Planning a Wedding Over a Holiday Weekend: Pros & Cons for Your Shenandoah Valley Celebration

At Valley Mills Farm Wedding & Event Venue, we love helping couples plan unforgettable weddings in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley. One question we often hear is about the pros and cons of a holiday wedding.

“Should we plan our wedding over a holiday weekend?”

Holiday weekends can offer extra time for guests to celebrate and explore, but they also come with a few potential drawbacks. If you’re considering tying the knot on a long weekend, here are the key pros and cons to help guide your decision.

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✅ Pros of a Holiday Weekend Wedding

1. More Time to Celebrate

A long weekend means guests don’t have to rush. It’s the perfect opportunity for:

• Welcome parties

• Rehearsal dinners

• Day-after brunches

Plus, guests can enjoy all the Shenandoah Valley has to offer—hiking, wineries, and charming towns just minutes from Valley Mills Farm.

2. Easier Travel for Out-of-Town Guests

Guests often appreciate the extra day off. It makes planning travel simpler, especially for destination weddings like ours.

3. Built-In Festive Atmosphere

Leaning into the holiday theme can be fun and unique:

• New Year’s Eve: Think midnight countdown and champagne toasts

• Fourth of July: Fireworks, BBQs, and red-white-and-blue details

• Christmas or winter holidays: Cozy vibes, twinkle lights, and seasonal décor

4. Potential for Higher Attendance

Guests may already plan ahead for holiday weekends, making them more likely to RSVP “yes”—especially if you send Save-the-Dates early.

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⚠️ Cons of a Holiday Weekend Wedding

1. Higher Travel & Hotel Costs

Flights, hotels, and car rentals often spike during holidays. Some guests may be hesitant due to the added expense.

2. Vendor Availability & Premium Rates

Vendors may be:

• Booked months in advance

• Charging holiday surcharges

• Taking time off themselves

At Valley Mills Farm, we always recommend early booking if you’re planning around a holiday.

3. Competing Holiday Plans

Some guests might already have holiday traditions, family events, or vacations scheduled—especially around Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Labor Day.

4. Busy Travel & Local Traffic

Holiday weekends can mean:

• Congested roads

• Full airports

• Crowded local attractions

Consider sharing detailed directions and a clear schedule with guests ahead of time.

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📝 Is a Holiday Weekend Wedding Right for You?

If you’re dreaming of an extended celebration with out-of-town guests, a holiday weekend could be a fantastic option—especially in a destination location like Valley Mills Farm.

Just be sure to:

• Book early

• Give guests plenty of notice

• Work with experienced vendors

• Plan for higher travel demand

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🎉 Valley Mills Farm: Your Ideal Holiday Weekend Wedding Venue

At Valley Mills Farm Wedding & Event Venue, we specialize in helping couples plan smooth, stress-free events—holiday weekend or not. Our venue is just minutes from charming Shenandoah Valley attractions, and our packages include everything from linens and décor to day-of coordination.

💌 Ready to start planning your holiday weekend wedding?
Contact us today to schedule a tour or check availability.

We hope to use our platform to create awareness for the value of supporting locally owned wedding venues. You can help support amazing locally owned wedding venues across the country by writing a Google review, following their social media accounts and referring locally owned wedding venues whenever you have the opportunity. We sincerely appreciate your support and want to share a shout out to some of our wedding venue owner colleagues around the country such as:  The Hidden Abbey, Ellas Garden, Round Barn Farm, Stone Ride Estates, Triplet Farm 1910