How to Plan a Christmas Season Wedding: A Complete Guide for December Brides

Christmas Wedding | A Sri Lankan bride wearing an elegant ivory and gold saree stands indoors beside a warmly lit Christmas tree decorated with golden ornaments and fairy lights. She holds a festive bouquet of white roses, red berries, and greenery while softly smiling and looking down. The background features candles and blurred warm lights, creating a romantic Christmas-season wedding atmosphere.

A Christmas-season wedding comes with a magic that no other time of the year can replicate. December carries a sense of warmth, celebration, lights, family gatherings, and an atmosphere already filled with joy. For couples choosing to say “I do” during the festive period, this season becomes more than just a date—it becomes a mood, a theme, and a natural backdrop that elevates the wedding experience.

Here’s your complete guide to planning a Christmas season wedding that feels elegant, festive, and unforgettable.

Why Choose a Christmas Season Wedding?

December weddings naturally carry charm:
• Beautiful lighting everywhere—city streets, hotels, gardens
• Guests already in a celebratory Christmas mood
• Cooler weather ideal for glam outfits
• Perfect backdrop for evening receptions
• Endless décor possibilities—warm lights, gold accents, reds, greens, and metallic tones

If planned well, a Christmas wedding can look premium without overspending because the season already offers ambience.

Choosing Your Christmas Wedding Colour Palette

Your colours set the tone. Here are the most elegant palettes for the festive season:

Classic Christmas

• Deep red
• Forest green
• Gold accents

Modern Luxe Christmas

• Champagne
• Rose gold
• Soft ivory
• Warm white lights

Winter-Inspired (Even in Tropical Countries)

• Silver
• Ice blue
• Charcoal grey
• Crystal décor

Royal Festive

• Burgundy
• Emerald green
• Navy
• Gold

Choose a palette and carry it through your invitations, décor, outfits, cake, and photography.

Selecting the Perfect Christmas Season Venue

December is peak event season, so book early. Your best options include:

Indoor Grand Ballrooms

Ideal for: elegant, luxurious themes
• Chandeliers complement Christmas lighting
• Easy to control temperature and lighting
• Sound and décor setups become easier

Hotels with Christmas Installations

Many hotels already decorate their lobbies and halls, saving you décor costs.

Church Weddings (for Christian brides)

December church décor is naturally beautiful—wreaths, red and white florals, nativity displays, candles.

Garden Venues with Evening Lighting

If you want a romantic outdoor ceremony, December weather is cooler and comfortable.

Christmas Wedding Décor Ideas

Décor is where the festive season truly comes alive.

1. Lights, Lights, Lights

December weddings thrive on:
• Warm fairy lights
• Hanging light curtains
• Candle clusters
• Lanterns

They add depth and a soft glow perfect for photos.

2. Festive Florals

Use flowers that reflect the season:
• White roses
• Red roses
• Baby’s breath
• Carnations
• Eucalyptus
• Pine-inspired foliage (faux or natural)

3. Table Settings

Ideas:
• Gold cutlery
• Green garlands down the centre of tables
• Red napkins tied with twine and pine accents
• Clear glass chargers with gold rims

4. Statement Pieces

• A Christmas tree at the entrance
• A festive arch with greenery and lights
• A winter-themed photo booth
• Hanging wreath installations

5. Cake Design

Christmas-themed wedding cakes can include:
• White + gold minimal designs
• Red velvet layers
• Sugar flowers with festive accents
• Pearlescent or snowflake-style detailing

Christmas Bridal Fashion

December allows heavier, more glamorous outfits because of cooler evenings.

Bridal Sarees/Lehengas (Sri Lankan + Indian brides)

Consider:
• Ivory with gold
• Burgundy with bronze work
• Emerald with zari detailing
• Soft champagne beadwork

Velvet, silk, and richly embroidered fabrics suit Christmas weddings beautifully.

Bridal Makeup

Go for:
• Warm tones
• Soft browns and gold shimmer
• Deep red or nude lips
• Dewy skin

Bridal Hairstyles

• Soft curls
• Low bun with accessories
• Pearl or crystal hairpieces

Jewellery

Christmas weddings pair well with:
• Gold
• Rose gold
• Emeralds
• Rubies
• Pearls

Bridesmaids & Groomsmen Styling

Bridesmaids

Colours that pop during Christmas weddings:
• Burgundy
• Forest green
• Champagne
• Ruby red

Groomsmen

Options:
• Black tuxes
• Navy suits
• Dark green suits
• Burgundy pocket squares

Consistency in accents (bow ties, bouquets, ribbons) keeps the group cohesive.

Menu Ideas for a Christmas Wedding

Food plays a huge role in creating the festive experience.

Starter Ideas

• Pumpkin soup
• Festive bruschetta
• Cranberry chicken bites

Mains

• Roast chicken or turkey-style roast
• Beef or mutton carving stations
• Creamy pasta
• Herb-roasted vegetables
• Garlic butter rice

Sides

• Warm bread rolls
• Salads with cranberry dressing
• Potato wedges or au gratin

Desserts

• Christmas cake dessert shots
• Cookies, brownies
• Warm puddings
• Chocolate fountains with strawberries

Add a hot chocolate or warm coffee corner—it becomes a seasonal favourite instantly.

Entertainment for a Christmas-Season Wedding

1. Live Choir Performance

A choir singing carols as guests arrive creates a magical atmosphere.

2. Saxophone or Violin Background Music

Works beautifully with warm lighting.

3. DJ with a Festive Party Set

By late evening, you can transition from romantic to party mood.

4. Sparkler Entrance or Exit

Perfect for night weddings in December.

Photography & Videography Tips

December light is excellent for photography, especially evenings.

Golden Hour

From 4.45 pm–5.45 pm, you get warm, soft lighting.

Evening Shots

• Fairy lights
• Bokeh effects
• Candlelit photos
• Christmas tree portraits

Detail Shots

Highlight seasonal elements:
• Festive bouquets
• Red or green accessories
• Wedding rings with Christmas décor behind them

Budgeting for a Christmas Season Wedding

December is the most expensive wedding month. Plan accordingly.

What costs more:

• Venues
• Bands/DJs
• Photographers
• Bridal dressing
• Hotels

How to manage costs:

• Book vendors 8–12 months early
• Use venue’s existing Christmas décor to save money
• Keep your colour palette minimal
• Choose a weekday wedding (rates are lower)
• Limit your guest list for a more intimate celebration

Final Tips for a Perfect Christmas Wedding

  1. Lock dates early—venues fill fast.
  2. Finalise décor 60 days prior.
  3. Choose comfortable but glamorous outfits.
  4. Ensure your palette stays cohesive from invitations to table settings.
  5. Plan photography around evening lights.
  6. Check weather forecasts and have covered options for outdoor moments.
  7. Pay attention to guest comfort—cool evenings need shawls, heaters, or indoor spaces.
  8. Add festive touches without making the wedding feel like a Christmas party—the key is balance.