Christmas in July - Festive Themed Wedding

Christmas in July - Exchanging vows under twinkling lights & snowy decor, celebrating love in the summer heat! - Add us to the guest list!!

A Christmas in July wedding theme blends festive holiday vibes with summery, warm-weather elements, creating a whimsical and unique celebration. Here are some ideas to bring this theme to life:

Venue and Decor

Winter-Meets-Summer Venue: Choose a venue with natural summer beauty, like a garden, beach, or outdoor pavilion, and transform it with Christmas elements. Drape fairy lights, tinsel, or garlands over trees or pergolas to mimic a snowy glow.

Color Palette: Combine traditional Christmas colors (red, green, white, gold, silver) with summery accents like coral, turquoise, or blush. For example, use red and green tablecloths with gold accents and tropical flower centerpieces.

Christmas Trees: Set up mini Christmas trees as centerpieces or a large tree as a photo backdrop, decorated with beachy ornaments like starfish, seashells, or mini sunglasses alongside classic baubles.

Snowy Touches: Use fake snow or white petals for a ceremony aisle or toss confetti for a playful "snowfall" effect during the couple’s exit. Incorporate cotton or white tulle to mimic snowdrifts.

Festive Lighting: Hang string lights or lanterns to evoke a cozy Christmas glow, paired with tropical elements like palm leaves or pineapples for a July twist.

Invitations and Stationery

• Themed Invitations: Design invitations with a mix of Christmas motifs (snowflakes, holly) and summer elements (palm trees, sunglasses). Use phrases like “Jingle Bells in July” or “A Merry Summer Union.”
• Save-the-Dates: Send save-the-dates shaped like Christmas ornaments or flip-flops with a Santa hat. Include playful wording like “Join us for a holly, jolly wedding under the summer sun!”
• Programs and Menus: Print programs on paper with subtle snowflake patterns or tropical prints, tying in both seasons. Menus can feature a “Winter Feast in July” theme.

Attire

• Bride and Groom: The bride could wear a lightweight, flowy gown with subtle sparkles or a snowflake-inspired veil, while the groom might opt for a light-colored suit (white, beige, or light gray) with a festive boutonniere like holly or a mini ornament.
• Bridal Party: Dress bridesmaids in red, green, or white dresses with summery fabrics like chiffon, accessorized with Santa hats or floral crowns. Groomsmen can wear tropical shirts with festive ties or suspenders.
• Guests: Encourage guests to wear summer attire with Christmas flair, like sundresses with snowflake jewelry or Hawaiian shirts with Santa patterns.

Food and Drinks

• Festive-Summery Menu: Serve a mix of Christmas classics and summer dishes. Think roasted turkey sliders with cranberry sauce alongside grilled shrimp skewers or tropical fruit salads. Offer a “Yule Log” cake with mango or coconut flavors.
• Signature Cocktails: Create drinks like a “Mistletoe Mojito” (mint mojito with cranberry garnish), “Santa’s Sangria” (white sangria with tropical fruits), or a non-alcoholic “Snowball Spritzer” with sparkling lemonade and blueberries.
• Dessert Table: Include Christmas cookies shaped like palm trees or sunglasses, a candy cane-inspired dessert bar, and a wedding cake topped with a Santa in flip-flops figurine.

Entertainment and Activities

• Christmas Carol Karaoke: Hire a DJ or band to play a mix of Christmas carols and summery tunes. Set up a karaoke station with songs like “Jingle Bell Rock” or “Mele Kalikimaka.”
• Photo Booth: Create a photo booth with props like Santa hats, leis, sunglasses, and elf ears. Use a backdrop of a beach scene with a decorated Christmas tree.
• Games and Favors: Host a “Secret Santa” gift exchange for guests or a “Snowball Toss” with beach balls. Give out favors like mini ornaments, tropical-scented candles, or personalized sunglasses with a Christmas twist.
• First Dance: Choose a song that blends both themes, like “All I Want for Christmas Is You” with a tropical instrumental arrangement.

Ceremony Details

• Officiant’s Script: Incorporate references to “warm hearts in July” or “a love that sparkles like Christmas lights.” Vows can mention enduring love through all seasons.
• Unity Ceremony: Perform a sand-pouring ceremony (summer) with red and green sand (Christmas) to symbolize unity, or light a unity candle surrounded by tropical flowers.
• Ring Presentation: Present rings in a small Christmas stocking or a coconut shell decorated with holly.

Additional Touches

• Sleigh or Surfboard Entrance: Have the couple arrive or depart in a “sleigh” (a decorated golf cart) or on a surfboard-inspired prop with Christmas decals.
• Gift Table: Set up a gift table styled like a Christmas present pile, with wrapping paper in summery patterns and oversized bows.
• Weather Backup: If outdoors, have a plan for summer rain, like a tent decorated with twinkling lights to keep the festive vibe.

These ideas combine the magic of Christmas with the vibrancy of July, creating a memorable and fun wedding theme.