After Christmas Shopping Guide for Brides

It is a beautiful and joyous time of year. So why don't more brides consider getting married at Christmas time? Professional wedding photographer, Alison Beyer of Alison Beyer Photography, offers some suggestions that she has found to work well, both for decorating and finding a place for the wedding.

Decorations

For brides, one of the expensive items on the list are decorations. It is also a hassle if you are not very creative, like me. If you are preparing for your upcoming wedding, you may want to take advantage of after Christmas specials to save on decorations for your big day. You do not have to plan a Christmas wedding in order to save big.

Lights

Buy strands of Christmas white tree lights. When they go on after Christmas clearance, you can clean out the bins for very little cash. Even if you do not plan on a Christmas wedding you can use these lights for anything. I went to a June wedding where the bride used a white garden arbor covered in flowers, tulle, and white Christmas lights. The effect was amazing, especially for a night wedding.

Tulle and Ribbon

Sometimes Christmas colored fabrics and ribbon will go on sale. If that is the case, stock up on white, gold, or silver. If you know your colors already and want to use either green or red, stock up. Tulle is a great fabric for wedding decorations and you cannot beat the price of the clearance ribbon.

Christmas Wreaths and Garlands

If you are planning a Christmas wedding for the next year, stock up on garlands and wreaths. Even if you pick up the plain ones, you can easily twist them with your wedding colored ribbon, flowers, or lights. Pick up centerpieces for the reception tables and ornaments for bridal party gifts.

Other

Depending on what your wedding plans are, you can stock up for other items. Napkins, tablecloths, paper goods, et cetera. If you need the small gauze bags for gifts or mementos, pick them up on the after Christmas specials. Pick up candles, serving trays, picture frames, or whatever else might work for your special day.

Destinations

The Christmas and New Year season offer a beautiful setting for engagements. But they also offer a wonderful opportunity for weddings. For those who are newly engaged and trying to find a good time for a wedding, why not consider getting married around Christmas time next year.

Benefits of a Christmas Wedding:

1. This is the time of year many resorts offer special wedding packages. You may be able to find a destination wedding package for less than you would expect or find at other times of the year.

2. People already plan to travel around the Christmas holidays so working in your wedding may actually work out better than if family members have to work it at another times. You may get a better turn out, especially if you let your family know well in advance.

3. Most churches, reception halls, et cetera have already decorated for the holidays and you would not have to put too much money or time into decorating.

4. Since most people are off during the week of Christmas or New Year's, you could have a weekday wedding and save even more money as weekend weddings tend to be priced higher.

5. Destination weddings are much easier to get to during the holidays since more people have time off. You could have a wedding week vacation and still have most of your family on hand for great family photos.

Considerations for a Christmas Wedding:

1. Be aware of the time change. In winter, you have less light so if you want a sunset wedding, you will have to have it earlier. Be sure you have the photographer booked for a few hours before the wedding if you want pictures outside in the light, reminds photographer Alison Beyer.

2. If you are having your wedding in a colder climate, consider looking for a place that can accommodate both the ceremony and reception. This will save your guests from having to move in the freezing air.

3. While it seems like an ideal time for a vacation wedding, remember that not all family members can or will come. There is a lot that goes on during the holidays so be sure to let family know well in advance so they have the opportunity to rearrange plans.

If you do decide on a destination wedding and are on a tighter budget, you need look no further than Florida. In December, you have an incredibly mild climate and beautiful foliage. You have most of the benefits of a tropical wedding without the cost.

You also have some of the best wedding photographers in the world working out of Florida. Alison Beyer, who has been working in the industry for close to a decade, offers creative poses, incredible use of light, and will travel to most any destination. Because she has photographed so often, she can guide you through what photos and poses you want and which you may not need. If you would like more information, check out her website, www.alisonbeyerphotography.com.