Madie McKasson and Rick Walton’s wedding was bookended with climactic kisses: the first following the exchange of their self-penned vows and another to close out the evening—and the year—in spectacular style. “We loved the idea of ringing in the new year with all of our favorite people in the same place,” Madie says of their choice to host a wedding on December 31, 2023. Not wanting to rush after getting engaged in January 2022, they booked their date at The Carlisle Room nearly two years early and sent save-the-dates almost a year in advance. When the big moment finally arrived, it proved well worth the wait. “When the clock struck midnight, confetti and kisses filled the room,” Madie remembers. “It was incredible.”
But competing for your guests’ attention on a sought-after date isn’t always so simple. If you have your heart set on New Year’s Eve nuptials—or saying “I do” on or near another holiday or major event—read ahead for advice from four local wedding planners about what to consider before putting down your deposit.
Is it a good idea or a bad idea to host a wedding on or near a holiday? Are you more likely to have a higher-than-usual regret rate?
Answer: Corinne Sullivan, Social Graces Dallas
I have seen holidays bring higher and lower guest counts—it really depends on the holiday and how many of the guests would be traveling from out of town. For example, New Year’s Eve can bring higher rates of acceptances because most everyone is looking for New Year’s plans. However, when it comes to holidays like Thanksgiving or Memorial Day, travel costs are high for those coming in from out of town, and many families may have yearly obligations or preplanned vacations in place. We recommend planning holiday nuptials well in advance with consideration to peak travel times and work schedules.
When discussing what to expect with couples, I will typically ask questions around the number of guests attending from out of town, if they are expecting more families or younger couples, and how those guests would normally spend the holiday to best give the couple an estimated attendance. For reference, if most guests live in the area, approximately 75 to 80 percent is an average turnout for non-holiday weddings; if most are out-of-towners, closer to 70 percent is a safe bet. Holiday weekends would, of course, have more variables involved.
If couples are worried a holiday may limit guest attendance, I encourage making a weekend of it, including welcome drinks or a farewell brunch—maybe even with the specific holiday flair to make it a full weekend experience that encompasses both the holiday spirit and the wedding celebration.
When planning a wedding on or near a holiday or a big event, should you send your save-the-dates out earlier than usual? If so, how early?
Answer: Marsha Ballard French, Stardust Celebrations
We suggest sending save-the-dates no less than five months prior to your wedding date but no earlier than seven months out, even if a holiday is involved. However, if there is a major event happening, we would suggest a few months earlier—but not more than 12 months prior to the wedding. Examples of major events to be aware of would be: the World Cup (which is coming to Dallas in 2026!), the Super Bowl, the NBA playoffs/championship, major concerts (a la Taylor Swift!), or major political conventions.
In terms of conflicting events, what should couples be mindful of when selecting a wedding date? How can having a wedding on a busy weekend potentially impact you or your guests?
Answer: Lottie Fowler, Grit & Gold Event Co
When selecting your wedding date, it’s imperative that you are aware of large local events, holidays, or three-day weekends happening at the same time. A few pros and cons to weigh when considering hosting a wedding around a holiday or on an event weekend:
CONS: Selecting a busier weekend could cause logistical issues for guests, like hotel-room price hikes and shortages, traffic between locations, and higher airfare if traveling in.
PROS: Selecting a holiday weekend could mean your guests have time off work, so they can enjoy the festivities a little longer. Couples should consider doing their hotel courtesy blocks as soon as they have a date. There is no cost associated with doing so, and this will ensure those rates and rooms are set aside. We also suggest using transportation for all guests so that everyone arrives on time and together, eliminating the need for parking in busy times.
Must you always match your wedding decor to the season, holiday or otherwise?
Answer: Brittany McKinney, Southern Affairs
I feel you should want to stay in season with your decor, though I also believe that pushing the limits is a great way to wow guests! But it will work in your favor to stick with the seasons, as the pricing of certain things, such as floral, will fluctuate with the season. Holidays are special and beautiful on their own, so I would look to the client to see if they are a huge Christmas person before pushing that option. I think we should always capture the couple’s personality with the theme instead of focusing on the holiday.
