I know that this decision is ultimately up to me and my fiancee alone, but we have been back and forth for so long, and I have been back and forth even in my own mind, that I could really use some outside advice.
We just got engaged earlier this month, but were hoping to have our wedding before Christmas of this year, and because of other things going on and general holiday busy-ness, we have narrowed our dates down to November 24 (the Saturday right after Thanksgiving) and December 1.
The church and hall are open both dates. The MOHs and Best Men can make it either day; that is not an issue. The same goes for our immediate family-parents & siblings. Also, the photographer & caterer are friends of the family who can also do either day. One would be fall-themed and the other winter-themed. I am not worried about that, I have ideas for both.
Here is the issue: his whole family lives fairly close (the furthest would be a 2 hour drive), and he seems to think that Thanksgiving time is too busy to have a wedding that weekend, so he is in favor of Dec 1. I am in favor of Nov 24, because I do have out-of-town family that I would really like to be there, and I know they would like to be there as well. It is much easier for them to come in over Thanksgiving since it is a long weekend, because of jobs and kids in school and such. (I live in PA and they live in FL, MI, and MA). I have checked with my godparents, who are very important to me, and they will be able to make it both dates, so it only comes down to about 11 people (including first cousins, aunts, and uncles) who might have a problem coming in. Our entire wedding will be around 400 guests, and I understand that I can't cater to everyone's schedule.
I don't expect anyone to help me pick a date, but here are my questions:
Am I too worried about that handful of family members coming in, and should I adopt the attitude that, "if they can make it, great, and if they can't we'll miss them but it's not the end of the world"?
Also, is anyone else planning a wedding around Thanksgiving or another holiday, and do you have any concerns of people being "too busy"? It never really occurred to me that Thanksgiving was a very busy time except for the day of, and maybe if you go black Friday shopping...?
Thank you very much for reading this! Sorry it was so long, but any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!