When it comes time to picking a date for your big day, you might plan around your favorite season or a holiday. It’s an ideal opportunity to plan around work schedules or school breaks. If you are committed to hosting your wedding around the holiday season, here are a few things to consider:
Popular holidays: Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Halloween
Less Popular holidays: Thanksgiving, Christmas, New years
"Find subtle ways to add seasonal touches such as festive traditions, holiday foods, or signature cocktails. For example, for 4th of July provide handheld sparklers, or Thanksgiving offer mini pies as a late-night snack."
Bridal Musings | Style to Sparkle | Morgan Lynne Photography
Do:
Choose a location where most of your guests live or travel to often: Consider choosing a location where most of your guests already live. They will save money, time, and it may not even affect their other holiday plans. On the flip side, you can strategically set your date when many guests already have plans to visit that area.
Give your guests plenty of notice: Since the wedding will be hosted around a major holiday or holiday weekend, they may need more time to plan. Travel is typically more expensive, so giving them extra time can also help with cost and budget planning. We suggest sending out your “Save the Date” a year in advance.
Use minimal holiday décor: When planning a wedding around a holiday it’s hard not to incorporate seasonal décor. For a more minimal, yet festive look, use low-key holiday colors (ex. for a winter wedding use jewel tones) or incorporate seasonal flowers. Opt out of literal décor like pumpkins or Christmas trees.
Add subtle seasonal touches: You don’t want your wedding to be mistaken for a holiday party. Find subtle ways to add seasonal touches such as festive traditions, holiday foods, or signature cocktails. For example, for 4th of July provide handheld sparklers, or Thanksgiving offer mini pies as a late-night snack!
Keep hotel options affordable: For out-of-town guests make sure you have considered a range of hotel options to accommodate different budgets. With enough notice guest can also stay at rentals properties (to save money, some guest can event stay together!)
Schedule the wedding on a Sunday: If your wedding falls on a three-day weekend (like Memorial Day), consider hosting your wedding on Sunday. Not only will it save you money, but it won’t affect work or school schedules (Consider: each venue is different, and some might charge Saturday prices on Sundays that fall on long weekends).
Don’t:
Go crazy with the holiday theme: As we stated above, this isn’t a holiday party! It's fun to incorporate touches of the holidays, however, don't go overboard with themed décor or other themed details.
Get married on the date of a major holiday: While it’s accepted to get married around the holidays, scheduling your wedding day on the date of a major holiday is a BIG no no!
Other Things to Consider:
Higher costs: Many vendors and venues will charge extra holiday fees if they agree to book that holiday or holiday weekend. It can be more difficult for them to find event materials or staffing so extra fees will likely be added.
Reduced attendance: The holiday season is known for travel and family time. Many people only have these holidays set to see their families and loved ones. Because of this, don’t be surprised if you receive several “declines” in RSVPs.
Venue and vendor availability: Just like some of your guests may have pre-scheduled plans, your vendors might have decreased availability on holiday wedding weekends as well.
No matter when you have your wedding, whether it falls on a holiday, or on a non-holiday, remember to consider what’s a priority for you. A wedding taking place during a festive time of year has the potential to be an unforgettable event!