Plan now for a holiday wedding — either this year or next

If you are planning on having a holiday wedding, Las Vegas venues are more than ready for any request you may have to make your day special. They also tend to have more specials for guests, from room rates to spa dates, during the holiday season.

However, if you were hoping to mark that special day by holding the ceremony on this century’s last sequential date, 12/13/14, most Las Vegas facilities are fully booked.

JW Marriott is offering two specials for couples who want to have a holiday wedding this year or next, according to event specialist Donna Quichocho.The first special is a free two-night stay for the bride and groom plus $1,000 off a JW Marriott wedding package.

The second is one the whole family can enjoy. All-inclusive wedding packages start at $9,000 (prices vary on guest count) and are complete with the ultimate list of services to expertly craft any type of wedding experience. Package amenities include private ceremony site, event specialist, guest meals, four-hour bar package, champagne toast, preset tableware, dance floor, complimentary suite on couples’ wedding night, special hotel room rate for wedding guests, complimentary valet and much more.

“We’re also offering a special $99 room rate for guests of the bride and groom (who book a JW Marriott wedding) during the holidays,” she said.

Holiday weddings have always been popular at the JW Marriott, however spring and fall tend to be the busiest times of the year. Sunny days with the opportunity for natural light and mild temperatures lend enchantment to an outdoor ceremony, although the holiday season also holds a certain charm.

“A wedding is so special in itself, but to add the magic and romance of the holidays to the equation just intensifies the emotions of everyone in attendance to make it a truly memorable experience,” Quichocho said.

She has a few tips for those who are considering a holiday wedding.

“One of the biggest advantages of planning a holiday wedding is you already have an instant theme and color palette using holiday colors, like rich red, burgundy, silver, gold,” she said. “It’s just a matter of tweaking the decor and color choices to make the theme your own, and you’re already midway through the planning process.”

Another advantage of a holiday wedding is that family and friends are most likely planning to travel and take time off to spend with loved ones during this time, so it may be easier for them to attend, she said.

JW Marriott offers lush grounds in a quiet setting for wedding ceremonies and outdoor receptions of all sizes.

“Our 54-acre resort boasts over 1,000 palm trees, 10 waterfalls, numerous koi ponds, streams and a Zen garden,” Quichocho said. “We also (have) numerous indoor reception sites, plus offer the full-service, award-winning Spa Aquae, which luxuriously caters to bridal parties on that special day. But more importantly, we are known for our award-winning service and for crafting exceptional, lasting experiences for our guests.”

Through December 2015, JW Marriott Las Vegas is offering all LGBT couples a special discount on wedding packages in honor of Nevada’s recent legalization of same-sex marriage. Couples that are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender will receive $1,000 off the resort’s all-inclusive packages for any wedding booked or held now through March 2015 and $500 off all-inclusive wedding packages for any wedding held April through December 2015.

If you are hoping for a last-minute 12/13/2014 wedding, JW Marriott is completely booked.

The big date of the year is also booked at the Wynn Las Vegas, but the resort tends to bend over backwards for couples and be as accommodating as physically possible, said Rochelle Clayton, director of the Wedding Salons at Wynn Las Vegas.

“The Wedding Salons at Wynn Las Vegas are currently booked for 12/13/14 from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., however, we have beautiful venues available at the resort to accommodate additional weddings, and we welcome any interest in hosting a 12/13/14 ceremony with us,” she said.

Holiday packages at Wynn Las Vegas include a dedicated wedding consultant as well as a wide selection of amenities, from complimentary pickup to sparkling wine and online viewing of the ceremony.

However, there is always room for particular, unique and discerning tastes.

“Holiday weddings are special because our guests make it a unique experience by enhancing their ceremonies with winter decor and/or themed events,” Clayton said. “The time of year is romantic and festive which makes it more special for the couple.”

While the staff is trained to listen and accommodate all requests made by the bride and groom, Clayton offers this advice to those jumping into a Las Vegas wedding.

“Allow our team of wedding consultants at Wynn Las Vegas to assist in planning your wedding from start to finish, giving guests the time to relax and be stress free,” Clayton said.

Wynn’s concierge-style service makes the Wedding Salons stand out, according to Clayton.

“(It) is a unique and personalized amenity offered to our brides and grooms,” she said. “Wynn Las Vegas also has the only outdoor wedding chapel attached to a major Strip resort, The Primrose Courtyard. Additionally, our wedding consultants will curate a ceremony among some of the most stunning backdrops at the resort, including Tryst Nightclub with the waterfall feature, The Lake of Dreams and our gorgeous treatment hallway at The Spa at Encore.”

The Wynn Wedding Salons also offer an array of items such as in-room romantic decor, specific personalized candle ceremonies and numerous retail items, including personalized wedding invitations.

For those looking for a quaint venue — or to reserve a space for the 12/13/14 wedding date — Milo’s Cellar and Inn in Boulder City has rooms and space available (as of early December).

“We are the only bed and breakfast in Boulder City and we have a unique Tuscany-style courtyard that provides a quiet setting for weddings,” said David Shay, innkeeper at Milo’s Inn.

The inn’s December specials include 30 percent off of one-night or a buy-one-get-one-night-free for Nevada residents.

“We have a warm, inviting atmosphere and a private cellar that can accommodate parties up to 25 people,” said Shay, who has more than 20 years of experience in the hotel industry. “We also have a very flexible menu and space when it comes to creating a special event. It feels like your own hidden paradise.”

Any time of year, having enough space to prepare for your wedding, accommodate guests and meet your expectations from decor to dancing, is what brides and grooms need to consider to pull off a wedding with as much ease as possible.

“A wedding that stands out will be memorable for everyone and holiday weddings are unique in theme compared to a typical spring wedding,” Shay said. “Keep it simple and eloquent. Quality, not quantity, is what will be most remembered.”