Considering a holiday wedding? Read these expert tips from the team at Our Day before making your big decision!
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For couples contemplating a holiday wedding, blending a special occasion with seasonal festivities has undeniable appeal. Holiday weddings can offer a unique experience for guests, combining celebration with cherished holiday traditions. However, holiday nuptials also present distinct challenges, from guest availability to budget constraints.
We asked Bryn Khoury, the founder of Our Day—an event planning platform with a unique vendor search capability—to share her expert advice on the subject. Since her company specializes in helping couples navigate all kinds of wedding planning considerations, from the ordinary to the exceptional, like holiday weddings, we wanted to get her take on the pros and cons of holiday weddings, along with her tips for making these celebrations unforgettable.
Pros of Holiday Weddings
1. Built-In Atmosphere
The holiday season brings its own festive vibe, which can certainly elevate the atmosphere of a wedding. “Holidays have a natural spirit of celebration,” says Bryn. “Whether it’s the warmth of Thanksgiving or the sparkle of New Year’s Eve, holidays create an ambiance that can make your wedding feel even more special.” With venues often decorated to match the season, couples may find they can save on decorations while benefiting from the themed holiday decor. “It’s not only a cost-saver, but also a way to add charm to the wedding space,” Bryn adds. The Knot also highlights this as a perk, as venues often showcase beautiful holiday decorations at no extra cost.
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2. Easier for Guests to Take Time Off
Holiday periods often mean guests already have time off from work, making it more convenient for friends and family to attend, especially if travel is involved. “Holiday weddings are great if you have guests coming in from different places,” Bryn points out. “A holiday weekend means guests won’t need to juggle work commitments while celebrating, making it easier for them to enjoy the festivities.” This is why many destination weddings are planned around long holiday weekends, when guests can maximize their travel time.
3. Memorable Celebration
Combining a holiday with a wedding day creates a dual celebration that’s bound to be memorable. “Years from now, your friends and family will still associate your wedding with a holiday celebration,” Bryn notes. “It’s a beautiful way to make your anniversary even more meaningful and ensure your day stands out in everyone’s memories.”
Cons of Holiday Weddings
1. Higher Costs and Competition
The flip side of a holiday wedding can be the premium pricing and competition for venues. Bryn explains, “Around major holidays, demand for venues and vendors spikes. That can drive up costs or make it harder to secure the vendors you really want.” Couples planning on these peak dates should anticipate higher costs and fewer flexible options, as competition tends to increase around popular holiday seasons.
2. Guest Availability Conflicts
While some guests may find it easier to attend a holiday wedding, others may already have family obligations, travel plans, or personal traditions that could conflict with the wedding. Bryn recommends that couples check in with their most critical guests ahead of time to see if their attendance aligns with their holiday plans. Holiday weddings often have lower attendance, so keep that in mind when choosing a date. Ultimately, it’s up to the couple to decide if a particular date or higher attendance is more important to them.
3. Seasonal Price Surges and Travel Complications
The cost of travel tends to rise around major holidays, especially Thanksgiving and Christmas, making it potentially challenging for out-of-town guests. “This is a significant consideration for couples with many guests traveling from afar,” Bryn confirms. “Holiday airfare and accommodations can be much pricier.” Additionally, inclement weather during winter holidays can lead to logistical issues like flight delays, impacting guests’ schedules and causing wedding day stress. Brides magazine suggests planning with extra time buffers to help avoid travel complications for holiday weddings.
4. Shared Focus with Holiday Festivities
For some couples, a holiday wedding may feel like it competes with other celebrations or traditions. Your guests might be in a holiday mindset, which may lead to a more casual atmosphere than intended. So Bryn suggests that couples think about whether they want their wedding to feel like a standalone event or if they’re happy with it being part of a broader holiday celebration. For couples who want the day entirely centered on their marriage, a non-holiday date would be preferable.
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Making the Most of a Holiday Wedding: Key Takeaways
With both festive advantages and logistical hurdles, holiday weddings can be a wonderful choice if planned thoughtfully. Bryn and the Our Day team encourage couples to weigh these pros and cons, considering what will make their wedding feel special and stress-free. By understanding the challenges and opportunities that come with holiday dates, couples can create a wedding that is not only magical, but also meaningful.