Some people think that a Holiday Wedding will be easier due to family being in town, however it can cause more harm than good.
All of your family will be home for Christmas, which might make you think holding a Holiday wedding on that weekend would be good. But will it? Christmas and Thanksgiving aren’t the only holidays that are wedding favorites; Valentine’s Day or Easter weekend are other special events where people consider marrying. Before planning your celebration of vows on a three-day weekend, consider the advantages and disadvantages.
The Benefits of a Holiday Weekend
- If you’re having a destination weekend, more of your family and friends might have time off to travel.
- Even if you’re staying at home, you probably get more vacation time around certain holidays. This lets you steal a few extra days to get ready for the ceremony or to go on the honeymoon.
- You can work more themes into your wedding if you’re holding it over a holiday weekend.
- It’s just one more holiday party for guests to have when they’re taking time off work.
- Celebrating future anniversaries is easier, because you can always remember the date. And if it’s around a holiday, you’ll know you’ll be able to get an extra day off.
The Disadvantages of Holding Your Wedding on a Holiday
- Guests may have other standing plans with family or other holiday obligations.
- You can’t assume people have vacation days around the holidays. People who work retail may be required to work extra shifts during the Christmas season. Healthcare workers may not be able to apply for time off.
- December is already expensive for many people. Adding the extra expense of a wedding may be prohibitive. While you’re not having the wedding to get gifts, you certainly don’t want to make it harder for those who want to give you a present.
- Airfare can be higher during holidays because the demand is higher.
Etiquette for a Holiday Wedding
If you’ve had your heart set on a wedding held on New Year’s Day or Valentine’s Day, then go for it. Be understanding when guests decline the invitation. After all, it’s a request for their presence, not a command. Here are some tips to help your guests make decisions about whether they can attend your wedding over a holiday weekend.
- Give your guests a lot of notice. Send save-the-date cards a little earlier. Remember, if you send someone a save-the-date card, you should send them an invitation. Make your guest list first. Don’t send out save-the-date cards indiscriminately. One wedding website recommends at least a year in advance with a holiday wedding.
- Give more RSVP time. You should also plan time to follow up with RSVPs.
- Use the holiday as a starting point. Don’t play Christmas music at your Christmas wedding. You want people to remember your day, not the holiday.
- Incorporate touches of decorations from the holiday, but don’t overdo. You can make the party theme-driven and unique.
- Have a signature cocktail and appetizers to get the reception started.
- Remember to book vendors early. You may need to remember to budget a little more than you would if it were on another weekend. Vendors may have to charge more for a holiday event.
- Plan to give servers who are working on Christmas a larger tip. They’re not with their family because they’re serving yours. Be kind and considerate to those who are working.
- Make hotel reservations early too. Get a room block to get a reduced rate and save rooms for those who need it.
- Advertise on your wedding website which amenities you are providing. Make it easy for guests to find accommodations and local information.
Before setting the date for your wedding, discuss any plans thoroughly. This way you understand the pitfalls and can overcome the disadvantages before you spend a lot of money.
