Winter weddings at event centers are gorgeous, but they do require different planning and decisions than summer or spring weddings. Learn tips for planning your winter wedding.

Winter weddings at event centers in Mission, TX are gorgeous, but they do require different planning and decisions than summer, fall or spring weddings. If you want to have a winter wedding, there are a few things you need to think about while planning, especially if your winter wedding is going to be close to or during the holiday season.

Use these tips to help:

Give More Notice – Generally, its best practice to send out invitations around eight weeks before the wedding. But, if you’re planning a winter wedding, you should consider giving your guests a bit more notice so they can make necessary arrangements for their other holiday plans.

Vendors Might Be More Expensive – Though summer is wedding busy season, some vendors do charge more for their services around the holidays. Be prepared for this upcharge and be sure to ask your vendors if they do have higher rates in the winter season.

Some Guests Might Not Come – Many people and families have long-standing parties and events around the winter holidays and therefore might not want or be able to come to a wedding that conflicts with those activities. If you have your heart set on a winter wedding, you should expect some guests to simply not be able to make it due to other plans or obligations.

Lean into the Season – The winter season is all about welcoming warmth, glittering lights and festive spirit. Why not lean into those themes for your winter wedding? Try offering your guests seasonal or festive drinks when they arrive or during cocktail hour or add a few holiday-themed decorations to your reception décor.

Don’t Go Too Far – But don’t go too far in your holiday-themed decorations! Too many Christmas trees, lights or other themed décor items can be cheesy. Plus, you want your wedding to be a wedding, not a holiday party. In that vein, try to avoid playing too many holiday songs during your reception.

Keep the Temperature Comfortable – Just because its cold outside doesn’t mean you should crank the heat inside your wedding venue. You don’t want your guests to sweat through their winter finery! Work with your event center to come up with a comfortable temperature for the event – and keep in mind that having lots of bodies inside one room will make it warmer than you’d think.

Start Planning Now – The holidays are a busy time of year for everyone, from your event center and vendors to your guests. Most people get booked up quickly during the winter, so the sooner you start planning and setting dates the better. This is especially true if you have your heart set on a specific vendor or event center, as they tend to be very busy with holiday parties and events . The earlier you start, the more likely you’ll be able to work with them for your wedding.