Updated: September 1, 2025
Choosing your wedding date is one of the first steps in the wedding planning process, and a holiday wedding can be a magical choice. Celebrating love during a festive season means beautiful decorations, joyful atmospheres, and a sense of celebration that can make your day unforgettable.
However, holiday weddings come with their own set of challenges. If you are considering tying the knot on a holiday or holiday weekend, this guide will help you weigh the pros and cons, choose the right date, and plan the celebration of your dreams.
How to Pick a Holiday Weekend
Not all holidays are suitable for weddings. Some holidays, such as Christmas or Thanksgiving, focus heavily on family, which may make it challenging for your guests to attend. Meanwhile, holidays like New Year’s Eve, Memorial Day, or Labor Day are often more ideal, as people are already in a celebratory mood and may have extended weekends available.
Think about:
- The type of atmosphere you want (romantic, patriotic, glamorous, cozy).
- Where your guests are coming from and how much travel costs might spike.
- How connected do you want your wedding to be to the holiday itself? Do you want it to feel like a themed event or just benefit from the time off?
The Best Days to Host the Ceremony
- New Year’s Eve: – Perfect for a glamorous evening celebration with champagne and fireworks at midnight.
- Fourth of July: A holiday that practically plans the party for you! Picture having a backyard BBQ, colorful summer decorations, and a fun, festive atmosphere. You can end the night with a fireworks show that feels like it was made just for your wedding.
- Memorial Day or Labor Day Weekends: These long weekends are a favorite for destination weddings. Guests often have extra time off, making travel easier, and the late-spring or early-fall weather is usually picture-perfect for celebrating.
- Valentine’s Day: A naturally romantic choice, though it may not suit everyone’s style.
- Holidays to Approach with Caution: While holiday weekends can be convenient, some dates are best avoided. Thanksgiving and Christmas are focused on family, making it hard for guests to join due to long-standing traditions. Easter also presents challenges, as many families observe religious traditions or attend gatherings. Unless your event is very small, these holidays may limit attendance and lead to conflicts.
Pros of a Holiday Wedding
Feels More Celebratory
A wedding is already a reason to celebrate, but pairing it with a holiday doubles the festivity.
Easy Theme & Décor
The holiday itself often provides built-in themes and design inspiration. For example, a New Year’s Eve wedding may be filled with glitter and champagne towers, while a Valentine’s wedding practically begs for roses and candlelight.
Smaller Guest List (If That’s What You Want)
This can be both a pro and a con. If your dream is an intimate wedding, holding it on a holiday may naturally trim your guest list without hurt feelings.
Extra Days Off
Since most holidays come with built-in time off, your guests can stay longer, enjoy pre-wedding events, or make a mini vacation out of it.
You’ll Never Forget Your Anniversary
A holiday wedding date will be impossible to forget!
Extra-Fun Add-Ons
From fireworks on the Fourth of July to midnight countdowns on New Year’s Eve, holidays make it easy to add unique, memorable touches.
Cons of a Holiday Wedding
Travel & Accommodations May Be More Expensive
The holiday season often means inflated airfare, packed hotels, and limited availability.
Conflicting Family Time
Guests may already have standing holiday traditions that make it hard to attend your wedding.
Smaller Guest Attendance
Depending on the size of wedding you want, this can be both a pro and a con. If you’re dreaming of a big wedding, holidays might not be the best choice since many guests will be traveling or busy.
Vendor Availability
Your dream florist, photographer, or venue may already be booked or charging higher rates.
Forever Linked to the Holiday
Depending on the holiday you choose, your anniversary will often share the spotlight with it.
Crowds
If you decide to get married on a busy holiday like New Year’s Eve or the 4th of July, be ready for big public events. This can lead to heavy traffic, crowded hotels, and fewer available options.
Tips for Hosting a Holiday Wedding
Hire a Wedding Planner – If we’ve said it once, we’ve said it a million times, wedding planners are worth their weight in gold. They provide valuable support in overcoming vendor shortages and effectively managing logistical challenges, helping to ensure your event runs smoothly.
Consider Making It a Multi-Day Event – With guests already traveling, extend the celebration into a weekend event.
Send Save-the-Dates Early – Six months to a year in advance is best, so guests can plan around other commitments.
Firm Up a Timeline Early – Vendors may book quickly during holidays, so secure your team well in advance.
Be Flexible with Your Budget – Expect higher costs around the holiday season. Set a budget range instead of a specific amount. This lets you handle unexpected expenses while staying within your budget.
Incorporate Seasonal Details – Use the holiday to inspire your décor, menu, or music—it’ll save money and tie everything together.
Serve Festive Food & Drinks – Celebrate the season by serving holiday cocktails with themed snacks and hors d’oeuvres.
Final Thoughts
With the right planning, saying “I do” on a holiday can turn your special day into a festive memory you’ll cherish forever.
Planning a holiday wedding? Explore the vendors and venues on Happily Connected to find the perfect team for your dream day!