Getting Married on NYE!

Liz_Moss

Can someone give me advice as to whether or not I should get married on NYE? I've heard it's a good idea from some, and a bad from others. I just want to know from other brides what they think, and maybe from someone out there who is doing it and what your experience is.

Thanks for your help!

pandasquishy

I am getting married on that holiday weekend on January 2nd.  We've had a 50% decline rate, so that's something to consider.  I knew that a lot of people would decline because of the holidays, but if I had known it was going to be that many, I would have picked a different weekend all together, something not near holidays.

gottahavashorti

I think you'd have a high decline rate depending on whether your friends and family typically go out for NYE or stay put somewhere overnight.

Lasairiona

If that's the date you want, then go for it. What works for some people doesn't for others so they have no right to judge and assume that it can only be all or nothing according to what works for them personally since everyone's family and social circles are entirely different. Contrary to popular belief, many people don't have plans for NYE even on the same day and that doesn't mean they aren't social people. Make sure to send save the dates at least 6 months in advance.

aerinpegadrak

Will the party go until or past midnight?  I think that a lot of people don't have standing plans for NYE like they do for other holidays, so you might still get a decent attendance rate.  But if the party wrapped early, I might not go, because it would make it harder to have plans for midnight.

Run it by your VIPs (WP, parents, any other people you absolutely want there), see what they think.  I'd reconsider if a lot of people will have to travel, because airfare and hotel will be crazy expensive.  If it's a go for everyone, definitely send out save-the-dates and give people plenty of notice.

laurening

I was in a wedding on NYE. It worked out well because the bride and I had tons of mutual friends in common and most of them came to the wedding. But many of us would've tried to get together to celebrate NYE anyway. So it can work out really well if you're in the same situation where many of your guests are all friends with each other.

However, for people who won't know a lot of other guests or who have standing NYE plans - they'll probably decline.

Also, consider how many of your guests out of town? Are the hotels in the area a lot more expensive during NYE? How many of the guests have children? Babysitters are tough to get and expensive as well that night.
 

kmiller1012

I went to a wedding on NYE and loved it.  I don't think they had a huge decline rate.  The party went after midnight and they even brought a TV in so everyone could watch the ball drop.  It was one of the best NYE's and a great wedding.

MyNameIsNot

A few things to consider: You will probably have a high decline rate.  People have standing plans, have to get a sitter, have to travel for the holidays, airfare and hotels are really expensive at that time of year, etc.

You will pay a premium for that date.  It's a holiday for vendors too, and they will charge you to work on a holiday.  For venue and certain vendors, you're also competing against other NYE parties.  It will be expensive.

Last, if you do NYE, you really have to go all out.  People will expect a nice, big party.  You'll have to do a full meal, open bar, and dancing into the night.  If you're on a tight budget, this will be hard.

If you have the money, and those closest to you are fine with the date, go for it.

SReischer

i am getting married that weekend (jan 2). everyone that i have talked to loves the idea! we have only had a couple declines and thoes are because of illness or inability to travel. i think a lot of the guests are thinking of this as an extention of the holiday festivities, and that is fine with me!  no matter what the date, the most important people yo invite will make sure they are there. i think a new years eve wedding would be fantastic! so much fun and you can celebrate your anniversary every year with a big "bang"! we chose the second only because it was less expensive. i love my wedding date, i get dropped jaws everytime i say it, and people are inlove with the idea of a winter wedding.  and as far as planning, as long as you plan far in advance and get christmas done early and leave time for error, you will be fine! we have not had a single problem and chrismas is helping to take our minds off of the stress of it. it is actually quite nice!