Holiday Weddings

As we enter mid-October, fall and winter are upon us, even in Texas. For brides who have a smaller occasion planned for their nuptials, the holidays are a perfect time for an intimate wedding. A cozy fireplace, curly willow lining the mantel intertwined with white lights; the aisle lined with a white runner covered in silver sparkles; deep blue satin sashes tied on each white guest chair. Nothing is easier for a planner to see than an intimate gathering of the bride's and groom's closest loved ones.

When thinking about having a holiday wedding, think about what is makes the holiday important to you and your fiance. What is it about Christmas or Thanksgiving that give you that warm sensation in the dead of winter. You could base your wedding around your favorite smell of pumpkin spice or Christmas tree; a favorite color perhaps, red or gold, silver, blue, or green. For fall weddings deep maroons or marigolds can be lovely when paired with calla lilies or sunflowers.

Some personal touches that might be appealing are cookies with the bride's and groom's initials each enclosed in a silver pouch; a Christmas ornament with the wedding date on it; using bells instead of bubbles for guests to ring at the end of the reception; use white feathers and crystals as accents in your bouquet and around centerpieces; place black and white photos of your and your beau on tables with the table number listed in the corner of the frame.

Of course using a signature cocktail is always great for entertaining guests prior to the reception. If it's cold outside stick with Kahlua or a nice dessert wine like XO Tawny will keep guests toasty. Serving a flourless chocolate dessert would be divine with either of these beverages.

There are no rules when it comes to planning your wedding. Keep it simple. Don't be afraid of being creative or reflecting you and your fiance's personalities when choosing a theme or decor, and don't stress the small stuff- that's my job after all.