New Year’s Eve holds a special kind of magic- the anticipation, a new beginning, and an excuse to wear sparkles. It’s the perfect recipe for a wedding. I won’t lie to you, I’ve heard my parents complain about attending a New Year’s Eve wedding (and they aren’t alone in their sentiment). You have to make it worth giving up standard New Year’s Eve plans and traveling over the holidays with limited PTO. It should be a massive party, loaded with glam, and an unforgettable time.
Colors & Décor
This Golden New Year wedding is classic- with black and white- and fun- with gold and silver. I lean much more heavily on the gold, but a little bit of silver works too. Of course, you can utilize this color scheme however you like, but here are some of my favorite bits of inspiration.
Black & White
You can never go wrong with a black and white dance floor but it is absolute perfection in this context. Not only does it fit with the palette, but it encourages that fun, dance-y, party atmosphere.
Linens are high-impact areas to include your colors. One of my favorite pins on this board features black tablecloths with white napkins. The reverse is always an option but I like how grounding the black is.
Minimal, white florals add a touch of whimsy and airiness to the setting. Truly, I don’t think floral arrangements are really needed here, but if I had to choose some they would be entirely white.
Gold & Silver
The most important feature, in my opinion, is the lighting. Golden, warm white lights should drape from the ceiling, hang on the walls, or wrap columns, trees, and any other available surface.
Extra accessories like table runners, chair sashes, and centerpieces are perfect opportunities to add in more gold.
Holiday Fun
I don’t know about you, but I am still 100% in a Christmas state of mind well into the new year. A New Year’s Eve wedding still lends itself to nods of Christmas. I love the idea of Christmas trees- bare or with warm white lights, garlands, and evergreen greenery.
Now, here’s the most fun part. What says “New Year” more than cheesy party items and favors? Balloons, confetti, noise makers, and the iconic New Year hats and glasses are a must. Balloons have been a wedding trend for some time now. Unpopular opinion: It’s too birthday party for me. However, it just works for this wedding. Doing a balloon and confetti drop as the clock strikes twelve can’t be beat. Guests can don their hats and noisemakers after dinner and party on into the night.
What They Wear
Usually I title this section, “What the Main Two Wear.” If you know me, you know I’m not the biggest fan of color dress codes for guests. I usually advocate for sharing the formality of the invitation and nothing else. However, I think this is one of the few times it would be acceptable and even preferable.
Firstly, I would deem this to be black tie. To add, I would suggest a dress code similar to the color palette of this wedding. Black, white, and metallics, dependent on what the Main Two choose to wear. My choice would be a black tux for grooms and white or gold sparkles for brides. As I typically suggest, the opposite of the bride would be available for the wedding party and attendees. For example, if the bride chooses gold, then her bridesmaids could wear white or cream (or even black). I think guests would appreciate knowing that they wouldn’t show up wearing a sparkly number too similar to the bride’s.
Food
Champagne or an equally sparkling and fizzy drink is a must. Personally, I prefer sparkling cider and this could be a cost effective option.
Many people choose to eat good luck foods on New Year’s Eve and on the first of the year. This is a wonderful opportunity to include good luck foods from your culture. Some that come to mind are collards, black eyed peas, grapes, and noodles.
Should you choose to host a Golden New Year wedding, I hope you dance like a coming of age movie into 2024, 2025, or beyond. (If you have no idea what I’m talking about, please search up the prom scene from John Green’s Paper Towns)
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