20 Tips for Planning a Christmas Season Wedding

Christmas is called the most wonderful time of the year for a reason. The holiday season is a magical time when hopes and dreams come true. The atmosphere is festive and people are generally in the mood to party, making it a great season for a wedding celebration.

1. Whether getting married on Christmas Day itself, or sometime during the holiday season, give the wedding party and guests plenty of notice. Schedules may already be full, so get the word out early by sending save-the-date cards in advance.

2. Book the church and wedding reception facility well in advance. Banquet halls are busy during the Christmas season.

3. Wedding invitations should be sent several weeks in advance so they don't get mixed in with the Christmas cards.

4. Churches, banquet halls and restaurants are usually festively decorated for the holiday season, which can mean a significant savings on decorations. When planning wedding themes, take into consideration that there will probably be bright decorations already in place.

5. Choose a color theme. White, cream or ivory looks stunning next to the traditional Christmas colors of red and green. Consider decorating with red accents to brighten the decor. Light blue and silver is also a beautiful color combination that doesn't compete with bright holiday decor. An elegant color combination of cream and gold is stunning and fits in beautifully with the Christmas theme.

6. The bride's wedding gown looks magnificent in whatever style is chosen. A traditional white, ivory or cream gown stands out among the bright holiday decorations. If desired, a colorful sash of red, green or gold adds a touch of brilliance.

7. The bride should wear a velvet wrap or long cape to ward off chill. A long red velvet cape is a romantic wardrobe addition that embellishes the outfit.

8. Bridesmaids look lovely in the jewel tones of Christmas. Dresses of red, green or blue are excellent choices. Add a fur shrug or velvet muff for a seasonal accent.

9. The bride and bridesmaids should wear close toed shoes to protect their feet from wet snow and cold temperatures.