The Perfect Christmas Wedding
By: Diana HardinFor some, the idea of a Christmas wedding may seem daunting. Perhaps you’re thinking, “Why plan the most important day of your life during the most hectic time of the year?” It’s true that Christmas is a busy time, but it’s also a time of crisp beauty.
For my husband and me, there was never any doubt about having a Christmas wedding because we love Christmas nearly as much as we love each other! As I began my preparations, though, I discovered that planning a Christmas wedding is not only fun and festive, it can also be a boon for the budget. There is an abundance of supplies and services available this time of year which are sure to benefit the wedding planner.
On the other hand, however, you certainly don’t want your wedding to look like Aunt Martha’s living room! I found that with careful planning and a little effort, you can have a budget-friendly wedding that’s also elegant and lovely.
Decorations...
Whether your wedding plans include classic elegance or modern sophistication, you should be able to find exactly what you need at a great price. Christmas decorations have changed—red and green are no longer the standard. Today, you can find holiday decor in any color of the rainbow. Now it’s easy to include your favorite color in your favorite season.
If you’re planning far enough in advance, you can purchase decorations after Christmas this year for your wedding next year—and probably get a great deal. Or, you might find a “Christmas in July” sale later in the year. If you’re only planning a few months ahead, decide what you need and hit those holiday sales early in the season. And, don’t forget the internet—with a large number of online Christmas stores, you are likely to find bargains any time of year.
If you’re a true fan of the season, you’re probably already used to thinking outside the box, as far as decorating goes. You’ve already been creative about incorporating your favorite colors and styles in your holiday decorating. You’ll want to do this with your wedding too. But, be careful not to go overboard. The key to sophistication is moderation. Here are a few ideas:
Trees...
Why not have guests place their wedding gifts beneath a Christmas tree rather than on a gift table? The most elegant tree is decorated very simply—and lights are optional. If you’re having a crisp winter wedding, try flocking the tree, wrapping it in silver ribbon, and dressing it with icicles or icy blue glass balls.
If you’re theme is more natural or classic, leave your tree forest green and tie large bows on it to match your bridesmaids’ dresses. You’ll probably want to steer clear of metallic icicles or garland, but tree décor could include almost anything, from miniature flower bouquets and dangling wedding bands to red cardinals and poinsettia stems. However you decide to decorate your tree, it will be a lovely and unique way to greet your guests as they enter your wedding venue.
Garland...
Garland is a great replacement for traditional wedding decorations. Wherever you might normally use tulle to decorate, try using garland instead. Your garland can be as complex or simple as you like. If you begin with long strands of pine, you can decorate with florals, wire-edged ribbon, crystal balls, snow, icicles, white lights, or holly berries. Garland can be used down the aisles and on candelabras and prayer benches.
Rather than decorating with traditional pew bouquets, consider draping your garland with wreaths on every other row. If you’re planning to have candles down the aisle, dress them with sprigs of pine or rings of berries. If you plan an outdoor wedding in December, garland and wreaths work just as well along fences or trellises.
Reception...
For a Christmas wedding, you can decorate for your reception the same way you would for a Christmas party at your home. Tables can be accented with greenery and runners. Candles are a wonderfully inexpensive way to decorate, and at Christmas time, you can find them in bulk and at a discount.
In the same way a Christmas tree is the focal point of the holiday home, it can be the focal point of a holiday wedding reception. You can use one large tree or a grouping of several small ones. They can be highly decorated, or not decorated at all. You decide what works for your theme.
When your guests are ready to leave, why not have them select their favors from a Christmas tree? You can have a tree near the exit offering packets of rice or bird seed. Another tree may offer candies, ornaments, or another favor of your choosing to remind guests of your special event.
Top off your reception with a nice holiday meal or festive hors d’oeuvres and a colorful holiday punch. For dessert, try something unique for your cake. If you’ve chosen a winter theme, how about a coconut cake? Or, serve a traditional cake with a less traditional holiday filling, such as pumpkin or apple. Decorate your punch and cake tables with glass balls, ribbons, and lights, as their glimmer and sparkle will be certain to enchant your guests.
Music...
Holiday music selections are great for incorporating a little Christmas in your wedding. If you’re planning on classical music, there are a variety of options. For prelude music, you might have a string quartet, piano, organ, guitar, or harp play classical carols or festival pieces. You might consider such titles as “Greensleeves,” “Carol of the Bells,” or “Coventry Carol” for candle lighting or the bridesmaids’ processional. Vivaldi’s “Winter” from the Four Seasons or Mozart’s “Hallelujia” from the Coronation Concerto are great choices for a recessional.
If you prefer more contemporary Christmas tunes, there are many choices, from Percy Faith or Ferrante and Teicher to Irving Berlin or Manheim Steamroller. For your reception, don’t forget about such popular Christmas love songs as “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus” Ray Conniff’s “Christmas Bride,” or “Merry Christmas, Darling.”
Planning ahead for your Christmas wedding can save you time and money. Utilize the sales and specials on decorations, florals, and food that occur during the holidays. Keep your decorations simple, yet sparkling, for the most elegant effect. Search the internet for deals and bulk items you may need. Make use of low cost decorating items, such as candles and garland, and don’t forget to include sprigs of pine and holiday florals and greenery in your bouquets and boutonnieres.
As with any event, the small details really bring the theme to life. The same will be true for your Christmas wedding. Find creative ways to include the elements of Christmas you love on your own special day.
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