A New Year’s Eve wedding is a popular idea for couples looking for a memorable and festive wedding date. The excitement and celebrations surrounding New Year’s Eve provide a lively backdrop for a wedding. However, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider when planning a New Year’s Eve wedding. Looking at the pros and cons can help couples decide if a New Year’s Eve wedding is the right choice for them.
Pros of a New Year’s Eve Wedding
Here are some of the main advantages of having a New Year’s Eve wedding:
Festive and Fun Atmosphere
New Year’s Eve is associated with celebration, parties, and festivities. The energy and excitement of the holiday will carry over to your wedding, creating a lively and joyful atmosphere. Your wedding will truly feel like the ultimate New Year’s Eve party.
Memorable Date
New Year’s Eve is a night that everyone remembers. Having your anniversary on New Year’s Eve means you’ll always celebrate your wedding anniversary in conjunction with the excitement of the holiday. Your anniversary will be built into the celebrations of New Year’s Eve each year.
Unique Event for Guests
Being invited to a New Year’s Eve wedding is a novelty for guests. It’s not a common wedding date, so guests will feel like they are taking part in something extra special and out of the ordinary. The uniqueness can help make it a more memorable event.
Two Celebrations in One
With a New Year’s Eve wedding, you essentially get two celebrations rolled into one. Not only are guests celebrating your nuptials, but they are also ringing in the new year. It combines the merriment of both occasions.
Easier Event Coordination
Many venues already have New Year’s Eve events and decorations planned. Choosing to have a New Year’s wedding means your venue will likely already be adorned with festive decor and you can potentially take advantage of their scheduled NYE entertainment. This can simplify some of the event coordination and decoration costs.
Striking Photos
The glittery, energetic ambiance of a New Year’s Eve provides an eye-catching backdrop for wedding photos. Photos of the event, countdown and midnight kiss are unique wedding keepsakes.
Cons of a New Year’s Eve Wedding
Despite the advantages, there are also some downsides to keep in mind:
Higher Costs
New Year’s Eve is considered a premium date for weddings. Because it’s in high demand, many venues charge more for NYE rentals and services. You’ll also need to pay holiday rates for any vendors. This can mean paying significantly more compared to an ordinary Saturday wedding.
Limited Vendor Availability
The best vendors are often booked up well in advance for popular New Year’s Eve weddings. You may not get your first pick of photographer, band, florist, etc. if you don’t book well ahead of time.
Guest Scheduling Conflicts
Some guests will already have longstanding plans and traditions for spending New Year’s Eve. Even with plenty of advance notice, you’ll likely have some declined RSVPs due to guests’ previous NYE commitments.
Transportation Challenges
With many people out celebrating on NYE, transportation issues are highly likely. Guests may struggle to find Ubers/taxis at peak times. Public transit often follows holiday schedules and stops running early. This can make travel logistics tricky.
Drunk Guest Behavior
Excessive drinking and wild late-night partying are traditional on New Year’s Eve. Some guests may end up drunk and disorderly at your elegant wedding celebration. Make sure to cut off the open bar well before midnight!
Focus on New Year Not Marriage
Some worry the excitement of the New Year’s celebrations will overshadow the wedding itself. Guests might be more focused on the midnight countdown and new year arrival than the matrimonial celebrations.
Tips for Planning a New Year’s Eve Wedding
If you’ve weighed the pros and cons and decided a New Year’s Eve wedding is right for you, here are some tips to ensure it goes smoothly:
Send Save-the-Date Cards Early
Send save-the-date notices 12 months in advance so guests can work your wedding into their existing NYE plans. The early alert also allows out-of-town guests to get affordable plane tickets.
Choose an Early Ceremony Time
Schedule the ceremony no later than 8 pm. This ensures it wraps up well before midnight, allowing plenty of time for the reception before the big countdown.
Provide Guest Accommodations
Offer a room block or group rate at nearby hotels so guests don’t have to worry about transportation. You can even arrange shuttle service to and from the wedding venue.
Have a New Year’s Eve Rehearsal Dinner
This allows out-of-town guests to experience the NYE excitement even before the big event. Decorate with hats, horns and confetti for a festive NYE feel.
Include Festive Touches
Incorporate glitter, feathers, candles, balloons, hats, noisemakers, and other NYE embellishments into your decor. This enhances the celebratory atmosphere.
Serve Late-Night Snacks
Provide guests with easy-to-eat late-night snacks like sliders, fries, mini hot dogs and pizza. This helps soak up some of the alcohol and fuel guests’ partying.
Have Multiple Bars
Reduce wait times by setting up drink stations in different areas around the venue. Well-stocked bars ensure guests always have quick access to refreshments.
Enlist a Coordinator
Hire a day-of coordinator to handle any last minute issues, so you can relax and enjoy your big day. They’ll keep everything on track leading up to the midnight countdown.
Save Big Events for After Midnight
Do the first dance, cake cutting, bouquet toss, etc. after midnight. This makes sure the focus stays on your vows and ceremony earlier in the night.
Provide Late-Night Transportation
Have taxis or a shuttle bus ready to drive any intoxicated guests to their hotels safely. This prevents drunk driving incidents after your reception.
Book Vendors Early!
Reserve your desired vendors as far in advance as possible. The best options get booked up extremely quickly for popular NYE dates. Don’t miss out on your favorites by waiting too long.
Wedding Cost Breakdown
Here’s an overview of typical costs for a New Year’s Eve wedding for 100 guests:
| Expense | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Venue | $5,000 |
| Catering | $15,000 |
| Bar Package | $2,500 |
| Photographer | $3,000 |
| Videographer | $2,000 |
| DJ | $1,200 |
| Florist | $3,000 |
| Wedding Dress | $1,500 |
| Tuxedo Rental | $500 |
| Officiant Fee | $500 |
| Decorations | $1,000 |
| Invitations | $500 |
| Favors | $300 |
| Day-of Coordinator | $1,500 |
| Transportation | $500 |
| Total | $38,500 |
As shown, the average cost of a New Year’s Eve wedding is around $38,500 for 100 guests. This is approximately 20% higher than an ordinary Saturday evening wedding. The premium pricing applies to the venue, catering, entertainment, attire, and most other vendors.
Factors like the number of guests, location, and specific details chosen will also impact the budget. Splurging on high-end design elements like ice sculptures or a midnight confetti cannon can drive costs even higher. Couples should account for at least $30,000 – $50,000 to host a stylish New Year’s Eve wedding.
Should You Have a New Year’s Eve Wedding?
Best if:
– You want an upbeat, festive wedding vibe
– Memorable dates are important to you
– You enjoy crowds and parties
– You’re planning 12+ months in advance
– You have a generous wedding budget
Avoid if:
– You want an intimate, low-key affair
– You’re on a tight wedding budget
– You or your guests don’t drink much
– You dislike crowded, noisy events
– You tend to be stressed out easily
Conclusion
A New Year’s Eve wedding can be memorable and magical for couples who appreciate the lively excitement of the holiday. But the high demand for NYE weddings also drives up costs and logistical challenges. Couples need to assess their priorities, wedding vision, and budget to decide if a New Year’s Eve wedding aligns with their goals. With thoughtful planning and clear expectations, ringing in the New Year as newlyweds can be an unforgettable experience full of joy, celebration and romance.