If the phrase “Christmas wedding” conjures up images of jingle bells and a garish red-and-green color palette, look to these real weddings as inspiration for December weddings done right.
Setting the Tone
When venue availability and personal schedules dictated a December wedding date, bride Meredith Bayoud leaned in. “I fully embraced the idea of a holiday wedding,” says Meredith, who wed Alex Bathie a mere nine days before Christmas 2023. Planner Kelsey Booth Dell of KBD Events says, “We drew inspiration from the season rather than imitate it too literally.” She incorporated elevated versions of classic reds and greens, from burgundy sashes worn by the flower girls (pictured, left) to a dark-green-and-white checkered dance floor. Flocked trees strung with white lights lit up the Brook Hollow Golf Club ballroom. “The entire space twinkled,” remembers the bride.
Not-So-Purely Ornamental
Molly Maxwell and Sam Foster strove for subtlety with regard to the seasonal undertones of their December 14, 2024, nuptials. “We wanted to be festive and fun without having an overbearing ‘Christmas’ theme that felt too on the nose,” recalls planner Karli Spangler of Karli Spangler Events. Molly and her mom had the idea to use ornaments as escort cards (and keepsakes for their guests), so Karli hung glass balls from pine trees using black velvet ribbons to tie in with the couple’s monochromatic scheme.
Mad for Plaid
After a Christmas Eve eve engagement in 2023, it was only right that Lauren Cash and Joe Reina tie the knot during the holidays, too. For their December 28, 2024 celebration, Significantly Said created invitations featuring Black Watch plaid, which the couple loved because “it looked so classy and Christmassy without being overly cheesy,” Lauren says. The pattern became a running theme throughout the wedding, from Joe’s suit jacket to the head table’s napkins, which the couple purchased and plan to use for many Christmases to come.
Great Goodbye
When Andrew Fitzgerald proposed to Katherine Harclerode in the fall of 2023, the standard yearlong engagement wasn’t going to work for these die-hard Texas Longhorn fans. “We studied the 2024 football schedule extensively,” laughs Katherine, saying they ultimately picked December 14, 2024, because it was the only Saturday without a major matchup on the books. They chose The Adolphus as their venue in part for its grand holiday decor—as seen in their exit photo—which the couple and guests were able to enjoy. Says the bride, “The memorable send-off looking at all of our closest friends and family was the perfect finale to our wedding day!”
Festive Favors
Treat your guests to a seasonal keepsake from local businesses.
Waxed Amaryllis Bulb
This self-contained, zero-maintenance take on the favorite holiday flower will bloom several times and requires no water. gardenuity.com
Seasonal Sweets
Your guests will salivate over molded chocolates from CocoAndré Chocolatier, hand-painted bonbons from Kate Weiser Chocolate, or jarred hot cocoa from Dude, Sweet Chocolate. cocoandre.com; kateweiserchocolate.com; dudesweetchocolate.com
Handpainted Champagne Bottle
Get guests ready for the New Year with a personalized bottle of bubbly. (Owner Tracy Knott can paint or engrave perfume bottles, too!). crescentmooncalligraphy.com
