Christmas engagements!

There’s something truly magical about Christmas time - the twinkling lights, the crackling fires, the slow moments shared with the people we love. There is magic in the air and a Christmas engagement adds even more magic!

And so it’s no surprise that this season becomes the busiest time of the year for engagements. As the world softens into festive warmth, couples find themselves wrapped in connection, nostalgia, and that unmistakable sense of togetherness. With families gathering, emotions running high, and romance woven into every twinkling corner, Christmas creates the perfect backdrop for one of life’s most beautiful questions: Will you marry me?

Once the excitement settles (even just a little), the reality of planning a wedding begins to sparkle on the horizon. It’s an exciting journey, but it can feel overwhelming without a little guidance. Whether you’re dreaming of an intimate elopement ceremony or a lively celebration surrounded by family and friends, a few smart steps early on will set the tone for a joyful, stress-free planning experience.

Here are my top tips to help you move from “just engaged” to “beautifully organised” with ease and confidence...

Take Time to Celebrate Before You Plan

Your engagement is a milestone in itself. Before getting tangled in timelines and spreadsheets, take a moment to truly savour the joy of it. Celebrate with your families, enjoy the glow of the festive season, and let it all sink in.

Dream Together Before Making Decisions

Before you open Pinterest or enquire with venues, sit down together and dream. What type of day feels like you?

• An intimate elopement style wedding?

• A relaxed outdoor celebration?

• A cosy winter wedding?

• Something Celtic, spiritual, boho, or modern?

These early conversations give your planning clarity and direction.

Set a Realistic Budget (and Stick to It!)

It may not be romantic, but it’s essential. Having an honest conversation about budget early on will shape every decision that follows—from your venue to your celebrant to the style of your ceremony. Agreeing on priorities prevents stress later.

Choose Your Date with Intention

Avoid the rush to pick the first available Saturday. Consider:

• Season and weather

• Travel needs of family abroad

• Personal significance of certain dates

• How much prep time you want

  Your date affects atmosphere, pricing, and availability - so choose thoughtfully.

Start you legal paperwork in good time

In Ireland you will need to submit your Intention to Marry to a HSE Registry Office between 3 & 6 months of your proposed ceremony date. I always tell my couples to aim for 6 months to be absolutely sure. All details can be found on this really helpful website: https://www2.hse.ie/services/births-deaths-and-marriages/getting-married/how/

Overseas couples may marry legally in Ireland but may need additional paperwork so it is important to contact a HSE office asap to ask their advice. Once you have submitted your Intention to Marry you will be given an appointment date where you both show up in person with your relevant ID and any additional paperwork requested. Some offices are busier than others so don't despair if your local offices have no available appointments, just go for a quieter part of the country. You don't have to go with the HSE office in your home county. Finally filling the paperwork can be a little confusing in parts so if you are unsure always reach out to your celebrant for help.

Book Your Celebrant Early

Many couples focus on décor first, but your celebrant is the person who will guide you through your ceremony - the heart of your entire day. A good celebrant doesn’t just perform; they support, advise, create, personalise, and hold the space for one of the most important moments of your life. So often I have couples telling me that the ceremony was one of the highlights of the entire day!

Look for someone whose style aligns with yours and who makes you feel completely at ease.

Ask the Right Questions When Choosing a Celebrant

When meeting potential celebrants, consider asking:

• Do you personalise each ceremony?

• How do you incorporate our story?

• Are you legally authorised to solemnise marriages if we want the legal piece done on the day?

• What rituals, readings, or symbolic elements do you offer?

• Can you help us craft our vows?

These questions help you find a celebrant who will honour your vision and elevate the ceremony experience.

Begin with the Planning Essentials

Book the suppliers who can only take one wedding per day first:

• Celebrant

• Venue

• Photographer

• Videographer

• Content Creator

These tend to book up quickly - especially around holiday engagement season so secure these key people early before diving into flowers, stationery, or décor.

Make Your Ceremony Meaningful and Uniquely Yours

Your ceremony should reflect who you are as a couple - not a generic script. Consider:

• Writing your own personal vows (your celebrant will help!)

• Adding Celtic or symbolic rituals such as Handfasting, Ring Warming, Wine Box or Unity Candle rituals

• Including family traditions

• Sharing your love story

• Choosing music that resonates...Jurassic Park theme tune anyone?!

• Involving your guests in a blessing or moment of connection

A personal ceremony is what guests remember most—and what you will carry with you for years.

Let Your Christmas Engagement Inspire Your Day

If you love the cozy winter magic that surrounded your engagement, weave it subtly into your celebration. If a Christmas wedding is in your heart think:

• Candlelit aisles

• Evergreen foliage

• Warm seasonal colours

• Mulled wine during drinks

• A winter blessing or ritual is a beautiful way to honour the moment you said “yes.”

Lean on the Experts

You don’t have to plan alone. Your celebrant, planner, and key suppliers have a wealth of knowledge and experience. Ask for ceremony ideas, logistical tips, and creative ways to bring your story and heritage into the day. A great celebrant will help guide you from your first call right through to the moment you say “I do.”

Ready to Begin Your Ceremony Journey?

Whether you're envisioning something Celtic, nature-inspired, intimate, fun, or deeply spiritual, your ceremony is where it all begins. Taking time early on to choose the right celebrant and explore the rituals and stories that matter to you will set the tone for a meaningful, unforgettable wedding day.