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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