Get married this Twixmas…

Photographed by Freckle Photography

Published on Friday 28th August 2026

Could you really get married this Twixmas?

Does the idea of twinkly lights, cosy fireside chats, delicious warming stews and eggnog espresso martinis really tickle your wedding fancy? Does the fact that everyone will already be in full celebration mode, won’t have started any January detox craziness, and either already be off-work, or only have to take a day or two away from the office to party with you really make Christmas time feel like the right time to say ‘I do’?

Well it could be… We’ve found the perfect pair of dates that will work perfectly for a Twixmas wedding… How does 28th December 2026 sound as a wedding date? Or the 29th for that matter!

We know you’re thinking, “there’s no way that’s enough time”, but we have helped plan weddings in as little as 5 weeks, and it’s most definitely doable. Not only is our team on hand to guide you through the planning process, we will also recommend incredible suppliers who are absolute pro’s at their jobs and will help you work efficiently though the details to ensure a perfect celebration.

If you’re looking at the calendar and counting the weeks while secretly wondering if it’s really possible, then we’d love to talk it through with you. We think so, and would be delighted to work with you to help you tie the knot this Twixmas.

Ellen and Dave got married just 2 months after they got engaged…and their top piece of advice was to “think about the overall experience you want to create and then be decisive.” We would agree that there won’t be time to second-guess your decisions, so there won’t be any time to overthink.

Book a viewing at Pentillie, meet the team and chat about how we could help you plan your wedding this Twixmas. And while you wait for that catch up, why not read on for our top tips on how to plan your wedding in a few short months.

Here are the 6 things you’ll need to do in the next few months:

  1. Serve notice to marry

  2. Set your budget

  3. Find your venue and choose a date

  4. Hire caterers/book food

  5. Book the details, including the entertainment 

  6. Find something fabulous to wear, and buy your wedding bands


Book the registrar

This is the only restrictive time factor stopping you from marrying in under a month. Legally you must serve 28 days’ notice to marry. This is the case for a registrar-based ceremony. Church marriages are different, and all have slightly different time restrictions… But in all cases, 4 months is plenty of time to plan any marriage ceremony - of course, once you have checked that all parties have the date available, and there are no ‘curly’ situations that may extend the time required - e.g. One of you is a foreign national. So, once the registrar is booked, then you are good to go.


Your budget

Set a budget with your fiancé to start before you commit to anything. With less time and fewer pay packets to cover wedding expenses, there is less opportunity to spread the costs and many wedding suppliers require payment upfront. Our wedding budget planner is a useful tool for this. Concentrate on your needs versus your wants and write those down. It’s likely that when you look critically, there is a lot which is not essential. For example, the wedding favours that you agonised over, but often get forgotten when carriages arrive at midnight!


Check your diary, and those of your nearest and dearest

Find a venue that has availability for your chosen date, and can accommodate your plans within your budget. Double check that your list of ‘we can’t marry without you there’ guests (parents, siblings or close friends) will also be free.

Then go and immerse yourselves in the venue. If you are planning a Winter wedding, don’t get carried away by the romance of the rose pergola on the terrace. Focus on the spaces that you will need if storm Venus is blowing a hoolly outside. Check the capacity, the availability and the support that can be offered by their in house team.

Of course if you’d like to view Pentillie, we’d be delighted to show you around. Use the link below to book your private viewing or give us a call on 01579 350044.


Food, glorious food

So, you’ve found your venue and booked the registrars, the next item on your list is food. We all know that food is an important part of any event, especially a wedding. Hire caterers (and all other suppliers) based on who you like who fits within your budget. You can create a list of your top choices so if they aren’t available it’ll be easier to accept, cross them off the list and move on to the next.

If the idea of arranging a three course sit down meal is too much or just not your style, then you can consider serving extra canapes instead of a starter, a sharing platter of deserts or a cheese tower instead of a cake which will also help stave of the late evening munchies!

Wedding Essential: Ensure you collect dietary information for each guest. Never assume you know this information… trust us… it’s really difficult to conjure up a vegan main course when you have chosen beef wellington with dauphinoise potatoes and buttered leeks!


The details…

With a few short months to plan, you do need to turn your attention to the additional suppliers and details that will complete your special day.

Before booking a photographer, decide on the style of photography that you love… reach out to the ones who you feel will be able to capture your love story as you imagine it; look at their portfolio and discuss availability and pricing. There is an abundance of wedding photographers, and prices(!), but the good ones are worth every penny. 

For floral arrangements, streamline your choices by selecting a colour scheme and flowers that are in season for the time of year. If you’re considering a Twixmas wedding incorporate the decorations already at the venue to save you time and money.

Cake cutting is a lovely ceremonial part of many wedding celebrations, but do you want a ‘cake cake’, or a ‘cake that can be dessert cake’ or even a tower of cheese that can double up as a delicious cheese board? Either way, cake tasting is a great time to eat as much cake (or cheese) as you’d like because it’s for research purposes. Once you’ve decided, book it!

Let the party begin… don’t forget to book a band, DJ or wedding singer to keep your guests toes tapping into the night.

Time may be tight, but with planning, you can bring your wedding details to life.


Fabulous frock, snazzy trousers and a wedding band?

Realistically, having a couture gown made to measure will be unlikely so why not look at buying something off the rack, hiring a dress and suit that will have a longer lease of life than if you purchase it outright, or even consider buying a pre-loved dress. The latter options are also ticking any sustainable and budget-conscious boxes you might have.

As for wedding bands, simple is good, and most jewellers hold a range in stock. Pre-loved is also an option with many bespoke jewellers offering a re-modelling service for family heirlooms.


Stick to your priorities

Spend time wisely! Sticking to your priorities is key. Make a decision and move on.

Communication will keep your wedding plans on track. Talk to a wedding planner or the venues’ wedding coordinator to support and guide you seamlessly throughout your wedding journey.

Keeping things simple is often more budget-friendly and won’t leave you feeling overwhelmed with too many decisions to make. As you get closer to your wedding date, you may find time and budget for extra details you can include on your wedding day e.g. a magician or classical quartet. 

Planning a short-lead wedding is not always stress-free, but with quick decision-making, a good plan, and good support (an experienced wedding coordinator can make a huge amount of difference) it can be very fun experience.

And life as a married couple can begin in earnest. Exciting times!


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