The Holiday season is a time for twinkling lights, hot cocoa, and cozy nights with loved ones. But if you’re planning a wedding for next year, it can also feel like a whirlwind of gift shopping, visiting friends and family, and trying to squeeze in wedding planning. It’s easy to feel like there’s not enough time to do it all—and with the holidays being so full of distractions, planning your dream wedding might seem like a far-off priority.
But here’s the thing: planning a wedding doesn’t have to add more stress to your already packed calendar. In fact, with the right mindset (and a little help), you can enjoy the holiday season and still make major progress on your wedding plans. That’s where Hitch Studio comes in. We’re here to help you stay organized, relaxed, and on track, so that when it’s time to say “I do,” you can focus on the joy of the day—not the stress of planning. Plus, we’ve got a little secret weapon for you: the Wedding Day Designer—a step-by-step planning tool that will help you get ahead of the game and break your wedding planning into manageable, fun tasks.
Here are some tips on how you can stay calm, cool, and collected as you manage your wedding plans during the holiday season—and still find time to enjoy the magic of the season!
Breathe and Set Realistic Goals
First things first—don’t let wedding planning during the holidays overwhelm you! You’ve got a couple of months until your big day, so there’s no need to go full speed ahead just yet. Think of the holidays as the perfect time to get organized and knock out a few of the big tasks without going into full-blown wedding-planner mode.
One of the first things you’ll want to do is get your vendors locked down. It’s not glamorous, but it’s the key piece of the puzzle—and securing your vendors will help you set the tone for your whole celebration. After that, dive into your vision! While the holidays might not be the time to stress over every little detail, it’s a great opportunity to get inspired and think about what you want—focus on the big things and save the smaller details for when you’ve got more time to dedicate. Remember, there’s no rush!
Inspiration at the Most Unexpected Times
Holiday downtime is perfect for getting inspired—and who knows, you might find your dream wedding details while shopping for gifts or watching holiday movies with your family! Use the quiet moments to start collecting ideas for your wedding theme, colors, or décor. Maybe it’s the perfect shade of winter green you spot on a Christmas tree, or that gorgeous red floral arrangement that could translate into your wedding day bouquet.
When inspiration hits, grab it! Whether you’re feeling the rustic, cozy vibes of a fall wedding or the elegant, airy feel of a summer celebration, the holidays give you the time and space to dream without feeling rushed. And while you’re gathering ideas, remember, we’re here to help bring your vision to life. With our full decor collection, you can rest easy knowing we’ll help you select and design the perfect pieces to bring your wedding day look together—from gorgeous vases to artificial florals and flameless candles. It’s all about creating a look and feel that’s as unique as your love story.
Take Advantage of Time Off
The holidays can be an excellent time to meet with your venue or vendors in person. If you’re lucky enough to have some extra time off around Christmas or New Year’s, this is a great opportunity to schedule in-person meetings or tours without the stress of taking time off from work. Many vendors may have lighter schedules during the holidays, so it could be easier to secure appointments and get in some quality planning time. Whether you’re discussing a venue layout, selecting a menu with your caterer, or meeting with your florist to talk about design ideas, the holidays offer a chance to make major progress without having to rush through a jam-packed workweek. Plus, meeting in person gives you the chance to connect with vendors on a deeper level, ask questions, and get a feel for what’s best for your wedding day.
Make Time for Family
One of the best things about the holidays is the time you get to spend with family. If you’re anything like most couples, your family is probably eager to get involved in the wedding planning too! But let’s be honest—while you want them to help, you don’t want them to take over. So, what do you do? Delegate! Let your mom handle the florist while your aunt starts looking for bakers (and if you need recommendations, we’ve got a preferred vendor list that we’re happy to share). The holidays are a perfect chance to bond and have fun with your loved ones—and you don’t want wedding planning to take over those special moments. If you’re feeling like you need more structure during this busy time—our Wedding Day Designer can help. It includes specific sections where you can jot down thoughts, assign tasks to others, and keep track of what to do when. That way, you’re not the only one carrying the weight, and you can enjoy the process instead of feeling overwhelmed by your full to-do list.
Get Ahead on Purchases
Between holiday shopping and wedding planning, your to-do list can feel like it’s never-ending. But the holidays can be a great time to tick a few things off your wedding checklist while buying gifts for others! Take advantage of sales or discounts to buy bridal party gifts. If you’re already shopping for presents, why not cross off a few gifts for your bridesmaids or groomsmen while you’re at it? Other easy things to add to your shopping list are disposable plates and napkins (while you’re buying them for holiday dinners anyway!), printing photos to add to your reception décor or a photo guest book (while sales are happening on print materials!) and ordering things in bulk like wedding favors!
Use the Holidays as a Break
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of planning your wedding, but the holidays are all about spending time with the people you love. So, while we’re here to help with the heavy lifting and to keep things organized, don’t forget to take time for yourself and your partner. The last thing you want is to be so focused on the wedding that you miss out on the joy of the season. That’s why we recommend putting wedding planning on pause when you can—so you can savor the little moments. Go on a few date nights or have some nights in at home—staying cozy and enjoying those Christmas lights or a nice candlelit dinner. Make time to relax, recharge, so you can come back to your planning feeling energized and inspired after the New Year!
Planning your next year wedding during this holiday season doesn’t have to be stressful. With Hitch Studio by your side, you can stay on track, organized, and still enjoy the magic of the season. The Wedding Day Designer Guide is your secret weapon for turning wedding planning into an enjoyable process—helping you break everything down into manageable tasks, so you can focus on the fun parts of the journey.
So, here’s to a season filled with joy, love, and excitement—and to a wedding planning process that’s as stress-free as possible. We’ve got your back every step of the way!
Other great reads as you plan your wedding!
2025 Wedding Trends
Tips to eliminate stress while wedding planning
The importance to having a wedding planner at your ceremony
Dear moms—Why you should hire a wedding planner
In the spirit of the Holiday season—photos from a gorgeous November wedding at Dacotah Bank Center!
