Weddings are beautiful occasions, and choosing the perfect date for your wedding can add to the beauty of the day. December is traditionally one of the busiest months of the year, with people celebrating holidays, spending time with their loved ones, and enjoying all that the season has to offer. But is a December wedding a good idea? In this post, we’ll take a look at the pros and cons of having a December wedding, and help you decide whether it’s the right choice for you.
The Pros of Having a December Wedding
There are many reasons why December can be a great month to get married. Here are a few of the best:
The Festive Atmosphere
December is the month when the festive season is in full swing. From beautiful decorations to Christmas markets and carol concerts, the atmosphere is full of joy and happiness. Your wedding day can be part of that festive season, with a winter wonderland theme, a Christmas tree at your reception, or holiday-inspired cocktail hour.
The Availability of Venues
December is not the most popular month for weddings, and this can work in your favour when it comes to getting the venue of your dreams. With fewer weddings taking place at this time of year, it’s often easier to secure the venue you want. December weddings also tend to be less expensive, as vendors may offer off-season discounts for the quieter time of year.
The Opportunity to Combine a Holiday and Wedding
If you have family and friends who live far away, having a December wedding can be an ideal time to bring everyone together. Many people may already be taking time off work, and travelling to your wedding can double as a holiday for them. A December wedding can also make for great photo opportunities in the snow or with twinkling holiday lights as the backdrop.
The Cons of Having a December Wedding
While there are many great reasons to have a December wedding, there are also some potential downsides to keep in mind:
The Risk of Inclement Weather
December is known for its unpredictable weather, and this can be a serious concern if you are planning an outdoor ceremony or reception. Be prepared to have a backup plan in case of snow, rain, or frosty temperatures. Depending on where you live, it could mean significant delays, cancelled flights or trains and a higher chance of getting stuck.
The Difficulty in Planning Around the Holidays
With so many holidays and celebrations in December, guests may have difficulty finding the time and resources to attend. Peak holiday travelling times can make it challenging to plan a wedding around everyone’s schedule.
The Competition for Vendors
With fewer weddings taking place in December, it can be more challenging to find vendors who are available on your chosen date. You may also find that prices for venues, vendors, and flowers are higher than during other times of the year, especially near the holidays.
Conclusion
In the end, whether a December wedding is a good idea will depend on your particular circumstances. While a winter wedding can be a magical, festive experience, it’s important to weigh up the pros and cons of a December wedding to decide if it’s the right decision for you. If you decide to go for it, be sure to have contingency plans in place, embrace the festive atmosphere, and remind your guests that a December wedding is sure to be a memorable one. Whatever you decide, happy wedding planning!
FAQ
What is the best date for a December wedding?
When planning a wedding, one of the first decisions to make is choosing the date, and for those aiming for a December wedding, the date can be particularly crucial. While Christmas and New Year’s Eve may come with some obvious benefits and festive appeal, they can also be accompanied by a lot of hustle and bustle, scheduling difficulties, and extra expenses. So what is the best date for a December wedding?
Generally, popular dates for December weddings are from December 28th to 31st as this falls between Christmas and New Year’s Eve and offers plenty of opportunity for guests to attend the celebration without conflicting with other holiday plans. However, it’s essential to be mindful that dates closer to the holidays can come with higher travel and accommodation expenses, which can make it harder for some guests to attend.
On the other hand, earlier in December can be busy with holiday parties and work events, meaning guests may already have several obligations, so it’s a good idea to send your save the date cards as soon as possible, preferably six to eight months in advance, allowing those close to you ample time to arrange their schedules and make plans.
Furthermore, keep in mind the festive atmosphere you want to create for your wedding day. Selecting a date between Christmas and New Year’s Eve can be an ideal choice for couples looking to add a wintery, festive vibe to their wedding décor, with festive decorations easily blending with the existing decor. If you’re planning on incorporating holiday-themed details, like incorporating pine cones instead of bouquets or snowflake motifs on invitations, these days are best suited for that atmosphere.
Finally, consider the day of the week you want to tie the knot. A Friday or Saturday leading up to Christmas or New Year can be harder to secure, with many people booking up their holiday events well in advance. However, choosing a mid-week date could make for a much more affordable and accessible option, providing more flexibility with vendors and a quieter atmosphere.
The best date for a December wedding comes down to personal preference and availability. However, December 28th to 31st tend to be really popular dates, earlier in December can be busy, so give your guests plenty of notice, and while into January, people tend to have more availability, you might not get the festive party atmosphere, if that’s what you’re after. Just take your time to consider each factor and choose the date that suits you and your partner’s vision best, making arrangements well in advance, and allowing your guests to make their own arrangements too.
What’s the cheapest month to get married?
When it comes to planning weddings, one of the biggest concerns couples have is the cost. Weddings can be quite expensive affairs, and many people are looking for ways to cut down on costs without sacrificing the beauty and magic of the big day. One way to do this is to choose an off-season month for the wedding, as these can be considerably cheaper than peak season months.
In the United States, off-season wedding months can vary by region, but usually they are January, February, July, and November. These months tend to be less popular for weddings, making them cheaper for a variety of reasons. For instance, January and February are often considered “off-season” because they’re in the middle of winter, which can make for a more difficult travel experience for out-of-town guests. Also, many people are recovering from the holiday season and may not want to spend money on travel or gifts.
July and November are usually considered off-season months because they are not as desirable for outdoor weddings due to weather concerns. July can be hot and humid in many regions, while November can be chilly or even rainy in some parts of the country.
Choosing an off-season month for your wedding can save thousands of dollars on venue rentals, catering, flowers, and other wedding-related expenses. With fewer people vying for your desired venue or wedding vendors, you may also have more flexibility in negotiating prices and booking services.
Of course, it’s important to remember that choosing an off-season month isn’t the only factor that affects the cost of a wedding. Other considerations, such as the size and location of the wedding, the type of venue, and the quality of vendors, can also have a significant impact on the overall cost. However, by choosing an off-season month, you can start your financial planning on a more advantageous footing and find ways to create your dream wedding without breaking your budget.
Can Catholics get married in December?
In the past, it has been the Catholic tradition not to celebrate marriages in Advent and Lent. This is due to the solemn and penitential nature of these liturgical seasons. However, according to the Roman Ritual – The Rite of Marriage revised by decree of the Second Vatican Ecumenical Council and published by authority of Pope Paul VI, marriages can be celebrated during Advent and Lent.
Therefore, Catholics can indeed get married in December, which falls in the season of Advent. However, it is important to note that couples should still be mindful of the spirit of the season and incorporate this into their wedding celebration. This can include choosing liturgical music appropriate for Advent, such as hymns that focus on waiting and preparation for the coming of Christ.
It is also important to consult with the parish priests and follow guidelines set by the diocese or local church regarding scheduling and preparations for the wedding mass or ceremony. The Catholic Church recognizes marriage as a sacrament, a sacred covenant between a man and a woman that reflects the love of Christ for his Church. As such, it is important for couples to approach their wedding with reverence and respect for the sacredness of the sacrament.
Catholics can get married in December, but it is important to approach the wedding with a reverent and mindful spirit of the Advent season. Couples should consult with their local priests and follow appropriate guidelines to ensure that their wedding reflects the sacredness of the sacrament of marriage.