Planning a New Year’s Eve Wedding
As one of the most anticipated nights of the year for celebrations around the world, New Year’s Eve offers the chance for new beginnings and resolutions. For couples saying “I Do”, it’s the perfect time to start a new life together. On December 31st, the celebration is filled with love, laughter, and a highly anticipated countdown — not to mention, a once-in-a-lifetime New Year’s kiss. Pop some bubbly, and get ready for our 15 essential steps to planning a New Year’s Eve wedding.
1. HIRE AN EVENT PLANNER
You’ve heard it before, hiring a planner is one of the most important first steps of wedding planning — and when there’s a holiday like New Year’s Eve on the line, it’s essential that you have an expert to guide you through the process. Whether you’re counting down to the new year or celebrating on the dance floor, your wedding planner will take care of every last detail. With so much to celebrate, you’ll want to focus on enjoying your New Year’s kiss.
2. SELECT A VENUE THAT SUITS YOUR STYLE
Having a New Year’s Eve wedding inevitably means that you’ll be saying your “I Do’s” in the midst of winter. Whether you’re in the chilly Midwest or along the East Coast, it’s likely that you’ll need to find the perfect indoor venue. Hotels offer some of the most convenient event spaces. Boasting multiple indoor spots, there’s plenty of space to hold a ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception. With room blocks, guest suites, and restaurants, your out of town guests won’t even need to leave the premises.
3. FIND A SEASONED PHOTOGRAPHER
With the unpredictable climate of late December, it’s essential to hire a photographer that will get the perfect shot in any condition. From finding the best lighting and backdrops to having solutions regardless of unwanted weather, an experienced photographer will ensure a seamless celebration.
4. START THE COUNTDOWN WITH ON-BRAND INVITATIONS
It’s time to send out your invitations, and nothing makes an impact like a first impression. Utilize your event’s color palette and add personal touches to get your friends and family excited for a New Year’s Eve that they’ll never forget.
5. DON’T BE AFRAID TO ADD A THEME
Nothing resembles the glitz and glamour of New Year’s Eve like a Gatsby-themed party. With dazzling pearls and swinging jazz, there’s no better time to party like it’s the roaring twenties — especially as we ring in the 20’s again this year! If you’re looking for subtle ways to incorporate Jay Gatsby-approved elements. go for a flowing champagne tower, sequin linens, or an overall black and gold décor palette.
6. CHEERS TO THE NEW YEAR
You’ve said your “I Dos,” and now it’s time for the celebration to begin. Nothing gets the drinks flowing like a glamorous cocktail hour. Customized bar menus add the perfect personalized touch to any style of reception.
7. INDULGE IN GREAT CUISINE BEFORE YOUR RESOLUTIONS START
It’s New Year’s Eve. You and your guests are in for a long — and incredibly fun night — so don’t forget to add food to your cocktail hour. While everyone looks forward to a sit-down dinner, mouthwatering spreads and passed hors d’oeuvres will allow your guests to indulge before imbibing.
8. PLACE CARDS THAT POP (& FIZZLE)
Escort cards offer the perfect opportunity to add a fun and festive holiday element to your wedding reception. From confetti-inspired seating charts to noisemaker-adorned place cards, there’s more than one way to turn your guests in the right direction. Get creative — place cards can double as party favors and décor pieces. We especially love how these mini champagne bottles became part of the celebratory activities at this rocking wedding.
9. SET THE PERFECT TABLE
Dramatic tablescapes can completely transform a celebratory setting. A combination of high and low centerpieces can add dimension to your event space, while candles will add a romantic glow. Whether you opt for a pop of color with bright florals or indulge in luxuriant greens, your table design is the main focal point of your reception dinner.
10. ADD SOME SPARKLE
Speaking of décor, there’s more to accentuate than the tablescapes. When we think of New Year’s Eve, we imagine glistening golds and sparkling black elements — and so did this bride and groom.
11. ADD PROPS FOR PHOTO OPS
In the age of Instagram, it’s important to have plenty of photo ops at your wedding — especially on New Year’s Eve. From GIF photo booths to provided props, you’ll love looking back at your celebration photos and seeing everyone in on-theme attire. This shelf display not only offered festive photo props, but it also reminded guests to use the couple’s custom hashtag while posing for pics.
12. GET DOWN ON THE DANCE FLOOR
At a New Year’s Eve celebration, you know there’s going to be plenty of time spent on the dance floor. With so many memorable moments captured there, dance floor décor should never be underestimated. There are plenty of ways to make your dance floor stand out. Consider framing it with custom balloons and ceiling installations or making it “pop” with colors, patterns, or monograms — or with oversized metallic balloon signage.
13. SUPPLY A SWEET SPREAD
Take a break from the dance floor and satisfy your guests’ sweet tooth with a decadent dessert spread. Your wedding cake is important, but extra treats offer a fun and festive addition to the sweet tradition.
14. INCORPORATE THE COUNTDOWN TRADITION
All over the world, New Year’s Eve ends with the same iconic countdown. Incorporate this beloved tradition into your celebration with creative event design.
15. SEAL IT WITH A KISS
No one will ever forget that first moment of the new year when it looks like this wedding vision from A Charming Fête . Confetti explosions make for a picture-perfect New Year’s Eve kiss. But the fun doesn’t stop there. Now get ready to start your life together as the new decade unfolds.
Related article: Welcome Party Details Your Guests Won’t Forget
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