Couples saying “I do” between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day can take advantage of the sights, sounds and scents of the holiday season and incorporate them into their wedding details.
In New York especially, there are plenty of decked-out venues with Christmas trees, holiday florals and lights. Darcy Miller, founder of Darcy Miller Designs and Celebration Expert, a concierge consulting service in Manhattan, advises couples to approach these venues first, since they are already decorated for the holiday season.
“Talk to them ahead of time to find out what, where and how they decorate, because you may not have to do very much at all to decorate entranceways and other key spots, and you’ll want to keep their existing decor in mind when planning yours,” she said.
However, wedding planner Sara Greenberg of Forever Young Events explains that if you are getting married during the holiday season, you don’t have to complement or emphasize them at all. “It’s your wedding, so you should choose the details and elements you want to include,” she said.
Some couples choose to recognize a holiday pertinent to the couple’s religion. A Jewish couple getting married during Hanukkah may light a menorah under the chuppah, or at a Shabbat or rehearsal dinner before the wedding.
There are a variety of ways a couple can include elements of the holidays in their reception. “Think about the food and drinks you’re serving in the context of the season,” said Miller. “For an après-ski vibe, consider a festive, warm drinks bar, whether it’s a mulled wine bar with choose-your-own spices or a naughty-and-nice hot chocolate version for guests who like a kick in theirs and those who prefer not to drink alcohol.”
For decor, Miller notes that while white is a classic color for weddings, winter white can be especially impactful. “Give your wedding a winter wonderland spin with velvets and other warm textures and a little sparkle.
Another plus is that a white color palette works in any venue and with whatever pre-existing decor they have. You can make an inspiration board inspired not just by other weddings but from holiday movies or other wintry scenes.”
A white palette with sparkling details can also work well for a New Year’s Eve celebration. For a Dec. 31st affair, shoot off confetti blasters at midnight across the dance floor, if the venue allows.
Beyond the wedding details, the wedding party can sport the spirit of the season with small nods to the holiday. Greenberg suggests bridesmaids wear forest or hunter green, while groomsmen can accessorize with themed socks.
Here are a few holiday-inspired wedding ideas to incorporate into your festive wedding.
Add some sparkle to your holiday-inspired wedding day look with a pair of diamond-cluster earrings, set in platinum, with an aquamarine (Lucy Ocean) or garnet (Kate Autumn) drop, from Verstolo. Rental fees from $700 to $725.
Get some glitz and glamour on a holiday-themed tablescape with this Katie Fischer Design mixed-metal menu card. 100 for $1,475.
Treat out-of-town guests to a celebratory welcome gift with a DIY Champagne cocktail box from Darcy Miller. You can include a bottle of bubbly, flutes, bitters and more — add downloadable art with a Champagne-cocktail recipe and gift tag is included in the free template
Enhance your white Christmas decor with these rustic-style Pine Cone Christmas Place Card Holders from Ginger Ray. Star-shaped place cards included. $13.50 for a set of six, GingerRay.com
Embrace Christmas cheer with Minted’s “Very Married” Cocktail Napkins by Kim Stealey, which can be personalized with the couple’s names, monogram, wedding date or a saying. Available in white or ecru. 100 for $71
Kick off your New Year’s Eve wedding reception or after-party with these dazzling Champagne-bottle earrings with gold floral accents by My Kameier. $14.99
End the night on a sweet note with a holiday-themed cookie for your guests from Eleni’s New York. Various holiday designs (Thanksgiving is shown here) as well as custom cookies are available. Minimum order: 24 cookies per design. Starts at $7 each.