Here at weddingsonline, we’re huge fans of Christmas weddings. So huge, we wish we could be invited to them all! There’s nothing more festive than the festive season, with all that extra twinkle wherever you go. Are you wondering how to plan a perfect Christmas wedding, and not just another seasonal party? Chances are, the guests will be attending several shindigs, so you want them to think your wedding was better than any other event. But how? Read on!
Step 1: ask the venue how they’re decorating
This has to be the biggest plus of any Christmas wedding: the serious redux of the decor budget. But first, you have to know what you’re dealing with. Hold off buying anything until the venue tells you about their decorating plans. Only when you find out the colour scheme (it’s not always red, green and white, you know), where the giant Christmas tree will go and all the other stuff, you can start planning your own additions.
Above image of Palmerstown House Estate by Konrad Kubic
Step 2: remember the textiles
We’re talking tablecloths, napkins, chair bows, etc. Your venue may already have all this in storage and if they let you use it, that’s another thing you won’t have to buy for your perfect Christmas wedding! Make sure to ask.
Step 3: perhaps a little DIY?
Chances are, you started planning the wedding many months away from December, so there was nothing in the shops to buy. If your wedding date is set for Christmas 2018, then you have lots of time to do some DIY (if you fancy). It could be anything, even as simple as spraying some pine cones with gold paint. As long as you’ll be happy to put it on your tables, go for it.
Above image from 14 Fabulously Festive Christmas Wedding Ideas
Step 4: add a colour you love
As we already said, the perfect Christmas wedding isn’t always red, green and white. How about jazzing it up with your favourite colour? Don’t be afraid to add some blue, burgundy or purple. Just play around with the colours and see if the shades work well together. Just ask yourself: what would my colour be if I was getting married in some other season? Then see if that colour works.
Step 5: the drinks, now we’re talking
Even if they don’t admit it, people pine after winter flavours. You’ve probably heard someone talking about Starbucks gingerbread latte in July, right? It’s the same for the rest too, like mulled wine, Baileys hot chocolate and eggnog. Serve them anytime and they’ll be met with true enthusiasm! The key is to keep it simple – choose maximum two and get the bar staff to mix them all night long. Because the perfect Christmas wedding needs a perfect warming up tipple.
Above image from 22 Amazing Details for a Cosy Winter Wedding
Step 6: make good food choices
Would you dare to go a little unusual? Or are you happy to go traditional with turkey and stuffing? We recommend speaking to the caterer or chef about other festive options, like ham, duck, or roast beef with some lovely trimmings. And don’t forget the vegetarian option, which should also be something special.
Step 8: when in doubt, add sparkle!
If you worry the overall look of your wedding is lacking some oomph, then you simply can’t go wrong with adding sparkle anywhere and everywhere. In fact, we believe there’s no such thing as too much sparkle. So what if it all ends up a bit like a Saturday night at Studio 54, it’ll be grand! We’re talking clothes, shoes, jewellery, accessories… and don’t forget to throw some sequins onto the tables for good measure!
Above image from 15 Gorgeous Ways to Add a Little Sparkle to Your Look
Step 8: get the right tunes
Ok, here’s a dilemma. Everywhere you go from about November onwards (and it’s getting earlier and earlier every year), you hear the same three songs a thousand times a day (we’re looking at you, Mariah Carey). It’s only natural to add them to your playlist, but there’s a danger your guests will greet them not with a cheer, but with an eyeroll, and that’s no way to get a party started. Here’s where you go to rely on your DJ or band for advice. Ask them what Christmas song goes down really well at any party, problem solved!
Step 9: the all-important photos
Chances are, your photographer and videographer are already assuming you’ll want to take some shots outside. You need to do two things. First, confirm with them this is indeed true. And second, if it’s a yes, then prepare accordingly. That means the right protection against the cold (warm and great looking) for you and all the people who will be outside. Have you ever noticed how hard it is to smile while you’re shivering? It’s one of those unexplained mysteries. Or if you’re happy to stay indoors, you’ll have so many fab photo ops with all the festive decor.
Step 10: get a wonderful wrap
This is the one accessory summer brides won’t have to think about. But you? You go get it! There’s so much choice, you may have a hard time picking the one you love… but then, wraps are not outrageously expensive, so you could treat yourself to two! The furs (real and fake), the pashminas, trimmed gloves, boleros… ahhh, what a wonderful fashion bonanza for your perfect Christmas wedding. Get loads of inspiration from our list of 20 chic and seriously cosy cover-ups for brides. And if you haven’t had enough, here are 14 brides who rocked stylish cover-ups.
Aaand, you’ve got all the essentials covered! We wish you a merry Christmas wedding!
Above image from 14 Brides Who Rocked Stylish Cover-Ups
Main image from 14 Fabulously Festive Christmas Wedding Ideas
