Planning A Christmas Wedding: A Festive Guide

Christmas is a wonderful time to get married, with the season's decorations, joy and merriment, and the opportunity to share your love with family and friends. When planning a Christmas wedding, it's important to consider the elements and pick a venue with both outdoor and indoor ceremony locations, so you have a backup plan in case of bad weather. You might want to opt for a venue with a cosy atmosphere, such as a stately home or rustic barn, and bring festive touches to your decorations and catering. It's also worth noting that some guests may have Christmas plans, so setting your wedding date between Thanksgiving and Epiphany (January 6th) can help avoid clashes.

Choosing a venue: opt for a venue with both indoor and outdoor ceremony locations, in case of bad weather

When it comes to choosing a venue for your Christmas wedding, it's a good idea to opt for a location with both indoor and outdoor ceremony spots. This will give you a backup plan in case of bad weather. You could consider a stately home or a rustic barn – both lend themselves well to a winter wedding, with open fires and a cosy atmosphere.

If you're set on an outdoor ceremony, make sure there's a picturesque indoor space where guests can wait and be seated in case of rain or snow. This could be a grand entrance hall or a cosy room with a fireplace.

When it comes to the time of year, it's worth noting that some guests may have Christmas plans that clash with your wedding. To avoid this, consider setting your wedding date between Thanksgiving and Epiphany (January 6th) – this is considered the Christmas season on the Christian calendar.

With a Christmas wedding, you can embrace the festive decorations, hymns and seasonal decor. It's a magical time of year to get married and share your love with family and friends.

Decorations: incorporate classic seasonal decor, like wreaths, candles, and fairy lights

Planning a Christmas wedding? There's so much to love about the festive season. Beautiful decorations, time spent with loved ones, and an air of joy and merriment.

When it comes to decorations, you can incorporate classic seasonal decor, like wreaths, candles, and fairy lights, to create a cosy and romantic atmosphere. Think about the wintry elements traditionally associated with Christmas and how they can be seamlessly incorporated into your wedding details. From wreaths and candles to fairy lights and open fires, there are endless ways to bring the magic of Christmas to your wedding day.

If you're looking for a venue, consider a stately home or a rustic barn with a cosy atmosphere and gorgeous open fires. You could even opt for a venue with both outdoor and indoor ceremony locations, so you have a backup plan in case of bad weather.

With the right decorations and venue, your Christmas wedding will be a winter wonderland filled with love and joy. Set your wedding date anytime between Thanksgiving and Epiphany (January 6th) to ensure your guests are immersed in the Christmas spirit!

Music: choose from a range of hymns, like Joy to the World and The First Noel

Music is an important part of any wedding, and a Christmas wedding is no exception. If you're planning a Christmas wedding, you might want to consider choosing from a range of hymns, like Joy to the World and The First Noel. These classic Christmas songs can add a festive touch to your wedding ceremony and reception.

When choosing music for your Christmas wedding, consider the overall theme and atmosphere you want to create. If you're going for a traditional, elegant affair, hymns can be a beautiful way to incorporate Christmas music into your day. Other traditional Christmas hymns that could work well for a wedding include O Come, All Ye Faithful, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, and Silent Night.

If you want to add a touch of whimsy or fun to your wedding, you could consider more upbeat Christmas songs, like Jingle Bells, Deck the Halls, or We Wish You a Merry Christmas. These songs can be a great way to get your guests in the festive spirit and create a joyful atmosphere.

Another option is to choose instrumental versions of Christmas songs, which can be a more subtle way to incorporate Christmas music into your wedding. This could be especially effective for the ceremony, creating a romantic and elegant atmosphere.

When planning your Christmas wedding music, don't forget to consider the different parts of your wedding day where music will be needed. For example, you might want to choose a special song for your processional or recessional, as well as for the first dance and parent dances. You can also use Christmas music to set the mood during cocktail hour or dinner.

By choosing music that reflects the Christmas season, you can create a magical and memorable atmosphere for your wedding day. Whether you opt for traditional hymns, upbeat carols, or instrumental versions of Christmas classics, your music choices will undoubtedly add to the festive cheer of your Christmas wedding.

Catering: add a festive twist to your menu, with Christmas-themed dishes and drinks

When it comes to catering, there are lots of ways to add a festive twist to your menu. Christmas-themed dishes and drinks are a great way to get your guests into the spirit of the season.

First, consider the time of year and how the weather will impact your dining options. Cold temperatures are the perfect excuse to serve heavier, more indulgent fare than you would during other seasons. Warm up your guests with a delicious hot meal and some cosy cocktails.

Think about including seasonal flavours like cranberry, mushroom, and dark chocolate. You could also offer festive candies, like peppermint stirrers for hot chocolate, or even create a Christmas-themed dessert table.

If you're having a cocktail hour, offer bite-sized portions of comfort foods like seafood ravioli, spaghetti and meatballs, or mini panini on sticks. Alcoholic drinks like mulled wine, stout, and ice wine are also a great way to keep your guests warm. Don't forget about non-alcoholic options like hot chocolate, apple cider, tea, and coffee.

For a savoury option, baked camembert with cranberry-orange compote is a delicious choice that's sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Finally, make sure to consider any dietary restrictions your guests may have. Offer vegan, vegetarian, dairy-free, and gluten-free options to ensure that everyone can enjoy your winter wonderland-themed wedding.

Date: set your wedding date around December 25th, to avoid clashing with guests' Christmas plans

When planning a Christmas wedding, it's important to consider the date carefully. To avoid clashing with guests' Christmas plans, it's best to set your wedding date around December 25th. This way, guests won't have to choose between their Christmas obligations and your wedding. The Christmas season on the Christian calendar ends on January 6th, so anytime between Thanksgiving and Epiphany is a good option. Just be mindful of other December holidays like Hanukkah and Kwanzaa.

When it comes to the venue, look for somewhere with both indoor and outdoor ceremony locations. That way, you'll have a backup plan in case of bad weather. A venue with a cosy atmosphere and an open fire is perfect for a winter wedding. From stately homes to rustic barns, there are plenty of options to choose from.

The Christmas season is a magical time for love and romance, and a winter wedding is a wonderful opportunity to share your special day with family and friends. With the infectious Christmas spirit all around, your guests are sure to be in high spirits!

Frequently asked questions