Saying ‘I do’ to Yule wedding

Molway and Burns were planning their first dance as a married couple to Judy Garland singing “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” Clips from “It’s a Wonderful Life” were going to roll on a screen as they danced, Molway said.

“That was my mom’s favorite Christmas movie and she is no longer with us, so we’re going to dedicate the dance to her,” Molway said. “We decided to get married around this time because it’s my favorite time of year. It’s also a time that screams family to me.”

For Suzanne McCullough’s Dec. 4 wedding five years ago, it started with her dress. She wanted velvet.

“We needed a time of the year when velvet would be appropriate so we decided on Christmas, which I think is the most romantic time of the year anyway,” said McCullough, of Burlington, N.J.

“We were married in a 300-year-old bed-and-breakfast that was beautifully decorated for Christmas. We served a hot wine punch with hors d’oeuvres and a croquembouche for dessert,” she said.

Their centerpieces were wreaths with frosted red berries tucked in and a mirror and a votive candle at the center. McCullough’s bouquet featured red and white flowers, and a flower girl wore a sparkly, Christmas red dress.

“The town’s Christmas parade was going on while we were being married,” she recalled.

Kellee Khalil, founder and chief executive of the wedding site Lover.ly, said incorporating holiday touches can span the wedding experience, Khalil said.

Try serving up some seasonal favorites, for instance, such as roast turkey or ham. Embrace modern mixology with cocktails like a peppermint bark martini or a bourbon-cranberry blizzard.

“If you’re not about those flavors, opt for more festive accoutrements like red and white or metallic-stripe straws and swizzle sticks with candy cane stirrers,” Khalil suggests.

Couples can orchestrate holiday decor without falling prey to a played-out color palette, she said.

“I love mixing metallics like gold, silver, bronze, rose gold, platinum and pearl into tablescapes.

“Or get a little bit more literal with mistletoe. Hang it at the altar or use it as the muse for your photo booth,” Khalil said.

For couples willing to go over the top, treat guests to a performance by carolers, she said. Maybe have Santa make an appearance for little guests. Set up a hot cocoa and cookie station with frosting to keep them occupied.