Planning a wedding is a major endeavor, and selecting the special date is one of your most important decisions. Some couples choose to marry on a holiday, hoping to add an extra layer of significance or a holiday theme to their special day. While these kinds of weddings offer unique advantages, they also come with potential challenges. Before finalizing your date, here’s a closer look at the pros and cons of a holiday wedding.

getting married on a holiday — Photo by: Anne Edgar Photography

PRO: Built-in Festivity and Atmosphere

Holidays bring a natural sense of joy and celebration, complete with festive decorations, twinkling lights, and a warm, cheerful ambiance. Whether you’re planning a Christmas Eve, New Year's Eve, Valentine’s Day, or Halloween wedding, the holiday spirit can enhance your big day. Plus, venues and public spaces are often already decorated, allowing you to save time and enjoy lower costs.

Learn how to bring your holiday wedding to life by incorporating themed games and interactive activities.

CON: Competition for Venues and Vendors

Because holidays are a popular time for special events and travel, vendor availability may be limited. Securing your dream wedding venue, top-tier wedding vendors, and even hotel rooms may be more difficult and involve higher costs. You might need to book everything much further in advance than for a non-holiday wedding.

On a tight timeline, but unsure where to book? Explore our list of preferred venues.

PRO: More Time for Guests to Celebrate

Rather than planning around a major holiday, some couples choose to host their celebration over a long holiday weekend. With extra time off work, national holidays or long weekends can make it easier for guests to attend. They won’t have to worry about using vacation days, making travel and celebrations more convenient. This can lead to a more relaxed and enjoyable experience for everyone.

CON: Guest Availability May Be Limited

While some wedding guests may appreciate having an extra day off, others might already have holiday traditions or holiday plans that prevent them from attending. You may face a higher-than-average number of declined RSVPs, especially if you plan on a big wedding with a lot of people.

PRO: Family Gatherings Already in Place

The holiday season is a time when close friends and close family members traditionally come together, making it a unique opportunity to host your wedding with loved ones already nearby - no extra plane tickets required. Your wedding can seamlessly become part of the festivities, creating an even more meaningful and memorable experience for everyone.

CON: Potential Weather Issues

Popular holidays in the fall and winter months, like New Year's Eve, Christmas Day, or Thanksgiving weekend, may bring unpredictable weather. Snowstorms, icy roads, or other harsh conditions could impact travel plans for you and your guests without much notice, especially if you're having a destination wedding.

Want to make a winter wedding work for you? Here's how to plan your fairytale celebration in the Niagara Region.

When you’ve set your holiday wedding date, we’d love to connect with you and share our music expertise. Don’t be shy, reach out and schedule a consultation today!

Planning on Getting Married on a Holiday? Here Are the Pros and Cons