Are you considering a Christmas wedding?
Twinkling candlelight from an abundance of gorgeous pillar candles. A delicate dusting of snow. A warming, crackling log fire…. the enchanted feel good factor is endless.
It all sounds rather magical and romantic, doesn’t it?
If you’re considering embracing the whole Christmassy feel for your wedding, then you can really let your imagination run wild.
As an award winning wedding planner I’ve had the pleasure of assisting many couples including those opting to host a Christmas wedding.
Including a winter marquee wedding in the beautiful Suffolk countryside. One stunning pre-Christmas wedding at The Painted Hall, Greenwich, London.
And for one couple the excitement is building for their wedding at The Langham in London’s West End, between Christmas & New Year this year.
And it’s going to be epic.
Here I share some thoughts on what it’s really like hosting a Christmas wedding. Things you should consider.
And what a Christmas wedding has to offer over any other season.
A wedding like everything in life there are always many pros and cons. And when it comes to hosting a wedding at during the festive season is no exception. However, the positives far outweigh the negatives.
“As a couple and a family, we adore Christmas. What better time to get married than when everyone is in good spirits and up for a party!”
TRAVEL
We’ve heard it all before wrong type of snow. Engineering works taking place, possibility of travel disruptions and so on.
On the flipside as long as you give your guests as much notice as possible on your impending Christmas nuptials then you are not ‘responsible’ for also organising their travel arrangements.
Check parking arrangements with your chosen venue. As like any other wedding you will lots to bring with you like your wedding attire, thank you gifts, stationery etc.
“With our wedding between Christmas and NYE many of our guests are off work. And all have said what a great time of year to host a wedding.”
LOGISTICS
With the logistics of any wedding there is much to bear in mind. When it comes to a Christmas wedding, especially if you are hosting between Christmas Day & New Year.You need to be super organised.
Whilst planning a marquee wedding in December 2021 in the beautiful Suffolk countryside. The timings for suppliers to set up. Delivers & collections to be made all needed to be expertly handled.
All starting with the building of the marquee which had to begin the week before Christmas.
Everything that needed to be in place was therefore in place by Christmas Eve.
Leaving the happy couple, their families and suppliers alike able to relax and enjoy the festivities safe in the knowledge that the wedding was prepared.
Many wedding suppliers close for the festive period, and it’s always best to be mindful too of where potential additional bank holiday days may appear.
With Christmas Day falling on a Sunday this year (2022) for example. We have the added bonus of two additional Bank Holidays (Monday 26th & Tuesday 27th) which may impact delivery times. As well as costs.
DECOR
Although December may be a slightly more expensive month over other winter months in terms of venue hire. You will have their beautiful Christmas decorations which you can then co-ordinate your wedding to complement the venues festive décor.
If you’ve already planning a Christmas 2023 wedding. Use the January sales to purchase any wedding décor items that you currently have your eye on.
THE CHILL FACTOR
Everyone immediately thinks of weddings as summer occasions. The image of hosting drinks reception outside with the sun shining warm and bright whilst guests sip chilled champagne.
But, then along come the wasps. Your guests start to waft their arms about frantically or shift around constantly, with the odd light-hearted scream and mad dash. You know who they are and can picture them already can’t you?
And if you suffer from hay fever avoiding the summer months is a must. Streaming eyes don’t make for the elegant photographs you want captured of you on your wedding day.
A Christmas wedding certainly ticks all the boxes if you suffer from allergies.
Whatever time of year you marry the British weather is a hot topic we love to talk about. And there is no denying is a major factor for any couple planning a wedding.
“We can’t rely on the weather but that’s a pro for us. Not having to worry about the weather is at least one thing off our minds”
With a Christmas wedding you’ll already know it will be chilly and factor this in with velvet/fur capes and warming drinks.
However, you could also be lucky and wake up on your big day to a bright crisp winter’s day.
It has been known for some photographs to be captured outside as the happy couple were blessed with a beautiful, crisp sunny day.
Imagine not only wrapped up warm and cosy in a stunning winter cape but also wrapped in each other’s arms. What’s not to love?
If you’ve never considered a Christmas wedding, why not switch your thinking, and dare to be different!
Find out more about Weddings by Mary wedding planning services here.
