There’s something truly magical about a Christmas wedding—the twinkling lights, the rich colours, and the unmistakable warmth of the festive season. Here at Lucan Spa Hotel, we’re just about set for hosting a number of weddings and events over the Christmas period and in this blog, we give a little insight and tips to bring the magic of the season to your big day.
1. Check to see what your venue offers.
Firstly, if you are planning a Christmas wedding, check-in with your chosen venue to get a feel for the Christmas decorations and features they typically dress their venue with. Ask about colour schemes and try not make assumptions about anything – you will be surprised what a venue can or cannot offer.
Extra Tip: If you are planning a Christmas wedding in 2025, 2026 or 2027, now is the time to pop out for a viewing to your venue to get a proper feel of the hotel or venue fully decorated for Christmas.
2. Add your own little touches.
Once you have ascertained the decorations included by your wedding venue and gone through the options they can specifically add throughout your day, you can then begin to plan adding extras to your taste. Areas to consider are:
- Table Settings: Use velvet tablecloths in jewel tones, gold-rimmed chargers, and candlesticks for a luxurious touch.
- Floral Arrangements: Opt for seasonal greenery like pine, cedar, and eucalyptus, paired with roses, amaryllis, or red berries. Add pinecones or cinnamon sticks for texture and fragrance.
- Lighting: Fill the room with soft, warm light from string lights, lanterns, and an abundance of candles. Consider placing them in clusters on tables or lining the aisle for a romantic glow.
- Festive Accents: Incorporate traditional elements like wreaths, garlands, and stockings into your décor. Mini Christmas trees adorned with fairy lights or ornaments make perfect centrepieces.
- Pull a Cracker: You can’t have a Christmas meal without crackers!
- Smells like Christmas: Choosing certain foods and drinks can help achieve a festive fragrance throughout the venue – or why not arrange for special scented candles to create the perfect vibe.
3. Unique Festive Details
It’s the small details that make your wedding truly memorable:
- Custom Signage: Use Christmas-inspired signs with messages like “Meet Me Under the Mistletoe” or “Baby, It’s Cold Outside.”
- Themed Wedding Favours: Give guests ornaments, mini hot cocoa kits, or scented candles to take home.
- Seasonal Photo Opportunities: Set up a festive photo booth with props like Santa hats, reindeer antlers, and snowflakes.
4. Food, Glorious Food
Your menu is a wonderful way to infuse the spirit of Christmas into your wedding. Consider offering a selection of hearty, seasonal dishes like roast turkey, honey-glazed ham, or beef Wellington, paired with winter vegetables like Brussels sprouts or roasted parsnips. For dessert, treat guests to Christmas puddings, spiced cakes, or a decadent yule log.
5. A Festive Drink or Two…
Drinks can also carry the festive theme with options like mulled wine, spiced cider, eggnog, or signature cocktails garnished with cranberries and sprigs of rosemary. Adding a hot cocoa bar or a station serving warm spiced apple juice is a cozy touch that guests will love.
6. Christmas is a time of Giving
Adding a thoughtful, festive gift for your guests—or even a special treat for the children—can make your Christmas wedding feel even more magical. For adults, consider personalised ornaments, mini bottles of mulled wine, or scented candles in seasonal fragrances like pine or cinnamon. For younger guests, a small stocking filled with goodies like chocolates, candy canes, or mini toys will keep them entertained and excited. You could even set up a “gift corner” with wrapped presents under the Christmas Tree that guests can choose from as they leave, adding a fun and festive element to the end of the night and making a truly special wedding favour for guests. These small gestures not only make your wedding feel extra special but also leave your guests with a memorable keepsake from your big day.
7. Encouraging a Festive Dress Code
To fully embrace the Christmas spirit, consider encouraging your guests to incorporate festive touches into their attire. Whether it’s a subtle nod like sparkling accessories, rich velvet fabrics, or jewel-toned outfits, or something bolder like holiday-themed ties or red-and-green ensembles, a Christmas-inspired dress code adds a fun, cohesive element to your celebration. You can even extend the festive theme to your venue staff, having them wear seasonal accents such as Christmas pins, red scarves, or Santa hats to enhance the holiday ambiance. For an extra touch of fun, provide props like reindeer antlers, Santa hats, or shawls for guests to use during the reception—it’s a great way to ensure everyone feels the magic of the season!
Christmas is the season of joy, warmth, and togetherness—the perfect backdrop for celebrating love. Whether you’re planning a cosy, intimate gathering or a grand winter wonderland, these décor ideas will help you create a day filled with magic and festive cheer.
At Lucan Spa Hotel, we specialise in bringing wedding dreams to life, especially during the most wonderful time of the year. Let us help you design the perfect Christmas wedding! Avoid the Grinches in other wedding venues and contact us here to arrange an appointment with our festive wedding coordinators 😊