you to lock in a discounted rate and ensure accommodations will be available to out-of-town guests.
When you take the extra time to provide these insights to your guests, it can make it easier for loved ones to make the trip and help them make the most of their time with you. Especially if they are unfamiliar with the area, guests may need help knowing where to stay (or not) and how to get to and from the venue.
Don’t overlook vendor availability
Similarly to accounting for guest availability, it is crucial to consider vendor availability and booking timelines. During peak wedding seasons, key vendors such as wedding planners, photographers, caterers, and venues should be booked at least 12 to 18 months in advance.
There are many reasons that vendors may be unavailable for an event, particularly around the holidays. They could have festive family obligations, travel plans, or an event already booked. Vendors may also charge a premium price for their products or services when booked in a rush or on popular dates.
When booking well in advance, it is much easier to avoid potential disappointments, higher costs, and stress and instead focus on curating your dream wedding. Be sure to verify holiday availability and rates, and get any contracts and confirmations in writing for all parties to reference.
Photo credit: Annie Spratt | Unsplash
Don’t forget to prioritize self-care
While coordinating holiday plans and preparing for your big day can each be challenging, it is crucial to ensure that the season’s stress doesn’t overshadow the joy and take a toll on your mental, physical, or emotional well-being.
With family dynamics, holiday obligations, and a lengthy wedding to-do list on your plate, it can be easy to get caught up in the complexities and experience burnout. That’s why it’s more crucial than ever to delegate tasks, indulge in the places and things that make you feel your best, and prioritize time to relax when planning a holiday wedding.
Your big day is important, but less important than your and your partner’s happiness and health. Your big day is about the loving, committed relationship at its center, not the events surrounding it.
Don’t feel guilty about saying ‘no’ to non-essentials and taking the time to ensure you feel your best on your wedding day.
Holiday weddings are particularly filled with moments of warmth, community, festivities, and a remarkable air of magic. Still, it is only possible with thoughtful, intentional planning to help avoid common pitfalls.
By embracing the spirit of the season, being mindful of timing and logistics, working proactively, paying attention to your guests’ needs, and putting your needs first, you are sure to create the wedding day of your dreams.
Just remember, things don’t need to be perfect to be beautiful, memorable, or extraordinary.
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