December, a month known for festive celebrations, warm family gatherings, and the welcoming of new beginnings. This time of year is special, and planning a wedding around it can make it that much more meaningful! There is so much beauty this season has to offer. If you too are planning your wedding for December, here’s all you need to know!

The Basics

History and Culture

• Getting married on Christmas was very popular during the 18th and 19th centuries. Shockingly, the reason was that it was the only guaranteed day off from work!
• The Irish consider New Year’s Eve as the luckiest day to get hitched. That way the couple can welcome the new year as newlyweds.

Ideas and Inspiration

What’s In-Season?

December isn’t quite the month for bountiful blooms, but winter still offers a wide range of foods and florals.

• Roasted vegetables like sweet potatoes and parsnips make for rich, warm soups and side dishes-mashed potatoes being a classic favorite.
• Don’t forget the salads. Crunchy apples, cranberries, and turnips combine beautifully with any main course.
• Ever consider a hot cocoa bar for your dessert table? You definitely should.
• No flower stands out in the winter quite like a red garden rose. Pair them in your arrangements with some pinecones, eucalyptus, or Hypericum berries. Succulents are also extremely fitting for weddings this month.

Weather

Winter is in full throttle in most regions by the time December rolls around. Be ready for snow, rain, cloudy skies, and chilly weather.

• The average temperature in most major U.S. cities during December ranges from 27-50 degrees Fahrenheit. More southern states like Florida and Arizona can see warmer days in the 60s-70s.
• The first signs of snowfall often show this month, so if having (or not having) snow at your wedding is important, keep this in mind when picking your destination.
• Storms of any kind-rain, sleet, snow, or hail- can put a damper on your wedding day plans, so pay attention to yourstay locked into the local weather forecast when planning, and always be prepared with a plan B!

Holidays

The holiday season is in full swing as December begins. Here is a list of days you should avoid clashing with when planning your wedding.

• December 6: Hanukkah ends
• December 26-January 1: Kwanzaa
• December 24: Christmas Eve
• December 25: Christmas Day
• December 31: New Year’s Eve

Theme Ideas

Going beyond the typical red, green, and white wonderland themes, December weddings can pull off certain styles better than others.

• Whether your wedding’s in a barn or your backyard, make the most of the early sunsets. Nothing’s more inviting than a romantic candlelit ceremony under the stars.
• Throw the ultimate bash with a vintage wedding that doesn’t shy away from glitz or glam.
• A lush, greenery-filled wedding is not out of the question this month. Classic decor like garlands, swags, and wreaths can add a hint of holiday cheer to your wedding.

Clothing Ideas

December wedding? Time to lay on the layers.

• There’s nothing quite as wintery as velvet and satin. Deep burgundy, greens, and other jewel tones set the bar for an elegant event.
• Sweaters and jackets go without saying. Elevate your look with faux fur or velvet wraps and replace cold shoulders with long velvet sleeves.
• Suiting up? You have a lot of options. Experiment with sweater vests, scarves, and heavy wool jackets.

Zola Facts

Interest in how other couples are planning their December weddings? Here are some fun facts from Zola about weddings this time of year.

Couples’ Favorite December Wedding Invites + Paper Designs

December’s most popular Invites + Paper designs on Zola earned their spots atop couples’ wish lists.

• Violin Suite- This classic design features dramatic script calligraphy over your custom photo.
• Riverside Suite- This timeless design features a whimsical handwritten script that accents your custom photo.
• Galata Suite - This botanical design features leafy eucalyptus garlands that frame your wedding details gorgeously.

Average Guest Count for December Weddings

The average number of wedding guests on the guestlist for a December wedding is 146.

Popular Registry Adds for December Weddings

Couples getting married in December have these top three must-adds on their wedding registries:

• Hip Large Red Wine Glass
• Peak Double Old-Fashioned Glass
• Marin Dinner Plate

Things To Consider

Popularity

December may not be the most popular wedding month, but it is a popular month for gatherings and celebrations.

• This time of year your guests may have full schedules, so plan to get your wedding on their calendars well in advance.
• Families gathering together for the holidays can be the perfect opportunity to make sure the most loved ones can make your wedding.
• December ceremonies can avoid the “wedding fatigue” brought on by buisier wedding seasons, ensuring your guests are ready and excited to celebrate.

Cost

Budgets for December weddings can be quite flexible, but don’t let this stop you from making your list of wedding must-haves (and checking it twice).

• December is off-season for weddings, so you may have a higher chance of booking your desired venue and vendors for a lower price than the summer or fall months.
• Most venues are already decorated for the holidays. So, if you’re not too particular, you can save some on decorations and splurge on your food or favors.

Choosing your wedding month is a big decision, but once you do you lay the landscape for your dream wedding. December may be a tough wedding month to navigate with making sure your guests are free, your venue is available, and your arrangements like wedding attire, food, and decorations can withstand the inclement weather. But if most on that list is checked, go forward with your chosen wedding date confidently. Trust us, everything will fall right into place!