Planning a Christmas Wedding

With Christmas being such a wonderful time of year, it is no wonder so many couples are now looking to get married during the festive season. If the idea of festive nuptials appeals to you, here are some hints & tips for planning the finer details of your day.

Festive Colors:

Traditionally red & green are synonymous with Christmas. It is already likely that your chosen ceremony & reception venues will already be decked out with festive decorations in red & green for all the other events & parties they will be holding. However, in modern times other colors have become associated with Christmas & you don’t need to feel obliged to stick to tradition. Other colors include:

Silver & white - for a magical wintry feel

Silver & light blue

Burgundy, forest green & gold - be careful that this combination doesn’t clash with the existing color scheme

Gold & cream

Tartans or plaids also feature at Christmas

Christmas Wedding Invitations:

Be wary of producing invitations which look too much like a holiday card. Forget folded white cards covered in snow & Christmas trees. Choose thick white or ivory card, printed with elegant engraved or thermo-graphed text. Keep graphics to a minimum & just include a small festive motif such as a snowflake or holly sprig.

Because this is usually such a busy time of year for most people & many will have a lot of events/functions to attend, it is advisable to send out your wedding invitations early, about 10-12 weeks before. Save-the-date cards can be useful for a festive wedding & you can let people know your planned wedding date well in advance.

Wedding Cake:

Popular designs for Christmas wedding cakes include parcel shaped cakes, snowflake designs or a whimsical red & white themed cake. Another option is a tiered chocolate cake which is a take on a yule log. Ask for a cascade of holly made from gum paste down the side & top with an arrangement of robins & Christmas trees!

Bridesmaids Attire for a Christmas Wedding:

When it comes to wedding attire staying warm will probably be your first concern. Dress your bridesmaids in long dresses teamed with shrugs or faux fur wraps. Choose dresses in your wedding colors & add sparkling accessories to help evoke your theme.

And the Bride Wore:

Your Christmas wedding dress needn’t be any different from one at any other time of year. Choose the dress that suits you the most but add a faux fur wrap, bridal coat or cape. Colored details are a key look this year & you could add a colored sash to your dress in keeping with your color scheme. If you want a sparkling winter wonderland feel choose a dress encrusted with lots of crystals & beads to evoke the snow & ice of the season.

Flowers and Décor:

Flowers can be expensive at this time of year, so if your budget is tight you may need to be creative. Candles are great for a Christmas theme & simple arrangements with holly are both easy & romantic. Make up table centers with decorative bowls or vases filled with tree baubles & festive flowers. Use fake snow to create pretty arrangements with tea lights & mistletoe or snow berries. At your ceremony venue use fake snow for your aisle runner or hire a snow making machine for true winter wonderland effect.