I love the symbolism of starting a new life and a new year at the same time. Plus, planning a New Year’s Eve wedding can be a unique and festive way to celebrate your love. There are plenty of things to consider if you want to pull of a great event. Here are the do’s and don’ts of planning a New Year’s Eve Wedding:

DO Incorporate a Countdown Celebration but DON’T Assume Everyone Wants to Celebrate Late

Embrace the New Year’s Eve atmosphere by planning a countdown to midnight. Coordinate with your venue to ensure there’s a central place for guests to gather and celebrate. While New Year’s Eve is synonymous with late-night celebrations, not everyone may be up for it. Be considerate of your guests, especially if you have elderly or young family members.

DO Send out Save-the-Dates

Given that New Year’s Eve is a popular night for celebrations make sure to send out save-the-dates well in advance. This gives your guests ample time to plan and make arrangements. When you really get started planning, here are 5 Fun Ideas for a New Year’s Eve Wedding.

DO Create a Festive Atmosphere and DON’T Skimp on Lighting

Use festive and elegant décor that reflects the holiday season. Think about incorporating sparkly details, metallic colors, and seasonal flowers. Lighting is crucial for setting the right atmosphere. Invest in quality lighting to create a warm and inviting ambiance, especially if your celebration goes into the night. (Pro Tip: Hire a professional photographer who is experienced with low-light conditions. This will be especially important when it’s time to capture the moments leading up to the countdown, the midnight kiss, and your guests’ joyous celebrations.)

DO Provide a Champagne Toast and DON’T Forget About New Year Resolutions

Include a champagne toast as part of your celebration. It’s the traditional way to ring in the New Year and adds an extra touch of elegance to your wedding. Consider incorporating a fun activity where guests can write down their New Year’s resolutions or wishes for the couple. It adds a sentimental touch to the evening, and you can keep the written wishes for years to come.

DO Provide Late Night Snacks and DON’T Assume All Vendors are Available

Since the celebration may go late into the night, consider having a selection of late-night snacks for your guests. This could include a variety of appetizers or even a favorite food truck with festive treats. When it comes to hiring your favorites, though, make sure to confirm the availability of your vendors well in advance. At this time of year, vendors will book up quickly.

DO Emphasize Wearing Comfortable Attire

Let your guests know the dress code on the invitations. Since it’s a New Year’s Eve wedding, guests might want to dress more formally or incorporate festive attire. However, ensure that your guests are comfortable throughout the night. Make sure there is ample seating and places to relax. In the past, I’ve seen couples provide flats for guests to change into, if needed. This is most certainly a way to allow your guests a couple more hours of dancefloor time. You might also want to consider the weather if any part of the celebration is outdoors. Extra blankets, warming heaters, and amenities like coat checks are always appreciated.

DON’T Overlook Transportation or Noise Restrictions

Since New Year’s Eve is a busy night, consider arranging transportation options for your guests. This could include shuttle services or providing information about local taxi and rideshare options. Some venues may have noise restrictions, especially during late-night hours. Make sure to check with your venue about any limitations and plan your celebration accordingly.

Creating a memorable and enjoyable event is totally doable by following these do’s and don’ts of planning a New Year’s Eve Wedding. Good luck!

xoxo,

Mindy

Images by Amy & Stuart Photography