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Pros and Cons of a Holiday Wedding

It’s the most wonderful time of the year as friends and family come together to celebrate the winter holidays. Maybe you’re considering celebrating something else soon too— a wedding! With everyone already gathered together in good spirits during the holidays, it might seem like a no-brainer to plan your wedding around the same time.

While there’s many benefits to a holiday wedding, there’s certain drawbacks as well. A winter wonderland wedding isn’t for everyone; the season comes with some limitations. Outlining some of the major pros and cons can help you decide if this is the right choice for your special day. You might find that the negative aspects aren’t a priority to you and the positives far outweigh them, or you may find the exact opposite.

Carefully considering your vision for your wedding and how the holidays will affect it is vital before making any final decisions. Take these different factors into account while planning your perfect wedding.

Pro: You’re Already Celebrating with Family and Friends

The holidays, much like a wedding, are a time to come together and celebrate with your loved ones. Perhaps the biggest advantage of a holiday wedding is the simple fact that the season alone makes it feel more celebratory; honoring marriage on top of an occasion that is already so special makes it all the more memorable for both you and your guests.

Con: Your Anniversary May be Overshadowed by the Holiday

Some brides may not be too fond of the fact that their wedding and all future anniversaries will be associated with the holiday. Especially with the importance of the winter holidays, it can be easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle of the season. Concern about being overshadowed is not unfounded; there’s always a lot going on at this time of year.

Pro: You’ll Never Forget that Special Date

If you get married on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, on New Year’s, or a similar set holiday, it’ll be impossible to forget that’s the day you said your vows. Holiday anniversaries can also feel more special to a couple, especially if the wedding day was so full of happy memories. It’s all the more sentimental if the happy couple has a particular connection to the holiday.

Con: You May Have to Wait for Vendor Availability

Holidays only happen once per year, so if other couples have had the same wonderful idea to get married on that holiday, you may have to wait a few years before they have an opening for your event. Certain vendors may also find themselves tied up with holiday events other than weddings; corporate holiday parties also need catering, decorations, and a DJ.

Pro: Your Guests Already Have Time Off of Work

Getting married around Christmas, Thanksgiving, or the other winter holidays can be ideal if your guests are concerned about getting time off of work to make it to the event. Depending on what day of the week the holiday falls on that year, your guests might already have several days off of work that will make it easy to celebrate your special day with you.

Con: Some of Your Guests May Not be Able to Attend

The holidays are an incredibly busy time of year and there’s a good chance that your guests have other obligations or traditions that will conflict with your wedding day. If you want a big wedding with all of your extended family and friends, a holiday wedding might not be the best option for you.

Pro: You Already Have Your Theme and Can Save on Decor

Whatever venue you choose, chances are that it’s already decorated for the season with garlands, fairy lights, and maybe even a little mistletoe. The theme of the wedding is already built into the date itself, so there’s no need to worry about redecorating the location to match your concept. During other times of the year, decor isn’t so easy!

Con: Travel & Lodging will be More Expensive

Unfortunately, flights and hotel accommodations are always more expensive during the holiday season, not to mention more booked up; families reunite or even go on vacation this time of year. If you’re planning a destination wedding or have a lot of friends and family members who live far away, you may want to think twice about getting hitched during the holidays.

A holiday wedding can be a beautiful, memorable way to celebrate the time of year not just when you get married, but for every anniversary afterwards. While it may be the dream wedding for one couple, it may not be the ideal wedding for another. Depending on your vision for your ceremony and reception, as well as the lifestyles and traditions of your guests, the perfect date for your wedding will be unique to you as a couple. Think carefully about how the holidays fit into your lives before committing to the date!

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snacks catered for an event at Oaks Manor

How to Create a Vendor List from Scratch

To start building your vendor list, begin with a list of wedding vendors that are most essential to your vision. At Oaks Manor, couples often bring in their own:

  • Caterers and bartenders
  • Florists and decorators
  • Musicians or DJs
  • Photographers and videographers
  • Officiants
  • Hair and makeup teams
  • Rental companies for furniture, tents, or décor

    You can use a vendor list template, a spreadsheet, a wedding planning app, or even a shared Google Document to track key details. Be sure to include names, contact info, arrival/setup times, and payment deadlines. Your event vendor list doesn’t need to be fancy; it just needs to be clear, accessible, and shared with the people who need it.

    Choosing the Right Vendors for an Estate Wedding

    Since Oaks Manor is only a host location, we don’t lock you into a preferred vendor list. That means you’re free to work with the professionals you love most and build a day that reflects your style, priorities, and budget. 

    Still, the best vendors are those who understand you, your style, your pace, and your goals. Set up calls, read reviews, and don’t be afraid to ask, “Have you worked at an event venue like this before?” The right team will be just as excited as you are to bring your ideas to life.

    Best Practices for a Vendor List 

    As you finalize your list of vendors for an event, consider the following tips.

    1. Keep everything in one place. Whether it’s digital or on paper, your vendor list should include full names, phone numbers, email addresses, contracts, and notes regarding responsibilities.
    2. Share your timeline. Your vendors should know when they can arrive, when they need to be finished, and where they will be setting up. Oaks Manor’s flexibility makes this easy; we offer extended access for setup and breakdown.
    3. Confirm details in writing. A well-organized vendor contact list is your insurance against miscommunication.
    4. Stay in touch. A quick check-in with each vendor a week before your wedding helps avoid last-minute surprises.

    Maintaining clear communication and records of conversations will help you keep track of your plans and ensure everything is clear for you and your vendors.

    FAQ’s

    Seeking more information on creating a vendor list? See the frequently asked questions below or contact our team, and we will be happy to help!

    Why is a vendor list important?

    A vendor list helps you stay organized, ensures vendors know where and when to appear, and provides everyone with a clear point of contact. 

    When you’re managing an event as unique as a wedding at a private estate, that level of coordination can make all the difference.

    What is a Vendor List?

    A document that keeps track of all the professionals and services involved in your event. Including how to contact them, dates, prices, arrival and departure times, legal information, important details or conversations, and any other relevant information you need to keep track of for your event. 

    How to Create a Vendor List?

    This is your all-in-one organizer. Your vendor list should include each vendor’s business name, contact person, phone number & email, arrival/setup times, contract status, remaining balance due, important conversations, legal agreements, and any other relevant details you want to remember. Keep it somewhere accessible, such as a shared Google Sheet, a wedding planning app, or a printed folder that you bring to the venue.

    Plan Your Event at Oaks Manor

    At Oaks Manor, we offer space for up to 180 guests, provide outdoor ceremonies, and feature a brand-new carriage house that is perfect for cocktail hour. Please get in touch with our team, and we will arrange a time for you to take a tour.