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Should You Have Your Wedding On a Holiday?

Should you combine the celebration of a major holiday and your wedding? We explore the pros and cons. (expert advice)

Should You Have Your Wedding On a Holiday? article photo
Myrtle and Marjoram Photography

 

Many brides-to-be choose wedding dates that are free from any significant occasions so the anniversary celebration is not shared with a major holiday. However, other brides enjoy the thought of being married on their favorite holiday and combining celebrations. Should you have your wedding on a holiday? There are some advantages and disadvantages. Here are some things to consider before deciding.

 

 

Your Wedding Guests

 

If you choose to have your wedding on a holiday, will your chosen guests have issues with giving up their holiday to attend your wedding? Most individuals enjoy spending time at home with their immediate families on holidays, so consider this before combining your big day with Christmas, the 4th of July or other important celebrations.

 

If you are absolutely convinced that your wedding should be held on a major holiday but you feel your guests will have a problem with that – why not hold a celebration at a later date? This would allow your guests a choice; if spending their holiday at your wedding is no big deal, they can attend. However, if they would rather celebrate the holiday at home, they can attend the later celebration.

 

Another thing to consider with your guests is whether they would feel obligated to purchase both a wedding present and a holiday gift. Of course, you can remedy this in a tactful way on your invitations, but you don’t want your guests to feel pressured to purchase anything. You should also think about this for the upcoming anniversary celebrations.

 

 

Anniversary Celebration

 

By having your wedding on a holiday, you will be celebrating that holiday and your anniversary together every year. Is this something you want to do? For some brides-to-be, this is a charming idea – a beloved holiday and your wedding anniversary all in one. However, many other brides-to-be don’t want to share their anniversary celebration with any other celebration.

 

 

Vendor Prices

 

By having your wedding on a holiday, you will most likely pay a pricier fee for vendor services such as a DJ, catering, and wedding planners or bakers. When a vendor or supplier knows they will be working on a major holiday, the prices usually double or triple. Think about your wedding budget and whether or not you’re prepared to pay these extra fees to have your wedding on a holiday.

 

To many brides-to-be, the idea of being married on a holiday is charming and beautiful. If you’ve considered it, but you just aren’t sure – think about the pros and cons above. This will help you determine whether a holiday wedding would be perfect or just not for you!

 

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11/01/2010 at 03:28 pm

If a dear friend or family member decides to have a wedding on a holiday weekend, I don't mind spending this ONE weekend in the entire span of my life to celebrate with him/her on his/her special day.  It's only one weekend... it's really not that serious to me.  If it's some person I barely know, then NO, I wouldn't waste my time/money to attend a wedding for someone I don't really care for. 

05/28/2010 at 12:01 pm

As a bride getting married two days before Christmas, I want to point out that couples planning weddings near holidays COMPLETELY expect that some guests will not be able to attend due to other priorities / obligations.  A wedding invitation is just that:  an invitation.  If you cannot / do not want to attend a holiday wedding, I'm sure the bride and groom will 100% understand.  In my situation, getting married near Christmas was our most convenient option.  And the wedding is about me, my future husband, and us spending our lives together.  Those who can come - great.  Those who cannot - oh well.  If it irks you to go to a holiday wedding, I strongly encourage you to decline the invitation!

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187 13 1
04/10/2010 at 03:01 pm

I agree with frassie1105.  I like to spend the holidays with my family, 4th of July included (we all go to the lake).  I think having it on a holiday weekend can be OK, as long as it does not actually interfere with the holiday.  For example:  one friend got married July 5, but the rehearsal was July 4, so I didn't get to go to the lake.  Another friend is getting married Thanksgiving weekend, but the holiday is on a Thursday, and all wedding festivities will be Friday and Sat.

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108 8 2
04/10/2010 at 02:04 pm

I think Christmas or New Year's are COMPLETELY different than 4th of July or Memorial Day!  But I agree that some people won't be willing to travel even for those lesser holidays, but my thinking is if you'd rather be home than at our wedding, it's probably best that you stay home.  I don't mean for that to sound rude at all, we just understand that we all have our own priorities.

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Last Revision on Jan 24, 2010 at 11:53pm
by apax, margaret
in Planning Basics
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