You’re in party planning mode. And sure, you’ve got your hands full planning a wedding and all, but the holidays have officially arrived–it’s the perfect time to take your newfound entertaining skills on a dry run before the big day. Here are some insider tips for wedding planning that will translate perfectly to your holiday entertaining plans.
Organization is key when it comes to hosting any event (no matter how big or small). Your wedding planning and holiday party planning should look the same at the beginning–you, a pen and paper, a bev of choice, and (of course) a Pinterest board. And remember, planning anything is a big job, so whether you look to your fiancée or a professional planner, don’t be too proud to ask for help. Mark important dates/deadlines on the calendar, like when you need to have the headcount turned into the caterer or when you need to place orders for decorations so they arrive on time. And make sure to set reminder notifications! We find that it’s helpful to keep everything organized in a binder like this one, so it’s all in one place and easy to find when you need it.
Weddings and holiday parties share another common thread–all the people you love in one place. And it’s SOOO important to capture those memories. You’ve probably already hired a photographer for your wedding, and while we would definitely support you hiring a photographer for your holiday party, we understand that may be a little out of the budget. So, instead, give someone at the party the esteemed position of honorary photographer. Everyone’s got that friend or family member that always takes the best photos! Chances are, they’ll take the position to heart and you’ll end up with some beautiful candids that you’ll cherish for years to come. Encourage guests to take photos by setting up some insta-worthy backdrops with garland and cute signs like this one. It’s also a good idea to start a shared album that everyone can add to so you don’t miss a moment!
Ok, while holidays are certainly magical, they can also be awkward AF, especially when everyone is sitting at the same table. We know creating a seating chart can be tedious, but trust us, it’s ESSENTIAL! Even if everyone gets along (for the most part) you should still think about where everyone is sitting. Seat people together who have common interests or are from the same friend group, etc. To make it super simple, set up place cards ahead of time. That way, when dinner’s served, your guests have already had a chance to find their place. Plus think about how adorable the tablescape will look with festive place card holders like these.
Favors add an elegant touch to any occasion and a holiday party is no different. But, don’t panic, you don’t need to spend a ton to make a big impact. The perfect favor is something small (that’s easy to transport) and something your guests can use like these cute tealight holders that can double as table decor. Customize them with your guests’ names and make sure they know to take them home.
As you’ve no doubt learned on your wedding planning journey, there’s so much more to invites than just when and where. You also need to give your guests important info like dress code and even parking instructions. While that may see a little extra for a holiday party, trust us on this one! Seriously, how many times have you shown up completely overdressed or underdressed to a party and felt out of place? And your future self will thank you when you’re not fielding a million texts for parking instructions as you’re juggling guests arriving and making sure everything makes it out of the oven on time. For a complete breakdown of everything that should be on your invites (for your wedding and beyond) check out our Complete Invitation Wording Guide.
And while we’re here to help your holiday plans go as smoothly as possible, don’t stress about making everything perfect! Like your wedding, all that truly matters is that the people you love are there to celebrate together. Happy Holidays from everyone here at SMP!