Tips for Planning a Festive Wedding
Planning your dream Christmas wedding in 2025 or 2026?
Oh how exciting, I do LOVE a Christmas wedding! But there is also lots to potentially consider. So I am here to help with my top 3 Festive wedding planning tips:
TIP 1. THINK ABOUT THE DATE
Although it’s not summer, December is considered a peak month due to all the Christmas parties and events taking place. Venues and suppliers alike get booked up well in advance. So if you have a specific venue in mind enquire early! Likewise, many suppliers offer festive services outside the traditional summer peak wedding season. Florists provide wreath workshops, flower festive parties and install Christmas displays. Caterers, bar suppliers, entertainers and stylists (like myself ) may be busy with all the corporate and brand celebrations that happen over December. And even suppliers who you might not have considered busy such as stationers will be busy working on invitations (pre-Christmas is a peak time for sending out Spring/Summer wedding invites), providing festive services like gift personalisation and producing Christmas products like cards and gift wrap.
Personally, I think pre-Christmas is a great time for a festive wedding as there is a sense of anticipation in the air and plenty of party spirit around. That being said, if all your friends and family are mostly congregating in the same place for Christmas (and you want to celebrate there too) then you may want to consider a date in between Christmas and New Year. There may also be more availability at this time as all the Christmas parties are usually done and dusted by then. Although it’s an epic party date New Year’s Eve is the most expensive date of the year so factor that into your budget if that’s your dream date. And generally with any festive date be prepared that some guests may RSVP no. Some people will prioritise family over the Christmas period and so may not feel able to attend a friend’s wedding.
TIP 2. CONSIDER THE LIGHT
I do love a winter wedding, but one potential challenge is the earlier sunset and limited light. But that doesn’t need to be a negative factor if you embrace the short days and low light. It feels more Christmassy anyway! Consider light when building your wedding timeline. If you want plenty of daylight photos consider an early ceremony. Alternatively, you could host a 2-day wedding celebration (let’s hear it for the weekend weddings!) with an intimate ceremony and lunch with your favourite people on day one. Followed by a daytime reception and sparkly evening party for your full guest list on day 2.
If you’re planning on hosting an afternoon winter wedding then I recommend checking out your preferred photographers’ work with low light and flash photography. There is absolutely no point picking them just because you adore their light and airy summer wedding work. You need to love their work in winter light too! Also, discuss the best timings for photo moments with them to make the most of any daylight. And consider festive alternatives that work in the low light, such as a sparkler exit for your ceremony instead of a confetti toss.
TIP 3. CELEBRATE THE SEASON
When it comes to planning the guest experience and styling I recommend embracing the time of year. Work with your caterer on a delicious winter menu of food and flavours that celebrate the best tastes of the season. And have your bar supplier serve warming winter drinks such as mulled wine or cider, or classic Christmas cocktails with a personalised twist!
What about incorporating seasonal scents? Infuse your venue space with scented candles to set the mood or use festive foliage with a lovely scent. And when it comes to your flowers also ask your florist for advice on what foliage and flowers are best at that time of year. There are some beautiful blooms and flourishing foliages that have their moment in the winter months. Or perhaps you want to incorporate a flower or foliage that is symbolic of Christmas to really enhance the festive styling. And consider what wintery look and feel you want to create. Warm, lush & cosy, white, light & frosty, muted, natural & earthy, kitsch & Christmassy, etc. The colour palette will also be key to your winter wedding design.
When it comes to celebrating in seasonal style think about including festive music or entertainment. How epic would a Christmas choir be!? Or perhaps a fun DJ set of all your favourite Christmas classics.
Christmas weddings of years gone by have been some of my favourites. I’d love to chat about your winter wedding ideas and share more about how I can help with your plans. My services cover everything from small intimate weddings, to large & lavish celebrations. Complete my enquiry form for more info and to book your complimentary consultation call.