Love and Lobster Coastal New England Weddings

The holidays are a busy time of year, and between making a list, checking it twice and dealing with relatives both naughty and nice, it can be tough to squeeze in wedding planning.

But even if you’re taking a breather during the month of December, you can still make headway on the big day with minimal effort. The holidays usher in a season of sales and soirees, and both can play to your advantage.

After-Christmas sales

You may not think you’ll find much for your wedding amid all the discounted electronics and Christmas decorations, but great deals abound. Snag marked-down twinkle lights and candles to adorn your reception space, or food items to stuff into guest welcome bags. Look beyond the traditional red and green décor and sift for candlesticks, containers and vases in shades of white or metallics.

One warning: This isn’t the best time to create or add to a wedding registry. Inventory is chock full of seasonal items, even products with no obvious holiday theme, that stores are trying to clear out. Plus, much of retailers’ regular inventory has been removed to make room, so the usual items aren’t available. You don’t want to spend an afternoon with the scanning gun just to find out in January that many of your items are out of stock.

Bridesmaid’s dresses

While you’re shopping for a fun cocktail dress for that New Year’s Eve party, be on the lookout for bridesmaids’ dresses, too. You might find the perfect tea-length strapless gown for your maids while you scour the racks for that knockout little black dress.

Invite lists

If you haven’t already assembled names and addresses for your save-the-dates, Christmas cards make for a great jumpstart. Use your holiday card list as a starting point for your wedding invites, and take note of which addresses you’re missing. Gather the ones you need as you visit with loved ones at seasonal gatherings, and scan the envelopes of the cards you receive for missing return addresses.

Hair and makeup trial

Many brides schedule a trial of their hair and makeup styles for the big day, but few plan what they’ll do after they get all dolled up. Don’t waste that sophisticated updo on a grocery shopping run or trip to the car wash – schedule it ahead of a holiday party instead. You’ll not only look your smashing best, but you’ll also get a chance to test out how your look (and your lipstick) holds up through that midnight kiss.