Once the big question has been popped and the engagement ring is in place, it’s time for another important decision — when is the big day?
When considering the date for your wedding, the time of year plays a big part in that decision. Each season holds its own charms and challenges. While you might love the idea of a winter wonderland wedding, consider the weather challenges. And even though fall is beautiful, there might be a few roadblocks when it comes to an autumn wedding.
To help you make your decision, we’ve compiled a few pros and cons of each season so you can figure out the best time of year for your perfect wedding day.
Spring
Pro: A Romantic Vibe
Spring may be considered the most romantic season. New beginnings, bright colors, warm breezes… everyone is all twitterpated and in love and it just seems like the perfect time for a wedding. Blooming flowers and warm weather make for a great background but it’s also a great time to catch friends and family before the end of the school year and the start of summer travel.
Con: Allergy Season & Unpredictable Weather
Many people suffer from spring allergies! Pollen, new growth and freshly cut grass can mean itchy, watery eyes, constant sneezing, and red noses… not exactly ideal for wedding pictures. If you suffer from seasonal allergies, or if you think allergy meds and extra tissues won’t make a good wedding gift for your bridal party, you might want to choose another season. Additionally, April showers brings…April showers! Weather in the springtime can fluctuate from day-to-day, meaning you could be in for a cold, rainy wedding day (or snow in May). Just be flexible and know that the weather will be a part of the fun of the day.
Summer
Pro: Flexible Weather
While you do run the risk of a thunderstorm, or the occasional tornado, summertime is definitely the easiest to deal with when it comes to weather. You might have to deal with hot and humid temps, but those are easy to beat with an evening wedding or a shady area with fans, like our outdoor Chapel at Crystal Gardens. In many states, summer is by far the most beautiful time of year for a gorgeous outdoor wedding. Or, you can easily have the wedding inside when it’s hot and move the party outside once it cools down for the best of both worlds.
Con: Scheduling
Not only do you need to consider the schedules of your family and friends during this busy time of year, but also the schedules of vendors and venues. Summer is one of the more popular times of year for weddings, so you will be competing for venues and vendors. To avoid scheduling conflicts, make sure you plan a summer wedding with plenty of time to spare and send out the Save the Dates early so your family can start planning.
Fall
Pro: The Colors & Weather
For many, not much beats the colors and smells of fall. The changing leaves, burning leaf piles, a break in the heat and hot cider and donuts, fall is fast becoming America’s favorite time of year. Mother Nature provides a naturally beautiful backdrop for photos and it invites the use of deep, dark color schemes. Additionally, the weather tends to be more “stable” in the fall with less rain and unpredictability. If you want a naturally beautiful and dependable time of year, fall is the right season for you.
Con: Most Popular Time of Year
By far, September and October are the most popular months of the year for weddings. You will definitely be limited by the availability of vendors and venues, so if you have a specific fall date in mind, it is important to book as far in advance as possible, and to be as flexible as you can.
Winter
Pro: Savings
Depending on the venue and the specifics of your day, it’s a safe bet that you’ll save some money since winter is typically a slower wedding season. Vendors may charge less during the winter season, giving you some flexibility in your budget. Maybe you can splurge on your dream dress if you’re not paying as much for your vendors.
Con: Unpredictable Weather
If you choose a winter wedding, you might like the snow and the cold but depending on where you live, winter weather can be very unpredictable. If you’re in the Midwest, a December wedding could mean green grass OR six inches of snow. It could also mean a snow or ice storm that closes roads and halts travel. Make sure you watch the weather and have backup plans if a nasty winter storm puts a damper on your big day.
Have a favorite season in mind? Contact us today to start putting together your dream wedding at Crystal Gardens. You can reach our event coordinators by email or phone at 877-545-1002.
