Saying "I Do" at Christmastime: How to Successfully Plan a Christmas Wedding (and Is It the Right Season for You?)

There’s something undeniably magical about the Christmas season. The air turns crisp, homes glow with twinkling lights, fireplaces crackle with warmth, and streets bustle with excitement and good cheer. For some couples, the holiday season is more than just a time for cozy evenings and family gatherings — it’s the perfect backdrop for one of life’s most meaningful and memorable moments.

A Christmas wedding blends romance with tradition, bringing together loved ones during a season already filled with love and gratitude. But like any major event, planning a wedding around the holidays comes with its own unique opportunities and challenges. If you're considering a Christmastime celebration, this guide is for you. Let’s unwrap everything you need to know — from thoughtful planning strategies to the pros and cons of choosing a December wedding date.

How to Successfully Plan a Christmas Wedding

A Christmas wedding has the potential to be the most beautiful, intimate, and festive event — if you approach it with the right game plan. Here’s how to pull it off with style and ease:

Book Early — Way Early

The holidays are peak season for not only weddings but also holiday parties, corporate events, and family gatherings. Popular venues and vendors (especially photographers, florists, caterers, and rental companies) get booked up fast — and sometimes at higher holiday rates.

Pro tip: Start securing your venue and key vendors 12–18 months in advance if possible. If you have your heart set on a particular date, like December 23rd or New Year’s Eve, act even earlier.

Embrace Seasonal Style

The beauty of a Christmas wedding lies in its rich, luxurious aesthetic. Take advantage of deep color palettes, seasonal textures, and festive details.

Seasonal color ideas:

• Burgundy, emerald, ivory, and gold

• Midnight blue with silver accents

• Deep plum paired with soft blush

• Classic red and evergreen for a more traditional look

Textile touches: Incorporate velvet table linens, satin bridesmaid dresses, or faux fur stoles for chic warmth. Accent with twinkling fairy lights, evergreen garlands, or candlelit centerpieces for added romance.

Florals: Opt for winter blooms like amaryllis, anemones, ranunculus, and deep red roses paired with fresh greenery, berries, and pinecones.

Be Mindful of Guests’ Schedules

The holiday season can be hectic — filled with travel plans, work parties, family traditions, and other obligations. Additionally, it can be an expensive time of year for guests traveling from out of town.

Planning tips:

• Send save-the-dates 9–12 months in advance

• Provide a hotel room block to make accommodations easier

• Consider hosting your wedding a week or two before or after Christmas to avoid direct conflicts with family holiday plans

Plan for Winter Weather

If you live in a colder climate, you’ll need to build flexibility into your wedding day plans.

Winter weather tips:

• Have a backup indoor photo location in case of rain or snow

• Offer warm drinks like mulled wine, hot cocoa, or cider at cocktail hour

• Provide shawls, wraps, or cozy pashminas for guests during outdoor moments like a sparkler exit

• Keep plenty of umbrellas and hand warmers on hand

Lean Into the Holiday Spirit

It’s the most wonderful time of the year — so embrace it! Thoughtful holiday-inspired details make your celebration unforgettable.

Ideas for festive extras:

• A holiday cookie dessert station

• A Christmas ornament guest book

• A holiday jazz trio for cocktail hour

• A snowy sparkler send-off

• Personalized stockings for your wedding party

• A Christmas tree card display or photo backdrop

Pros & Cons of a Christmas Wedding

Choosing a December wedding date isn’t for everyone — so let’s weigh the festive pros and practical cons.

Pros:

• Built-in Ambiance: Many venues are already beautifully decorated for the holidays, saving you both time and money on décor.

• A Memorable Date: Your anniversary will be easy to remember, and your wedding naturally becomes part of everyone’s holiday memories.

• Seasonal Style & Florals: Winter wedding aesthetics are classic and elegant, with deep hues, lush greenery, and cozy textures.

• More Time Off Work: Guests may already have holiday time off, making it easier for them to travel.

• An Intimate, Family-Focused Feel: Holiday weddings tend to feel extra sentimental and meaningful, as families gather to celebrate both the season and your love.

Cons:

• Higher Costs & Limited Availability: Many vendors and venues charge premium holiday rates or are fully booked early.

• Guest Attendance Conflicts: Between travel plans, family gatherings, and holiday expenses, some guests may not be able to attend.

• Weather Challenges: Winter storms or icy conditions can delay travel and limit outdoor photo opportunities.

• Holiday Overload: Some guests may feel stretched thin from multiple events and obligations during the season.

• Holiday Pricing on Travel & Hotels: Airfare and accommodations tend to spike in December.

Ideas for Personal Holiday Touches

Want to make your Christmas wedding feel extra special? Here are a few charming, personal ideas you could easily incorporate:

• Signature Holiday Drink: A spiced cranberry mule, cinnamon old fashioned, or peppermint hot chocolate bar

• Custom Ornaments: Give guests a keepsake ornament favor with your wedding date

• First Dance to a Holiday Classic: Consider a romantic Christmas song like “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” or “The Christmas Song”

• Family Recipe Dessert Table: Serve your family’s famous holiday cookies or pies as part of your dessert spread

• Mistletoe Moment: Hang mistletoe over the dance floor or near the photo booth

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Should we avoid Christmas Eve or Christmas Day for our wedding?A: Generally, yes. Many venues close, and most guests prefer to reserve those days for family traditions. Consider dates earlier in December or between Christmas and New Year’s instead.

Q: Is it appropriate to include holiday elements in a non-religious wedding?A: Absolutely. Focus on seasonal colors, winter florals, and festive details like candlelight, evergreens, and classic cocktails without religious overtones.

Q: Can a Christmas wedding work in a warm climate?A: Definitely! Opt for tropical greenery, metallic accents, and seasonal cocktails. Even in warm-weather locations, you can embrace a festive spirit through décor, music, and menu selections.

Final Thoughts

A Christmas wedding offers a rare kind of magic — a perfect blend of romance, nostalgia, and the warmth of gathering loved ones during the most heartfelt time of the year. While it requires thoughtful planning and a little extra consideration around schedules and weather, it can be one of the most beautiful and unforgettable ways to begin your life together.

If you’re the kind of couple that loves cozy candlelight, evergreen garlands, holiday cookies, and celebrating surrounded by the people you love most, a Christmastime wedding might just be the perfect fit.