According to Brides writer Christina Oehler, an informal Zola survey revealed that only 5 percent of engaged couples chose a December wedding date in 2018. Those who tie the knot during the winter holiday season do so for a variety of reasons: aesthetics, a holiday’s special significance, or the convenience of having most of the family already together in one place. If you’re thinking of hosting a December wedding of your own, there are several details you’ll need to consider before you take the plunge.
Can Your Budget Handle a Holiday Wedding?
NerdWallet’s Lauren Schwahn reported in March 2018 that the average American wedding costs $33,391. Your event’s expenses will be spread out over several categories including venue, décor, attire, and entertainment. Meanwhile, Bridal Guide explains that having your nuptials near a major holiday can add a little more to your total costs. Vendors could raise their rates for many reasons, ranging from bonus and overtime pay for their employees to the availability of off-season flowers. Not only that, travel and lodging can be significantly more expensive for both you and your guests.
At the same time, some items may price out lower over the holidays than during standard wedding season. Seasonal items such as décor, flowers, greenery, and even some foods and beverages will be less expensive than traditional wedding favorites. Also, the wide range of holiday-appropriate colors means you may have an easier time sourcing and customizing your décor, as Here Comes the Guide clarifies.
Will Your Guests Attend?
Wedding Wire contributor Kim Forrest adds that Christmas is the least popular holiday on which to wed. Notoriously unpredictable early winter weather can put a damper on wedding plans. Furthermore, wedding planner Sandy Malone remarks in a December 2014 Brides article that your friends and family could find it difficult to fit a wedding into their holiday plans thanks to social events, religious obligations, and work commitments. They may also keep a tighter rein on their spending to ensure they can afford holiday gifts, food, and entertainment. As a result, more of your guests may decline a December wedding invitation.
With that said, you may be able to boost your event’s attendance rate by following some wise tips. Southern Living’s Katie Strasburg Rousso strongly suggests shipping off your save-the-date cards between nine months to a year in advance for destination or holiday nuptials. As for your invitations, aim to send them at least three months before the big day.
What About Finding Vendors?
If you’re planning a Christmastime or New Year’s Eve wedding, you need to do your homework and determine vendor and venue availability in your area. Writing for Woman Getting Married, Claire Swinarski mentions that you may be able to negotiate cheaper rates with businesses eager to earn extra during the winter season. On the other hand, you’ll need to watch out for potentially prime slots booked up for special events. Before you commit to a date, follow The Knot's recommendation and check your local calendars for holiday happenings such as parades, concerts, musicals, plays, festivals, or popular well-attended religious services.
Balancing Your Desires and Priorities
A winter holiday wedding can be magical in many ways. However, hosting your event requires additional considerations and logistics. Remember that the weather may pose its own challenges and some of your guests will bow out due to prior commitments. While you can expect to pay more for some items, smart research and bargaining can lower your event’s total price tag. With careful and wise planning, your holiday wedding can be memorable, offering a change of pace from all the shopping, party planning, cooking, and other hustle and bustle that comes with the season.
Add Your Comment