Is the Thursday before Christmas 2022 a bad date?

I don’t think this is rude at all. However, keep in mind that weekday weddings in general tend to have a higher decline rate; and the week leading up to Christmas tends to be a very busy time for people. Many people are scrambling around trying to prepare for family gatherings, buying last-minute presents, cooking, etc. And it also tends to be one of the busiest times of the year for many businesses as they prepare for the end of year and also to be closed for several days for the holidays; so many people may not be able to take off work.

I don’t think it would be rude, but I wouldn’t anticipate a lot of out of town guests coming as travel can cost a lot on holiday weeks. I also wouldn’t be so sure about people taking off from work. I know a lot of my friends work for companies that restrict PTO requests to a small number for a few days before major holidays and it’s usually done by seniority.

To be blunt, people take off a few days before a major holiday to spend time with their immediate families, not to attend a wedding. And as Sarah pointed out, many businesses restrict or prohibit employees from taking off around major holidays.

I don't think it's rude to plan your wedding for that date. I just think you may have fewer people attend because of it being a Thursday, and three days before Christmas. I imagine the theme and decorations would be amazing, though!

Nothing rude about it. It is inconvenient for people who have to travel because they may not get time off from work because Thursday is midweek, and people may not have extra money for travel because December is more expensive for airlines and trains.

People are busy running around planning for the holiday. I wouldn’t do it unless you’re expecting a low guest count.

I don't think it's necessarily rude, but I'd expect a high decline rate. I would generally only attend a weekday wedding if I were local or if I were in the wedding. I wouldn't attend a wedding so close to Christmas regardless

Additional info:

- The majority of our guests are family (immediate through first cousins), so it would essentially be a family gathering.

- Most of those who aren't family either live within an hour or two of where we're planning our wedding or have family within that radius that they'd probably be visiting at some point over the holidays.

I don’t think it’s rude at all and I would probably attend a wedding around Christmas, depending on the person.
Like others have stated, just be prepared that you may get a high decline rate. But if you’re okay with that then go for it!

Like everyone is saying, its not rude. What would be rude is if you get upset if people decline. I would not attend a wedding on the 22nd unless it was in my hometown. I personally, would not travel at all at Christmas time as this is a very busy time of year for me. Work wise and personally.

I would also be very careful about assuming things about your guests. Your comment of they would probably be visiting at some point anyway is what makes me think that you are making assumptions.

edited to add: maybe some family members would think its rude or rather impolite, because they then either have to decline and possibly face disappointment or anger. or they have to suck it up and come even if they would prefer not to.

I'd expect a very high decline rate. Most people try to take between Christmas and New Year off. At some jobs, the 22nd may be when everyone is trying to cram in as much work as possible before the holiday


You may also have a lot of guests leaving early if they have work the next day

A good friend's daughter was married on 12/27, a Wednesday, a few years ago. She said the good news was that they were able to find an available venue on fairly short notice, the bad news was other vendors were harder to nail down because they were trying to carve out some family time and didn't want to contract to provide services or they were already booked for holiday parties, etc. In addition, she ended up feeling really guilty and kind of uncomfortable for putting guests in the position to have to travel at a busy/expensive time of year and potentially disrupting their Christmas celebrations and traditions. She said in hindsight, they wouldn't have chosen that date. As others have said, I'd assume you might have a much higher decline rate than at another time of year -- if you're okay with that, then go for it. (There was also a near crisis when the wedding dress didn't arrive as expected from the manufacturer and they were scrambling to get alterations done. The bride and her mom were at the alterations person's home at 4 pm on Christmas Eve and then sweating whether she would have the dress ready late on the 26th.... It's just such a busy time of year, that it's likely the regular wedding stresses may be even more challenging.

Technically, it's not rude, as long as you're hosting properly. As others have said, you take the risk of a higher decline rate.

For many, that is a high-stess time personally and professionally with deadlines. I think even if you have attendees, they may leave after cake. Vendors and venues may be booked due to company holiday parties and charity balls as well.

Perhaps if immediate family only and they all already said they’re ok, then sure! There’s no way I’d go to a wedding the week of Christmas. Too busy and too much stress.

Unless I was very close with the couple, I likely would not attend a Thursday wedding, especially right before Christmas. People are traveling, prepping for the holiday, etc.