Holiday Humdingers: How-to Take Advantage of the Holidays in Planning your Wedding

Alright, brides-to-be, with the holiday season (and the Mister and me’s wedding – hooray!) vastly approaching, it’s imperative for you to know Santa shouldn’t be the only one making a list and checking it twice.  Since I’ve lived through it, I deemed it necessary to share some of the festive advice I used while planning during “the most wonderful time of the year.”  I mean honestly, who doesn’t love the holidays?  The gathering of family and friends.  The music.  The food.  The fun.  The laughter… the extra days away from the office (wink, wink).  It really does put the world in a better – more giving – mood.

So, I implore you to use it as a time to rev your wedding planning into high gear.  Take advantage of all the small pleasures the holidays bring and use them to start checking things off your list…

• Because the holidays create a time to gather all your loved ones in one area, you can easily get and share advice with other brides-to-be.  Ask family and friends for their top dos and don’ts; so, you know what to look for and what to avoid.
• If you find yourself hosting a party, take this time to test out potential caterers, florists, bakers, etc.  It’s an ideal time to “try out” who will have what it takes to impress all your guests!
• Since many people vacation during holidays, get with your bridesmaids and go dress shopping.  Not only will they provide an honest reaction to your wedding gown options, but you can also start to see what bridesmaids’ dress styles will work for them.
• Take time to practice wedding day hair and makeup.  Whether you’re doing it yourself or getting it done, chances are it’s going to be something fancier than usual; so, what better way to show off a fabulous look than when surrounded by family and friends?
• Even benefit from bad weather.  After the holiday shopping rush is over and snow is still on the ground, people tend to snuggle up and stay in.  I say, “Get out!”  Go exploring for interesting ceremony and reception sites, and don’t be afraid to try something new… it just might end up being your ideal location.
• On a tight budget?  No problem!  There are innumerable post holiday sales that you can gobble up, which will surely help you get the most bang for your buck!
• If anything, use the holiday season to get organized.  If you’re sending out holiday cards, you’ll more than likely have a list or people and addresses that you’ll need for invitations.  So keep it together now to hopefully prevent any falling apart later – hehe.

Keep this list handy and be yet another step ahead of the game!  And feel free to leave anything else you find helpful below!  Happy planning :)

Leave a Comment September 11, 2009