Getting Married at Christmas The Magic and Madness
Getting Married at Christmas The Magic and Madness
In the heart of winter, the idea of a Christmas wedding can seem downright enchanting. Imagine twinkling lights, snowfall gently dusting everything in white, and the fragrance of pine and cinnamon wafting through the air. One December evening, as my fiance and I wandered through a holiday market sipping mulled wine, the thought struck us like a sleigh bell: Why not get married during our favorite time of year? It might have been the wine talking, but the idea stuck, and soon we were knee-deep in plans for a Christmas wedding.
What makes a Christmas wedding special isn't just the backdrop of fairy lights and the possibility of snow—though I won't lie, that stuff is fantastic. There's also a deep, comforting sense of nostalgia tied to the season. For many in the Western world, Christmas is a time of family, tradition, and togetherness, and there's something incredibly fitting about starting a new life together amid all of that warmth and familiarity.
However, let me tell you, planning a wedding during the holiday season isn't all sugarplums and mistletoe. For starters, venues book up quickly, what with all the office Christmas parties and New Year’s events. We found ourselves scrambling to secure a spot, ultimately opting for a charming historic inn that, thankfully, looked like it had been plucked straight out of a Norman Rockwell painting. My best tip? Don't procrastinate, and if possible, start those bookings as early as the previous Christmas.
Then there's the issue of logistics. December can be unpredictable, weather-wise. I vividly remember the week before our wedding, glued to the weather forecast, praying for a light dusting of snow rather than an all-out blizzard. Thankfully, the skies cooperated, depositing just enough snow to create a picturesque scene without keeping guests from attending. If you're not a fan of uncertainty, a summer wedding might be more your speed.
On the festive side of things, planning a Christmas wedding can offer a unique opportunity to incorporate both the solemnity of the season and its joyful excesses. While the classic red-and-green combo might seem tempting (and easy), we found ourselves drawn to more subtle hues—ivory and gold with sprigs of evergreen for a sophisticated yet seasonal vibe. Our favors were little jars of homemade apple butter, a personal touch that guests appreciated and one we'd spent a few cozy weekends preparing.
But beyond the aesthetics and the menu, what truly made our Christmas wedding magical was the energy it brought to our celebration. With family already gathered for the holidays, there was an extra layer of joy in the air. As we exchanged vows, a sense of peace and completeness washed over me, one that was echoed by the twinkling tree and the silent snowfall outside.
Now, when I think back to our decision to marry at Christmas, it wasn’t just about capturing a pretty scene—it was about infusing the start of our life together with the generous spirit of the season. So, if you're considering tying the knot amidst the yuletide, prepare for a sprinkle of chaos mixed with holiday charm. And perhaps keep a little extra mulled wine on hand. You'll either need it for a toast or for staying warm during those few inevitable moments of madness.
