Give your New Year's Eve wedding the celebratory edge with these ideas aptly chosen for the time of year
New Year's Eve will forever be a popular time of year to get married. Ringing in a new year as newlyweds will undoubtedly get your year off to a flying start, while making it one to remember.
Couples who marry on New Year's Eve will always have an excuse to celebrate twice as hard, as every anniversary will fall on the joyous day. What's more, there's no excuse for your other half to forget your anniversary date.
Whether you've already booked your New Year's Eve wedding or are still in the stages of considering the date for your special day, here are some suitably celebratory ideas that you can incorporate into the event.
Sparkle and shine
When planning any festive wedding, sequins and sparkly elements can bring the celebratory nature to life. Sequinned table cloths, metallic charger plates, crystal clear glassware, table confetti and iridescent accents such as cutlery, candelabras and terrariums are the ideal way to set off a sparkling tablescape.
You could even create a photo backdrop wall using a glittering fabric that will really catch the light in your wedding photography. Set up a photo booth station with New Year's Eve-themed props to capture the mood.
Warm, ambient lighting using candles, tea-lit lanterns and fairy lights will also add a magical glow to your wedding venue. Consult with the venue team and discuss lighting on staircases and in seating areas. An outdoor area featuring festoon lights will also come in handy should you wish to create a sparkler tunnel with your guests when the clock strikes twelve.
Supersize your drinks
A New Year's Eve wedding is cause for celebration, so there's no better excuse to go large on your drinks choice. If champagne proves too costly, then prosecco or sparkling wine can be enjoyed just as much. You could even create a drinks tower with cocktail glasses for added luxury and extravagance, giving way to a beautiful and bubbling waterfall.
Winemaker Brad Greatrix of Nyetimber wines, says: "For a romantic New Year’s Eve wedding, I would recommend serving your sparkling wine from larger bottles. Nothing signifies a special celebration quite like a magnum or jeroboam – perfect for the drinks reception or for toasting the happy couple at midnight.
"Nyetimber’s flagship pour, our Classic Cuvee MV, is available in both larger form bottles, as is Classic Cuvee 2010 and Blanc de Blancs 2014. Pair alongside a range of delicious canapés such as a classic smoked salmon blini or fresh crab crostini for the perfect accompaniment."
Themed favours
Your guests will undoubtedly be ready to celebrate, so gift them a New Year's Eve pack at their place setting. The pack can include fun party elements, such as party blowers and poppers, as well as hangover remedies such as mints, an eye mask and headache tablets. These party packs can also double as your wedding favours.
For a quirky and creative idea, gift your guests mini alarm clocks set to ring at midnight.
A countdown culmination
To mark midnight in a fun and exciting way, consider a confetti or balloon drop to rain down on you and your guests. Gather your guests on the dance floor for the New Year's countdown and ask your venue team or entertainment provider to position the confetti or balloons above. The drop will take place at the end of the countdown, allowing your wedding a show-stopping finale.
Also ask your DJ or performer to have an up-tempo track at the ready to kick in at the same time.
