There’s more to wedding planning than getting your budget just right. You’re certain to have a list as long as your arm to achieve the big day of your dreams, and with the average wedding taking as little as one year to plan, there’s not a lot of time to tick those to-dos off your list.
If you’ve got your heart set on a winter wedding date, that wedding planning timeline will be just getting underway. December is a brilliant time to get married for so many reasons as The Wedding Secret details:
“December is a brilliant time to get married because of the excitement and charm that Christmas brings. Most of your guests will already be in good spirits, and lots of people will have booked time off to spend time with their family around this time of the year – so they should really be able to let your hair down at your wedding. You never know, it may even snow on the day to create a truly enchanting and romantic atmosphere for you and your wedding party.”
To help you countdown to your December 2023 wedding and organise a day to remember (without the chaos), we’re here to share our top tips for planning a Christmas wedding.
Book a venue that’s Christmassy and cosy
One of the many benefits of marrying during the Christmas period is the free decorations. Here at Holmewood Hall, we decorate our venue throughout at the end of November in preparation for the festivities ahead, which means you don’t have to spend a fortune on decorations that suit the season.
As well as decking the halls, Holmewood Hall is primed for creating that cosy, intimate vibe that winter weddings are known and loved for.
Add some more festive charm
Your venue may be prepped and ready for Christmas but that doesn’t mean you can’t add your own festive touches. We always encourage couples to incorporate additional decorations to make their big day their own.
Save the date and send the invites
Whilst sending save the dates is not always necessary, we’d certainly recommend it if you’re planning a Christmas wedding. Most people will have jam-packed schedules during December, with festive events, work outings and other engagements taking up all their attention in the run-up to Christmas.
By sending save the dates sooner rather than later, you can forewarn your would-be wedding guests about your intentions to host a big day during the festive period.
Sending your official wedding invites a little earlier – at least four months before your Christmas wedding date – will also ensure your VIPs are free at this busy time of year. Give yourself and your guests at least one month to handle those RSVPs too.
Winterproof your wedding look
Even if you’re blessed with a crisp, beautiful, sunny winter wedding day, adding extra coverage to your wedding look is certainly advisable.
Long-sleeved wedding gowns are not just chic, they’re made for Christmas weddings. Complete your wedding ensemble with a chic cover-up and keep those chills at bay. Choose bridal boots or closed-toe shoes instead of open-toed sandals to ensure your look is comfortable as well as stylish. If your shoes are suede or leather, spray them with a protector to shield them from the elements.
You should also winterproof your wider wedding, with cosy touches that your guests can enjoy. Many couples marrying at Christmas provide blankets for guests to dip into on the day itself. Alternatively, a mulled wine or hot chocolate station provides the ultimate seasonal touch and an opportunity for guests to warm their cockles!
Tick one thing off your Christmas wedding planning to-do list by exploring Holmewood Hall today. For further information on choosing Holmewood as your winter wedding venue or to arrange a viewing, please contact us.
