The Pros and Cons of a Holiday Wedding in Colorado
For some, the winter holidays are “the most wonderful time of the year.” With all of the joy, excitement, and celebration in the air, you may find it fitting to host your wedding alongside some of the country’s biggest holidays–Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve. Even if you don’t celebrate these holidays yourself, having a November or December wedding will be impacted by the hustle and bustle of the season. Because of this, planning a holiday wedding requires extra care and consideration. Dive into the pros and cons of a holiday wedding in Colorado to help you decide if a winter wedding is right for you.
Pros of a Holiday Wedding
First, let’s talk about the pros of a holiday wedding because there are some truly magical aspects of getting married alongside the winter holidays, especially if they are your favorite.
1. Your Wedding Will Feel Extra Celebratory
If you love the holiday season and find it a joyous occasion, your winter wedding will feel extra special and celebratory. The holidays tend to be a time to gather with friends and spend time with family, many of whom you may not see regularly. If that is how you enjoy the holidays, having your wedding in this environment will only add to the event and make it feel extraordinarily sentimental.
2. Extended Family is More Likely to be Able to Travel
The closer you have your wedding to a popular winter holiday like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s Eve, the more likely it is that your family and friends will have time off work and be able to attend your wedding. Plus, if you give them ample time to prepare, they can save up PTO at work or make arrangements to ensure they are there on your special day.
3. There’s Less Wedding Competition During the Holidays
Peak wedding season is June through September. Anytime you have a wedding outside of peak season, you’ll likely experience some benefits like less expensive venue fees and less competition when it comes to booking your vendors.
4. Certain Wedding Aspects are Simplified
If you choose to have a holiday wedding in Colorado because you love the festivities and vibes of Christmas, it can make choosing your colors and decorations easier. You can keep it classic with a red and green color pallet and repurpose holiday decorations. Plus, many churches and venues will already have holiday decorations up, so if you like their style, you won’t have to bring in too many of your own.
5. A Winter Wedding in Colorado is Extra Romantic
There is something truly lovely about a fresh snowfall, sitting fireside in a snowstorm, or going for a hike in the snow-covered mountains. Having a holiday wedding in Colorado brings these romantic vibes into your wedding day and makes for some of the dreamiest wedding photos.
Cons of a Holiday Wedding
Now onto the cons of a holiday wedding. Because having an off-season wedding isn’t as common, you may come up against some barriers when planning your dream winter wedding in Colorado.
1. Travel and Accommodations are Typically More Expensive
Travel fare and accommodations are typically more expensive because people vacation during the winter holidays and book their flights and hotels months before leaving. So, if you know you want a holiday wedding in Colorado, be sure to plan it well in advance and let your guests know, so they have plenty of time to make arrangements.
2. Your Desired Guests May Have Other Commitments
While your wedding is definitely an important event, some guests–even family members–may not be able to attend due to prior commitments. Many people travel for the holidays to spend time with their families, meaning they won’t be in town to attend your wedding. This isn’t a con of a holiday wedding if you’re ok with a smaller guest list, but it is something to consider if you’re hoping to celebrate amongst all your family members and friends.
3. Vendors May Be Booked or Off for the Holidays
The holidays are not just a busy time for families but for wedding vendors too. Some may already be booked with other events, and others may take time off during the holidays since it isn’t peak wedding season. If you know you want a holiday wedding in Colorado, it’s essential to book your wedding planner and other preferred vendors as soon as possible!
4. Your Anniversary Will Always Occur During the Holidays
This one is tricky because it can be a pro and con of a holiday wedding, depending on how you look at it. On the one hand, your anniversary will always occur during the holidays, which can make it feel extra special every year. On the other hand, your anniversary will always occur during the holidays, which may make it hard to get away and celebrate your marriage each year if you have other commitments, like holiday work parties or family Christmas celebrations.
5. Time Changes and Weather May Affect Your Wedding Details
Unless you’re getting married in sunny Florida or San Diego, you’ll likely deal with some cold, windy, rainy, and possibly snowy weather during a holiday wedding. In Colorado, daylight savings time causes it to get dark much earlier, which could affect the time and location of your wedding. And it’s always good to be prepared for a snowstorm. Let your guests know what to expect in terms of weather, especially if you’re opting for an outdoor ceremony.
Plan Your Dream Holiday Wedding in Colorado with Mountainside Events
With all of these pros and cons of a holiday wedding, you get to decide whether or not a winter wedding in Colorado is the right option for you. If you decide it is, we’d love to help you plan your most special day! Contact us to learn more about our full service Colorado wedding planning services and secure your holiday wedding date today.