The Holiday Season is upon us! With Thanksgiving and Black Friday under our belts, it is only a few weeks until Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah and New Year’s Eve. For some engaged couples it seems like the perfect time to get married. Your family is already together, they are already in a festive mood – why not add your wedding to the reasons to celebrate?
Pro – Your family as already making plans to be together, why not incorporate both of your families and your holiday celebrations sooner rather than later?
Con- If your family lives out of town, traveling around the holidays can be expensive, difficult and sometimes impossible. Flights are overbooked, weather conditions can delay or cancel flights, hotel rooms can be unavailable.
If you decide to have your wedding on a Holiday weekend, make sure you give your guests plenty of advance notice since they will need to re-arrange their usual holiday traditions. Giving Your guests more than the standard 8 weeks notice will enable them to book all of their accommodations months in advance and have backup travel plan if the weather gets nasty.
Pro – Everyone is already in the spirit of giving, so a wedding will be another reason to celebrate.
Con– Some people’s finances could be strapped with family, office and children’s gifts to purchase so adding another gift (much less travel expenses) may be the proverbial straw on the camel’s back.
All in all, it’s never about the gifts, it is about coming together to share a momentous occasion.
Pro – Holiday flowers are abundant and your dollar will stretch a lot farther with flowers that are already in season.
Pro– You may be able to shave a few dollars off the reception site by booking on a Friday or Sunday surrounding the holiday.
Pro– Many wedding professionals consider December their slow time so you might also be able to book your services at a reduced rate – it never hurts to ask.
The date you choose for your wedding is important; it will be your anniversary for the remainder of your lives together! If you have one of those families that share every celebration together and can support one another under a little extra pressure, then this is the perfect time of year to have your wedding!
-Penny Frulla for Bridal Expo Chicago
