A common trope in TV shows and movies is that weddings never go quite as planned. One of the parties gets cold feet, or an unexpected event makes it impossible for the wedding to happen. From Runaway Bride to Shotgun Wedding, which is set to release any day now and which stars the queen of wedding films, Jennifer Lopez, filmmakers have imagined every kind of wedding and every kind of disaster that can befall them. They’ve seen brides and grooms run off with their true loves. They’ve seen a wedding sabotaged by a runaway possum. They’ve had weddings broken by sudden outbreaks of violence. The latter is especially common in movies, but fortunately less so in real life, but the point still stands: Hollywood loves to show what happens when weddings don’t go the way they’re supposed to.

Oh, the beauty of a Christmas wedding! What better way to say “I do” during the most beautiful time of year – when twinkle lights adorn streets and homes, snowflakes drift in slow motion outside your window while you’re wrapped up in cozy blankets with hot cocoa warming your hands?

If you’re dreaming of planning a magical winter wedding this season but feeling completely overwhelmed at where to start, don’t worry! We’ve got all the tips and tricks to turn your fairy-tale vision into reality. From choosing venue decorations to deciding on holiday treats, keep reading our ultimate guide for preparing for a unique Christmas wedding fête like no other!