So you’re planning a wedding around the holidays! This is such an exciting time of year to have your dream day. There are a few things to keep in mind to make sure your event is as seamless as possible! Let’s go over the basics of planning a holiday wedding on this blog.

There could be higher costs

Since the top yearly holidays occur during the fall and winter months, your vendor’s costs might increase. This is already a busy wedding season and a wedding right around the holidays means the vendor must open up their schedule even more. There are also other factors that impact the cost. For example, your wedding venue might increase the cost of wedding dates around the holidays due to demand. Vendor teams, travel, and supplies can also increase in cost. To help ease any surprise and find the best value for your wedding, plan ahead. Reach out to your first choice vendors as soon as possible. We already know that the past few years of weddings have been busy, so make this process easy on yourself! Work with a wedding planner to cut down on the time of researching vendors and reviewing contracts. A wedding planner also knows what to look for regarding your specific event. 

Keep the weather in mind

A holiday wedding means you might be hosting your event during the cooler months depending on where you live. Make plans for inclement weather. This can look like a backup venue location, renting a tent, offering blankets and warm drinks to guests, and more! A backup plan will ease your mind and your vendor team will be prepared for anything less than a completely sunny day. If you are still in the early process and haven’t selected a date, chat with your vendors about what the weather typically looks like for the date you have in mind. This can influence how to select your specific wedding date. You will also want to ask the vendors you want to book how they prepare for inclement weather. If they need certain support or supplies, you will need to chat with your wedding planner about how this factors into your timeline and budget.

Factor in traffic and travel

What does the traffic and travel cost look like in your wedding location? You will need to notify your guests of heavy traffic and speak to your vendors about what travel looks like. This is especially important for a destination wedding. If there is heavy traffic, this can influence your vendors’ costs as well. You might choose to work with transportation services to assist your guests from there hotels and accommodations. 

Have fun with your decor!

Now, let’s talk about the fun side of a holiday wedding – the decor! Have fun with this aspect of your wedding. You can incorporate themes from the holiday and seasons into your event. The options are endless.

Your Guest Count Might Change

Since individuals might already have plans for the holidays, your guest count could lower. For those that desire an intimate wedding, this is perfect! 

Be sure to follow us on Instagram for more wedding tips and inspiration.

We are sharing how to find your fall wedding style on this post!

What is your guest count?

First, determine your guest count. Are you planning a grand wedding with over one hundred guests? Or are you planning an intimate 10-50 person wedding? Understanding your guest count can allow you to budget for your day. You can also plan the layout of your fall wedding accordingly.

Draw Inspiration From Your Venue

With any season, it is a wonderful idea to draw inspiration from your venue! A venue’s aesthetic often influences the design. So, if your venue is modern and industrial in a city setting, your fall style may be more contemporary. Search for ideas on Pinterest and ask your venue for galleries of past fall weddings in their space. Create a wedding board for your big day and pin all of the inspiration you like. Everything from wedding attire to table decor is available on the platform! Be sure to look at the nature surrounding your venue as well. Will the trees be changing around the time of your wedding? This can be incorporated into your mood board. 

What are your favorite colors from the season?

The leaves are one of the most popular factors of the fall season! Those deep greens, rich yellows, dreamy reds, and bold orange tones are so incredible. What are your favorite colors from the season? Maybe you love all of the earth tones from those leaves. Or perhaps, jewel tones are more your style. Don’t forget about the holidays during the fall time! Halloween offers some super unique and edgy colors to gather ideas from. Forming your color palette can help you determine the rest of your design. 

What are your favorite foods from the season?

There is more to the fall season than just the decor! Think about all of the delicious food options. Are there any specific dishes you want to feature at your wedding? There could even be general flavors you want to incorporate. Speak with your catering team about their fall menu options! You can also chat with your cake baker about seasonal flavors and items (hello pie for dessert). You and your guests will love this thoughtful touch! 

What month and date is your wedding?

Consider the month and date of your wedding to find your style. There are reasons you selected that date and some probably have to do with the design along with the weather. If your wedding is a few days before Halloween for example in a cooler climate, do you love a spooky/edgy theme? Or if your wedding is closer to Thanksgiving, are you looking for a cozy, classic fall wedding? 

Think about what fall items you DON’T want in your wedding.

Finally, think about what you don’t want from the fall season in your wedding. Many couples do not want their wedding to overtly look like a holiday. You can nod to the season while keeping your individual preferences in mind. Sometimes, figuring out what you don’t want first can be most helpful in determining your style.

Looking for some visual wedding inspiration after reading this blog? Check out our work  for some unique ideas!

If you are planning an outdoor wedding but need that final design touch, consider adding a wedding arch! We love the dimension that a wedding arch can provide to any ceremony space. Plus, you can even reuse this wedding feature at the reception as a creative backdrop or photobooth. Outdoor weddings can often be in a dreamy forest location, lush garden, or even mountaintop. 

You will want to make sure that each section of your wedding is clearly identifiable to guests. Sometimes, a ceremony spot can become lost in the natural background. You will be surprised at the difference a wedding arch can make! Today we are sharing some of our favorite outdoor wedding arch options that still highlight the beauty of your wedding location.

Choosing Your Wedding Arch

Before we dive in, there are a few things to consider when choosing your wedding arch. As with any wedding rental, there are logistics involved to bring your vision to life!

Chat with Your Venue

First, be sure to ask your venue if this is something they allow onsite. They might have certain restrictions as to what type of arch you can feature as well as delivery access limitations. When you take the step to speak with your venue, they may even be able to provide some vendor recommendations for you that they have worked with previously. 

Gather Inspiration

Now, you will need to gather your inspiration! Think about the style you are going for to ensure that your wedding remains cohesive. If you want something more minimal, choose a wedding arch that looks great alone. On the other hand, if you know you want to decorate your wedding arch, this can provide more freedom to choose a simple design.

One of our favorite places to find wedding ideas is on Pinterest! Make a board dedicated to wedding arches and share with your wedding planner. They will be able to work with the rental company to find options that work best for your budget and location. 

Love this blog? Check out where to begin with wedding planning next!

At the beginning of the year, I received a call from one of my close friends, Lena Mirisola of Lena Mirisola Photography. She shared with me that she was asked to coordinate an editorial shoot at the Willowdale Estate in Topsfield, Massachusetts and asked for my help with the design concept and pulling a team together to achieve the vision.

When I asked her to describe the vision, I heard the words bright, colorful, and gay. No wonder Lena thought of me!

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In the past few weeks, a lot of important updates have been released regarding COVID guidelines for weddings in New England. Nearly all the states have released a “roadmap” of some type, outlining when we can expect to see changes to the current guidelines. This is great news – although not certain, it is helpful to understand what the future set of guidelines may hold for weddings in New England. There are a lot of dates, and now that we’ve been sorting through various sets of COVID rules for weddings for a year now, there’s also a lot of outdated information out there. Here is a list of important dates you’ll want to know if you are looking for the 2021 COVID Guidelines for Weddings in New England:

Connecticut:

Saturday, May 1, 2021:

• The curfew for restaurants, entertainment venues, recreation venues, and theaters will be moved back one hour to 12:00 am midnight.
• Bars that do not serve food can open for service – OUTDOOR ONLY. Food is still required when serving alcohol indoors.
• The 8-person per table limit will be lifted – OUTDOOR ONLY. The limit remains in effect for indoor dining.

Wednesday, May 19, 2021:

• All remaining business restrictions will end.
• Indoor masks will continue.
• The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) will issue recommendations for indoor and large outdoor events (e.g., concerts).

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Maine:

Saturday, May 1, 2021:

• All states exempt from travel restrictions (pending Maine CDC approval).

Monday, May 24, 2021:

• The limit for indoor gatherings will increase to 75 percent, and outdoor gatherings increases to 100 percent.

Massachusetts:

Monday, May 10, 2021:

• Massachusetts enters Phase 4, Step 2.
• Large venues, such as indoor and outdoor stadiums, arenas and ballparks will increase capacity to 25%.
• Amusement parks, theme parks, and outdoor water parks reopen at 50% capacity after submitting safety plans to the Department of Public Health.
• Road races and other large, outdoor organized amateur or professional group athletic events will be permitted to take place with staggered starts after submitting safety plans to the Department of Public Health.
• Singing will be permitted indoors, with strict distancing requirements at performance venues, restaurants, event venues and other businesses.

Satuday, May 29, 2021:

• Gathering limits increase to 200 people indoors and 250 people outdoors for event venues, public and private settings.
• Street festivals, parades and agricultural festivals, at 50% of their previous capacity, may reopen. (June 19 for Boston locations)
• Bars, beer gardens, breweries, wineries, and distilleries may reopen, adhering to restaurant rules with seated service only (June 19 for Boston locations).
• Maximum table size increased to 10 people per table (June 19 for Boston locations).

Tuesday, June 1, 2021:

• Singing indoors permitted at performance venues, restaurants, event venues and other businesses located in Boston, subject to the state’s Theater and Performance Venue guidance.

Saturday, June 19, 2021:

• Bars, beer gardens, breweries, wineries, and distilleries located in Boston may reopen, adhering to restaurant rules with seated service only.
• Maximum table size increased to 10 people per table in Boston.

Sunday, August 1, 2021:

• All industry restrictions will be lifted, capacity increased to 100% for all industries. Social gathering limits will be rescinded (August 22 for Boston locations)

Monday, August 22, 2021:

• All industry restrictions will be lifted, capacity increased to 100% for all industries. Social gathering limits will be rescinded in Boston.

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New Hampshire

Friday, April 16, 2021:

• Statewide mask mandate expired. Private businesses and local cities/towns within the state may still require masks, so it’s best to check with your venue for current guidance. New Hampshire state guidelines encourage people to wear masks whenever they cannot practice social distancing.

Friday, May 7, 2021:

• Order 52, which requires some businesses to remain closed (or close early), is expected to expire.

Rhode Island:

Friday, May 7, 2021:

• Masks required indoors and if less than 3′ spacing outdoors.
• Dining capacity increases to 80% indoors; 100% outdoors.
• Tables must be spaced 3′ apart.
• Catered event capacity limits: 80% (up to 200 indoors; 500 outdoors).
• Testing is recommended for guests attending the event; and required for student catered events.
• Standing bar service and cocktail hours permitted at outdoor venues.
• Social gatherings without a licensed caterer may have up to 25 people indoors and 75 people outdoors.

Friday, May 28, 2021:

• Dining capacity increases to 100% for both indoor and outdoor spaces.
• Catered event capacity limit increases to 100% capacity with no cap for both indoor and outdoor spaces.
• Standing bar service and cocktail hours permitted at indoor and outdoor venues.
• Open dance floors permitted.
• No guest limit on social gatherings without a licensed caterer.

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Vermont:

Saturday, May 1, 2021:

• Indoor gatherings may have 1 unvaccinated person per 100 sq ft up to 150, plus any number of vaccinated people.
• Outdoor gatherings may have 1 unvaccinated person for 100 sq ft up to 300, plus any number of vaccinated people.

Tuesday, June 1, 2021:

• No quarantine or testing requirements for cross-state travel.
• Indoor gatherings may have 1 unvaccinated person per 50 sq ft up to 300, plus any number of vaccinated people.
• Outdoor gatherings may have 1 unvaccinated person for 50 sq ft up to 900, plus any number of vaccinated people.

Sunday, July 4, 2021:

• Mask mandate is lifted, but mask wearing is still encouraged.
• No capacity restrictions.

Title image by Studio Nouveau from Sammy + Frankie’s wedding at Rosecliff

The bond between the wedding party and bride and groom is so special. Planning with your closest friends can make the most heartfelt memories. As you begin wedding planning after saying ‘yes’ to your future spouse, it’s time to ask your loved ones if they will stand by your side on wedding day. 

Aside from your wedding planner, these will be the people you can rely on during planning and on the day of the event. Not to mention, some of the best wedding photos are with the couple celebrating with their wedding party. Let them know how just much they mean to you when you ask them this sweet question. Today we are sharing our favorite easy and creative wedding party proposal gift ideas! 

This blog post contains affiliate links. If you click one and make a purchase, Contagious Events may receive a commission at no additional cost to you!

Want more wedding planning advice? Check out how to set up your wedding registry next!

There are two kinds of engaged couples in the wedding planning world: those who dread the wedding registry because it feels awkward, and those who just can’t seem to put down the scanning gun as they sail up and down the department store aisles.

No matter which camp you fall into, the simple truth is that not all registries are created equally, so we’re here to offer some insider tips and best practices when it comes to setting up the registry for your wedding.

First, DO set up a registry for the wedding. It may feel awkward and uncomfortable to ask your friends and family for a gift, especially if they have to make an investment in order to be at your wedding, but the simple truth is, the wedding registry is more about their comfort than it is yours. Your friends and family will want to offer you a gift to celebrate and commemorate your wedding – a registry makes the selection of a gift much easier for them. If you don’t set up a registry, you run the risk of getting an unwanted gift, and believe me when I tell you, it can be much worse than you imagine: my own brother got a puppy as a wedding gift from his best man! Your registry should be set up before you send save the dates, making it one of your very first wedding planning duties.

Second, DON’T be bullied by tradition. Weddings are steeped in years and years of tradition, so you may feel like you need to register for things you likely already have (like towels, pots and pans, etc.), or worse – things you’ll never use (like crystal and china). Our advice: if you won’t use it, and it won’t bring you joy, it has no business being on your registry.

DO take your time. I know that it’s fun to scan all the things, but let’s face it, you don’t need flatware in silver, gold, and matte black. If you are setting up your registry at a physical store, our recommendation is to do a preliminary trip through the store with your partner before adding anything to your registry.

DON’T let one store have a monopoly over your registry. While you don’t want to have too many options, you do want to use more than one store for your registry. We recommend two or three, and make sure you mix it up with online retailers vs. physical stores. We all have folks in our families that would prefer to shop at a physical store instead of clicking online.

DO be mindful of retail seasons. Something that is easy to forget, but stores don’t always carry the same products all year long. As you add things to your registry, make sure they’re not seasonal items, or items that are on sale because they’re being discontinued – it’s likely that your registry will be “live” for a year or longer, so you’ll want to have items on your registry that will be available for guests to purchase throughout that time.

DON’T be humble. This goes back to getting over that awkward feeling… many couples will limit the number of items on their registry because they don’t want to give the impression they’re asking for too much – and what happens? Guests don’t have enough of a selection to buy from! I say go crazy and over-register so your guests have options in terms of what they gift you. You want to have more items on your registry than you have guests. Remember: giving options does not make you look greedy, you’re doing guests a favor by giving them more choices.

…and that brings us to the most important thing to know about setting up your wedding registry: DO look for the perks!

Many brands offer perks for couples who set up a registry with them. For example, Amazon offers a one-time discount on anything left on your registry after the wedding. A great way to “hack” your wedding registry is to think about any larger purchases you may be planning for after the wedding (furniture, appliances, etc.) and set up your registry with the store you’d likely be purchasing from, so you can get a nice discount!

Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links, meaning we may receive a commission if you decide to make a purchase using these links, at no cost to you. We only share links to products and services that we have first-hand experience with and recommend to our planning clients.

Black Friday Wedding Deals on Bridal + Bridesmaid Attire

Black Friday Deals at David’s Bridal
Everyone knows and loves David’s Bridal; Black Friday gives an opportunity to get a discount on their already affordable prices on bridal attire, bridesmaids dresses and accessories!
20% off sitewide using code GIVETHANKS (valid through 11/26/2020)

Black Friday Deals at Dessy
Dessy is an online retailer or bridesmaids dresses and flower girl dresses – pro tip: Dessy also sells neck ties in the exact colors of their dresses, so you don’t have to go crazy finding the perfect match!
20% off sitewide, plus free shipping on $100+ using code BFCM20. Valid 11/27 – 11/30 only.

Kennedy Blue
Kennedy Blue is known for their affordable bridesmaid dresses in a wide range of colors, but also offering bridal attire.
All bridesmaids dresses are $99 (up to 32% off) – no code required. Ends 11/30.
Take 10% off any order with code SAVE10.
Get a free color swatch with code 1FREE.

Black Friday Wedding Deals on Groom + Groomsmen Attire

Black Friday Deals at Bonobos
Bonobos is a personal favorite of mine for men’s attire – I love the fit, modern approach to menswear styles, and for those getting married in the warmer months, their lightweight suits are perfect!
30% off sitewide using code FRIDAYWEEK.

Black Friday Deals at Happy Socks
Who doesn’t love fun socks? They make great photo opps at your wedding and their new partnership with Disney means oh-so-fun socks for those of us who are young at heart!
30% – 60% off select styles from November 24 through November 30, no code needed!

Black Friday Deals at The Tie Bar
Despite their name, The Tie Bar sells so much more than just ties: consider them your go-to for pocket squares, suspenders, lapel flowers and groomsmen gifts!
Free limited edition holiday mask using code SAFESTYLE.

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Black Friday Wedding Deals on Stationery

Black Friday Deals at Artifact Uprising
One of my favorite secrets to share with my couples: Artifact Uprising is a popular photo printing service used by many professional photographers! Of course we want you to shop small and support your independent vendors, but if your friends/family took great shots at the wedding that you need to have printed, or if your photographer simply doesn’t offer albums as part of their packages, Artifact Uprising is a great resource.
10% off Everything, 15% off $100+, 20% off $175+ using code VERYMERRY – ends 11/30.

Black Friday Deals at Minted
I think it’s a rule that you’re not allowed to be engaged until you are familiar with Minted – thankfully our friends at minted have partnered with us to offer some great Black Friday Wedding Deals for us to share with you!
20% off and free shipping on everything using code CM2020.
$30 off your wedding purchase of $215+, $45 off your wedding purchase of $300+, and $75 off your wedding purchase of $400+ with code MICROWEDDING20.

Black Friday Wedding Deals on Wedding Websites

Black Friday Deals at Minted
If you’re like me and you appreciate it when things feel cohesive, consider building your wedding website with the same team that’s printing your stationery!
Enjoy a FREE premium website with custom URL ($15 value) using code WEBSITE2020 – ends 11/24.

Squarespace
Squarespace is a great website builder for couples who want complete control over the look and feel of their wedding website.
10% off using code GIMME10
50% off annual website if you are a student and can validate a school email address.

Black Friday Deals at WedSites
WedSites offers a drag and drop builder for couples who want to design their own site, but don’t have the technical know-how.
10% off any Wedsites account using code WED10.

Other Black Friday Wedding Deal Pro Tips:

Hitchswitch
Hitchswitch eliminates much of the hassle of changing your last name after the wedding! If you’re planning a name change, this service is a must for those who value their time and sanity. Yes, you can make this purchase prior to your wedding and save it for later!
STARTS FRIDAY: 20% off using code HSCYBERWEEK 11/27 – 12/4.

Registries
Many registries offer exclusive discounts after the wedding on the items still left on your list – but if you have any big ticket items, it may be worth coordinating Black Friday sales with your family members so they can get a deal! Our favorite registries we recommend to our couples include HoneyFund and Amazon.

Photo by Studio Nouveau.

Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links, meaning we may receive a commission if you decide to make a purchase using these links, at no cost to you. We only share links to products and services that we have first-hand experience with and recommend to our planning clients.