Just as Disney lovers dream of having their wedding in the Magic Kingdom, women who adore a certain holiday love nothing more than getting married next to a Christmas tree or at the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve. Holiday weddings are so popular that the D.C. Superior Court expected to perform twice the number of ceremonies as usual on Valentine’s Day.
Families are already planning to get together on many holidays, and getting time off may be easier for guests. In addition, manufacturers will have already produced everything needed to color-coordinate your wedding and reception, from flowers and balloons to place setting accessories. For the ultimate in themed weddings, a holiday date is the natural choice.
1. Christmas
You might not want to get married on Christmas Day, but having your wedding during the Christmas season is a great way to add some wintery magic to your special day. Finding a romantic setting for your wedding won’t be hard, as most places will already be set up with beautiful lights and a snowy backdrop. Dark reds, silver and golds are popular colors for Christmas-time weddings. You can have peppermint martinis or hot cocoa at the reception and give your guests tree ornaments to remember the special day.
2. Valentine’s Day
On a day designed for lovers, what could be more natural than getting married? If you’re a true romantic, the traditional hearts and flowers abundant on Valentine’s Day make it the perfect date to exchange your vows. You’ll need to plan your wedding well in advance, as romantic venues go fast. Go over the top in all pink and red, or be subtle and tone down the color scheme to classic creams and pale pink. This holiday is more open to style interpretation than many others, as you can go with lacy antique romance or a modern twist and still keep in touch with the spirit of the day.
Photo by Mannia&Titta via Flickr
3. Mother’s Day
Brides who already have children often want to make their little ones a part of their big day, turning a couple’s celebration into a family affair. There are few days more perfect than Mother’s Day for celebrating your love for each other and your family. Guests will love having a ready-made celebration for this family occasion, although dinner venues may be booked a few months out. Add to the ambiance by giving your wedding attendants special mother-themed pampering gifts. FTD offers a large assortment of gift items that would be perfect for your maid of honor and bridesmaids, like personalized purse holders.
4. Independence Day
What’s more romantic than fireworks? A 4th of July wedding combines the best parts of summer with a patriotic backdrop. Host an outdoor ceremony or reception with sparklers and summery drinks and food. Whether in someone’s backyard or on the beach, a July 4th wedding is perfect for a casual, summer-loving couple who wants a simple, but exciting and elegant wedding. If you have a nighttime ceremony, end with a small fireworks display.
5. Halloween
Whether you’re a zombie lover of just like to dress up in costumes, nothing could be more surprising than Halloween as your date to remember. This celebration is especially for couples whose families are fun and adventurous and will have fun dressing in costume instead of in fancy threads. Especially perfect for couples with smaller budgets, a Halloween wedding can be a costume free for all or a masquerade event. Let the costumes do the talking, and you’ll be able to spend less on decor. Spooky or goofy, a Halloween wedding is a fun way to get your married life off to a fun and casual start.
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6. New Year’s Eve
Start the New Year, start your new lives together. New Year’s Eve is a natural celebration to combine with nuptials. It’s already about glitz and glamor, and partying all night is required. Most of your guests will already be planning to do something fun that night; you simply have to plan far enough in advance to reserve their time. Go Hollywood or ask everyone to wear something glittery. Exchange your vows just at the stroke of midnight, with a toast and reception dinner directly following.
7. St. Patrick’s Day
St. Patrick’s Day falls in the middle of March, just when the weather starts to warm up and everyone is in the mood to celebrate. You don’t have to have Irish roots to appreciate an Emerald Isle-inspired wedding. You also don’t have to put cartoon shamrocks and leprechauns on everything to pull of an elegant Celtic-themed ceremony. Forest green or bright teal are popular colors to use. Decorate with bunches of real clovers and white flowers. You can really impress your guests by hiring a Celtic band to play at your reception.
