Memorial Day weekend is a popular choice for weddings; the weather is warm, guests have plenty of time to travel to and fro, and for military families, it is a special time to honor those that have served. As with most holiday weekends though, and especially one with such gravitas, there are a lot of extra details that go into planning the wedding. We tapped the professionals to share a few Dos and Don’ts to follow when planning a Memorial Day weekend wedding. They weigh in below on how to go about everything from decor to getting the word out farther in advance.
Don’t shy away from honoring what this special day is all about if you see fit. Nothing says a wedding on Memorial Day like incorporating the groom’s military background in the wedding details and attire! – Lisette Gatliff of Lisette Gatliff Photography
Do be sure to leave yourself extra room and plan early to book vendors, venues and notify friends and family to save the date! – Valarie Falvey of Kirkbrides
Do be sure to send out save the dates and invitations far in advance. Holiday weekends often become travel weekends for families, and sending a save the date as early as possible allows people to mark their calendars for your special weekend, and book accommodations if they are traveling to your wedding. – Sarah Strausser of Embark Event Design
photo by J Harper Photography
Do incorporate classic colors of blue and white with pops of red. Red, White and Blue is a classic color combo and can be used for weddings at any time of year, but it’s especially symbolic on or near Memorial Day, and your thoughtful use of the them will create a special memory for you and your guests! They will create a vibrant and romantic touch, while observing the meaning behind the holiday. – Mysty & Bella Designs
photo by J Harper Photography
Do rock the hell out of gray or navy blue. Both can be dressed up or down depending on your plans, AND they look great with lighter colors and pastels. Don’t dress too dark. Or. Spill barbecue sauce on the duds. –Nathan Bellah, Director of Marketing at Generation Tux
Do create small details throughout the day that can tie into Memorial Day such as festive pinwheels or flags to wave for your ceremony exit. It pays homage to the holiday without taking away from your special day! Do Take a moment during the day to honor all past and current military members present at the wedding. Thank them for their service to our country. – Susie of Susie Marie Photography
Photo by Trent Bailey
Do incorporate thematic elements into cocktail hour (signature cocktails in red, white, and blue), dessert (fire-work themed ice cream cart), and subtle print items (favors, etc.). It’s also fun to have a themed rehearsal dinner or brunch – maybe an informal BBQ at the beach or in a park with fun games, red, white, and blue decorations, etc. This way, you can look back on your special day and not feel like it was overly themed and set apart from the holiday – Tyler Speier of Tyler Speier Events
Do invite your guests to have drinks and appetizers the night before the wedding. This is a great way to welcome your guests to town, get more time to chat with them, for them to meet your families and give them something to do! Same goes for the day after the wedding, maybe host a breakfast or make plans to do a wine tasting or head to the beach to keep the festivities going. Wherever you are, find a local activity that you can invite people to come and go as they please. I think it’s always best to give your guests ideas on things to do if it’s out of town or host an additional party yourself. It’ll make the whole weekend extra special for everyone! – Kari Dirksen, Owner + Lead Planner of Feathered Arrow
Photo by Sierra Ashleigh Photo
Don’t have a destination wedding as it’s a high travel weekend. Making your guests pay extra for lodging and travel during busy season may be a big hassle. Do take advantage of peony season and use them for your bouquets! – Euri Wong, Lead Designer at Bloominous