Junior Rasmussen
December is a popular month for weddings, with many couples choosing to tie the knot during the festive season. Planning a wedding during this time of year has its pros and cons, and couples should consider various factors when deciding on a date. From venue availability and guest convenience to sunset times and travel plans, there's a lot to keep in mind when finalising a December wedding timeline. So, what is the best time to have a December wedding?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sunset time | Around 4:30-4:42 |
| Wedding photos | Take advantage of winter wonderland backdrops |
| Wedding party and family photos | Take before the ceremony |
| Wedding venue | Many venues are decorated for the holidays |
| Wedding decorations | Strands of lights, fresh or faux greenery, bows, ribbons, candles |
| Wedding favours | Keepsake ornaments, holiday sweets, mulling spices, splits of champagne |
| Wedding cake | Cupcakes, mini cakes, Bundt cakes, cookie cakes, candy cakes |
| Wedding food | Crunchy apples, cranberries, turnips, hot cocoa bar, chocolate bombs |
| Wedding flowers | Red garden roses, pinecones, eucalyptus, Hypericum berries, succulents |
| Wedding attire | Something cosy to wrap around your shoulders |
| Wedding date | Send save-the-dates earlier than usual; avoid dates too close to Christmas |
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What You'll Learn
Sunset times and photography
Sunset times in December vary depending on the location, but they tend to be between 3:30 pm and 4:42 pm. This means that if you want to capture the sunset during your wedding photography, you should plan your ceremony and photo session accordingly.
One option is to have a "first look" before the ceremony, which means seeing your spouse before the official proceedings begin. This can be a great opportunity to take wedding party and family photos with the soft, golden light of sunset. However, some couples may prefer to stick to tradition and not see each other before the ceremony.
If you're set on having outdoor photos with the sunset, it's crucial to plan your timeline carefully. Consider starting your ceremony earlier in the day, between 1 pm and 2:30 pm, to ensure you have enough daylight for photos after the ceremony. Keep in mind that weddings often run late, so building in some buffer time is a good idea.
Additionally, be mindful of the travel time between locations if your getting-ready location, ceremony venue, and reception venue are different. This will impact the amount of time available for photos.
To ensure you get the photos you want, it's essential to hire a photographer experienced in shooting winter weddings. They will have the necessary equipment and expertise to handle low-light conditions and indoor photography. Discuss your vision and expectations with your photographer, so they can guide you on the best timeline for your desired outcome.
Remember, while sunset photos can be magical, don't underestimate the potential for creative and beautiful shots indoors, especially if your venue is decorated for the holidays. You can incorporate the festive decor, lights, and seasonal props into your photos, creating a unique and joyful atmosphere.
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Pros and cons of a December wedding
December is a joyful month, marked by social outings, quality time spent with loved ones, and festive food. The month brings a magical spirit to weddings with its winter and holiday cheer. If you're considering a December wedding, here are some pros and cons to help you make an informed decision:
Pros:
- December weddings can be more affordable. Many venues offer winter deals, and you may be able to negotiate lower prices with vendors, including discounts on flowers, rentals, and venues.
- The holiday season is a special time for many, and a December wedding allows you to incorporate this festive spirit into your celebration. Venues are often decorated for the holidays, saving you money on decorations, and you can get creative with your decor and photo backdrops.
- The winter season provides unique and memorable photo opportunities. Whether it's a winter wonderland with snow-covered landscapes or the twinkling lights and Christmas trees, your wedding photos will be magical.
- Your wedding date can hold extra significance. Perhaps you got engaged during the holidays or have other anniversaries around that time.
- You'll have a full 12 months for wedding planning if your partner proposes around the holidays.
- There's less competition for dates and venues during the winter, so you're more likely to get your preferred date and location.
Cons:
- December is a busy time of year, with holiday gatherings, shopping, and travel. Some guests may not be able to attend due to prior commitments or reluctance to travel long distances during the winter.
- The early sunset can be a challenge for wedding photography, as you'll have fewer hours of daylight for photos, first looks, and outdoor ceremonies.
- The weather can be unpredictable, and while a winter wonderland makes for beautiful photos, you may also deal with rain, snow, or gloomy days.
- If you dream of a floral-filled wedding, certain flowers may be out of season and more expensive.
- December weddings close to Christmas or New Year's Eve can be more expensive due to high vendor and venue demand.
- Your guests may have to adjust their holiday plans and travel schedules to accommodate your wedding.
While there are pros and cons to a December wedding, ultimately, the decision comes down to what works best for you and your partner. If you love the magic of the season and are willing to embrace the unique challenges and opportunities it presents, a December wedding can be a dream come true.
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Wedding planning timeline
Planning a wedding can be stressful, but creating a timeline can help you stay organised and ensure you don't forget any important tasks. Here is a comprehensive wedding planning timeline to help you create your dream wedding:
12 Months Before
If you have a 12-month engagement, this is the perfect time to start planning. Start by deciding on your wedding budget and creating a guest list, as this may impact your choice of venue. Research and visit potential venues and ceremony locations, keeping in mind that December venues may already be decorated for the holidays, saving you money on decorations. You can also start looking into wedding planners or venue stylists, photographers, florists, invitation designs, cakes, music, and hair and makeup artists.
9-11 Months Before
Send out your Save the Date cards, especially if you're getting married during a busy time like the holidays. Start planning your hen and/or stag parties with your bridal party or friends. Decide on prayers, readings, and music for the ceremony, and consider creating a wedding website to keep your guests informed of all the plans.
6-8 Months Before
Buy any finishing touches and decorations for your venue. Order your wedding guest book and on-the-day stationery, such as orders of service, place cards, wedding signs, and menus. This is also the time to buy your wedding rings and create a gift registry or honeymoon fund.
3-5 Months Before
With only a few months left, it's time to focus on the smaller details. Plan your pre-wedding celebrations, such as a hen or stag party. Finalise the timeline for your wedding day, including the ceremony time, and adjust the schedule accordingly. If you're doing a "first look," you may want to start hair and makeup early for those all-important outdoor photos before the early winter sunset.
2 Months Before
Introduce your reception coordinator to your wedding planner or bridal party. Assign a family member or attendant to be the photographer's contact. Pre-plan for someone to take care of returning or cleaning your wedding attire after the big day.
1 Month Before
Create a "fake exit" strategy if you want to capture those sparkler photos without the hassle of a real exit. Stage your exit about 10-15 minutes before the end of the reception, and then simply return to the party afterward.
On the Day
Enjoy your special day, knowing that you've planned a stress-free celebration with plenty of buffer time!
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Venue and guest considerations
The venue is one of the most crucial decisions you'll make when planning your December wedding, influencing everything from the ambiance to the logistics. Here are some considerations to keep in mind:
Venue Booking Timeline:
December is considered an off-season month for weddings, and venues often offer significant discounts during this time. It's recommended to start your venue search for an off-season wedding around six to nine months in advance. This allows enough time for planning and vendor coordination. However, some sources suggest booking nine to fourteen months in advance to secure your desired venue and vendors. It's essential to start researching venues a month or two before you need to book to ensure you have time to thoroughly vet each option.
Location and Guest Considerations:
When considering the location, think about whether you want a destination wedding or something closer to home. Also, contemplate any important travel considerations for your guests, especially if they will be travelling from out of town. In this case, it is customary to reserve a block of rooms at a nearby hotel to ensure everyone has accommodation.
The number of guests and their respective age ranges will also influence your venue choice. You'll want to ensure the venue can comfortably accommodate your guest list. If you expect families with children, you may prefer a venue with safe areas for kids to play and strict control over alcohol consumption. Some venues even offer childcare services.
Venue Type and Capacity:
There are many unique venue types to choose from, ranging from banquet halls to outdoor settings. Consider the capacity requirements based on your expected guest list size. If you have a large family and many friends, opt for a larger venue. Conversely, if you prefer an intimate gathering, scale down your search accordingly.
Venue Conditions and Accessibility:
If you have older adults or guests with limited mobility on your guest list, assess the venue's conditions. Consider whether the space is navigable for those using walkers, canes, or wheelchairs, and ask the venue about their ability to accommodate any necessary accessibility adjustments.
Venue Decor and Budget:
Most venues will already be partially decorated for the holiday season, so you'll have less to worry about in terms of decor. You can simply add to the existing decor to customise it to your wedding theme and save some of your budget for other areas, like food or favours.
Guest Comfort and Experience:
A December wedding can ensure your guests feel relaxed and excited to celebrate, avoiding the "wedding fatigue" of busier seasons. Consider providing a wedding website with details like the venue's parking situation, meal options, weather forecast, and dress code to enhance your guests' experience.
Remember, the venue sets the tone for your entire celebration, so take the time to consider all these factors and choose a venue that aligns with your vision and guest considerations.
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Decorations and food
When it comes to a December wedding, the time of day you choose for the ceremony can be influenced by several factors, including the sunset time, travel time between venues, and the availability of natural light for photography.
Create a cosy and festive atmosphere with your decorations and food choices. The menu can be a highlight of a December wedding, with plenty of seasonal and comforting options to choose from.
Food Ideas:
- Soup Shooters and Creative Food Bars: Offer bite-sized portions of warm, comforting foods like soup shooters or a gourmet mac and cheese bar with various toppings.
- Warm Appetizers: Start with warm cheese appetisers, mini mugs of tomato soup with bacon or regular breadsticks, or grilled cheese sandwiches.
- Hearty Mains: For the main course, consider a plated meal with a Christmas twist, such as a beef dish or butternut squash ravioli. You could also provide a pasta bar or a baked potato bar with various toppings and sides.
- Sweet Treats: Indulge your guests' sweet tooth with a hot chocolate bar, featuring marshmallows, whipped cream, and cinnamon sticks. Individual berry cobblers or a festive winter cocktail infused with seasonal flavours like plum, apple, or eggnog will also be a hit.
- Seasonal Favourites: Include sweet potato, figs, and ham on your menu, incorporating the flavours of the season.
Decoration Ideas:
- Candles and Fairy Lights: Create a cosy and romantic ambiance with soft lighting.
- Winter Wonderland: Embrace the season with a white, silver, and blue colour palette, sparkling snowflakes, and icy centrepieces.
- Festive Touches: Add subtle festive touches like pinecones, holly berries, and mistletoe.
- Fireplace Focal Point: If your venue has a fireplace, make it a cosy focal point with a crackling fire and comfortable seating.
- Twinkling Backdrops: Use twinkling lights or fairy light curtains to create a magical backdrop for photos.
- Centrepieces: For a simple yet elegant touch, fill glass bowls or vases with ornaments, baubles, or pinecones, surrounding them with candles.
- Winter Florals: Choose winter flowers like amaryllis, anemones, or ranunculus, and add greenery like eucalyptus or holly for a festive touch.
Remember to consider your guests' dietary restrictions and offer a variety of options to suit different tastes and needs.
With a well-planned menu and thoughtful decorations, your December wedding is sure to be a memorable and enchanting celebration.
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Frequently asked questions
December is a joyful month marked by social outings and quality time spent with loved ones. Wedding venues are often decorated for the holidays, which means you'll have less to worry about and can save money on decorations. You'll also have 12 months for wedding planning if your partner proposes around the holidays.
December is a busy time of year for many people, and it can be an expensive time to travel. There may also be issues with weather, which could cause last-minute guest cancellations.
Guest favors can include keepsake ornaments, holiday sweets, mulling spices, splits of champagne, or even a donation to a charitable organization.
A hot cocoa bar and chocolate bombs are great seasonal dessert options. For centerpieces and salads, consider crunchy apples, cranberries, and turnips.
Sunset times are earlier in the winter, so you may want to plan your ceremony time around that. If you're taking photos before the ceremony, you'll need to start hair and makeup early.
