Fixing the date: The advantages and disadvantages of weddings in each season

Weddings can take place anytime of the year! Today, it is possible to be a winter bride, just as you can be a spring or summer bride. While this flexibility is great for some brides, others may end up being more confused with the availability of more choices.

If you are currently in this situation; having trouble deciding the best time of year to have your wedding, here is some help. Take a look at our list to compare the pros and cons of getting married in any season. Hopefully, this will help you pick the option that is just right for you.

Spring

“Now every field is clothed with grass, and every tree with leaves; now the woods put forth their blossoms, and the year assumes its gay attire.”

The Roman poet, Virgil captures the essence of spring in the above quote. Spring is a season to rejoice, and nature shows us how to. As Mother Nature marks this season with welcome warmth after a chilly winter, pops of color begin to appear everywhere. As flowers bloom and the green grass sprouts in bounty, the air feels fresh and alive. Associated with fresh scents, cool weather and beautiful natural backdrops, many couples find spring the best season to get married. So, here are the advantages and disadvantages of picking a date in this season, for your wedding.

Advantages

• Just the right temperature: Neither is spring stifling and warm like summer, nor chilly like autumn or winter. The temperature is just perfect to relax and enjoy. So, your guests will look forward to attending a ceremony and not complain about making the trek in bad weather. Plus, the right temperature makes it possible to plan an outdoor wedding
• Season when colors pop: Take the cue from nature itself. Spring is when fresh buds bloom and create a cascade of beautiful colors in the natural landscape. The lush greenery makes it the right time to plan an equally colorful, warm wedding. So, if you must have bright colors at your wedding, this is the season to choose.
• Plenty of flowers to choose from: A stunning variety of flowers blossom in spring, making it easy for you to find flowers of every color and texture for your wedding décor, bouquets and more.
• The season for most vegetables and fruits: If you want to make the most of seasonally available bounty for your wedding, spring is the right choice. This is when most vegetables and fruits are easily available. This will allow you to plan a menu that you fancy, without having to search or arrange for the ingredients at extra cost.

Disadvantages

• Allergy season is on: With most flowers in bloom, this is the time when allergies are at their worst. Guests with allergies may prefer to stay away from your wedding, especially if it is an outdoor affair, for health reasons.
• Prices are highest: Since most couples prefer to be married in spring, this is the time when you will be spending most on wedding expenses. Venues will be priced higher during this peak season, so you can either shell out more for your dream venue or settle for a weekday wedding to get a better price.
• Higher competition for vendors: Just as the prices go up, so does the demand for quality wedding services. Since most vendors can cater to only limited number of weddings at a time, your will have to book your wedding services early to ensure you get the ones you prefer.
• More holidays this time of the year: Easter and school graduation happens in spring. So, if your guests have holiday plans or other events to attend at the same time, they may be unable to make it to your wedding. Nevertheless, you can always plan your wedding, adjusting for dates that do not clash with these holidays.

Summer

“I almost wish we were butterflies and liv’d but three summer days – three such days with you I could fill with more delight than fifty common years could ever contain.”

John Keats wrote these mesmerizing lines for his beloved Fanny Brawne, and it conveys romance, excitement and joy; all that is Summer!

 

After spring, summer is the next most popular wedding season. Although the weather is usually warmer than in spring, in some parts of the world, this is better as it makes the climate very pleasant. Summer is also the best time to plan a destination wedding. The days become longer and you have plenty of time to party. This makes it perfect for an exciting, fun occasion. Let us look at the pros and cons of this season, for your wedding.

Advantages

• Flowers still in season: Come summer, and you still have plenty of flowers to choose from. So, you needn’t compromise on having a spectacular bouquet or plenty of floral elements in your décor.
• You can have a long wedding day: The best thing about summer is that with extended daylight hours, you have plenty of time to party. You could even plan the ceremony later in the day than would be necessary in any other season, if needed.
• It is holiday season: Summer is the season when schools close for holidays, people take time off work and enjoy a break. So, it is usually convenient, especially for those who have to travel from far for your wedding.
• Everything is saturated with color: Just as the sun shines brightest, everything in summer looks vibrant and colorful. This is the perfect ambiance for a wedding where you want lots of natural color.
• Outdoor weddings are still possible: Unless the place you stay is unbearably hot, it is possible to have the outdoor wedding you always wanted.
• Perfect time for a beach wedding or destination wedding: If you always wanted to get married in an exotic location like a beach in the Bahamas, summer is when you should plan it, to enjoy the best experience.

Disadvantages:

• Your wedding may clash with your guests’ holiday plans: Like two sides to a coin, having your wedding during the holidays will be convenient for many. However, there may also be others who have planned a vacation at this time, and it may not be possible to reschedule their plans to accommodate your wedding.
• Chances for rain: Summer showers are nature’s way of surprising everyone, including to-be-married couples. So, if you have an outdoor wedding, you cannot rule out the possibility of rain. Having a back-up plan, like an alternate venue in case of rain, can turn out to be expensive, but necessary.
• Extra precautions to stay and keep things fresh: When the temperatures soar, flowers wilt quickly and people tend to look tired sooner. From choosing hardy flowers and wearing water-proof makeup, you will have to take more precautions when you get married in summer.
• The competition for venues and vendors continues: Just like spring, summer is also popular wedding season. So, the competition for quality vendors and great venues continues. The prices are also quite high this time of year, for the same reason.

Autumn

“Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower”—Albert Camus

When the leaves turn color, and the scenery is breathtakingly beautiful with orange, brown and red tones everywhere, when the breeze begins to blow and beckon snow, Autumn is here!

The backdrop of autumn is spectacular, and romantic, making it a great time to get married. Nowadays, autumn weddings are very popular. Temperatures dip, but it is still comfortable. So, weddings in this season are convenient and pleasant.

Advantages:

• Beautiful nature: The stunning foliage that is fall’s own feature, punctuates the air with romance. This backdrop is unique, perhaps, even more than spring. The refined sophistication of nature during this season makes it a wonderful time for an elegant, classic wedding.
• Pleasant weather: The weather is comfortable and pleasant during the first half of autumn, making it easy for people to travel or even attend an outdoor wedding if that is what you have planned.
• A variety of menu options: Fall is associated with pumpkins, squashes, spices like cinnamon, chocolate, apples and berries. These are all treats for the taste buds, and comforting when served at meals. So, hearty meals at your wedding couldn’t get better, than in this season.
• Interesting décor options: With the scenery so beautiful, it would be a shame to not incorporate the signature elements of fall into your wedding day. Turn to nature itself, and you have plenty of inspiration to set up magnificent centerpieces and attractive décor at your venue.

Disadvantages:

• Unexpected frost: Autumn is often unpredictable, with some days too chilly to even step outdoors. There is also the risk of frost. So, this can be a damper for your wedding plans.
• Not holiday season: With the holiday season approaching, people are busy at work and school this time of year. So, it may not be convenient for all guests to make it to your wedding, especially those who have to travel from out-of-town.
• You will need an indoor venue: Although an outdoor ceremony is possible in fall, dancing into the night may be a problem as temperatures fall drastically, after sunset. So, you’ll have to either find a venue where you can have the rest of the reception indoors, or settle for an indoor venue for the whole function.

Winter

“The color of springtime is in the flowers. The color of winter is in the imagination.” – Terri Guillemets

There was a time when winter weddings were rare. It is not so much now! The cold season is perhaps the most romantic, as this is the time everyone yearns to cozy up and feel warm and loved. Isn’t that just perfect for a wedding?

Advantages

• Have a memorable wedding: With fewer couples tying the knot in the cold months, it is the best time to plan a memorable wedding that everyone will remember. The scenery is amazing. Not only will your vendors work at a more relaxed pace, you have better chances of getting all that you need to plan your big day, without much competition from other couples.
• Everything is cheaper and available: Being the off-season, you will not face much trouble getting the venue you desire, or booking vendors you like the most. Also, the prices will be better, as wedding services are ready to slash their prices upon negotiation.
• Everything will look like it ought to be: With the temperatures being so low, you needn’t worry about your bouquet wilting, or centerpieces looking tired by the end of the day.
• Most guests can attend: If you plan your wedding around the holidays in winter, like Christmas and Thanksgiving, your guests will find it convenient to attend your wedding. They will mostly be taking time off work or school at this time of year, and so it won’t be a big deal adding your wedding into their holiday plans.

Disadvantages

• Low temperatures: In this weather, not everyone would be excited about driving to your wedding on a weekend, when they would rather be snug at home. An outdoor wedding is out of question.
• Shorter days: You will have fewer hours of daylight, and so your wedding would have to be run on a tight schedule, so you can make use of the sunlight while it lasts.
• Nature’s unpredictability: Unexpected heavy snowfall, blizzards and cold waves are the different ways in which nature can wreak havoc on your carefully thought-out winter plans. It can be very difficult to change plans at short notice.
• Guests may be on tight budgets: With buying gifts for the holidays and vacationing in summer, your guests may feel the pinch, when getting you a wedding gift or putting aside funds for travel and dressing up to attend your wedding.

So, that wraps it up! Tell us, which of these seasons would you love to get married in?

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