The holidays are here & so are the proposals
Engagement season, from November to February, sees nearly 40% of U.S. proposals, with popular dates like Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and Valentine’s Day setting the stage for magical moments. This cozy, festive time is ideal for popping the question, with many couples involving family in their plans. Newly engaged? Check the upcoming mini-course to help you and your partner jumpstart wedding planning. Wishing you love and magic this engagement season!
Some of you might be counting down to the holiday season or eagerly awaiting the upcoming Super Bowl. Personally, I count down to something a little different…but with 100% the same enthusiasm - I countdown to engagement season!
November through February is what is referred to as “engagement season” or “proposal season” in the wedding industry. Basically from Thanksgiving through Valentine’s Day, proposals spread faster than a red wine stain on a white wedding dress. I LOVE engagement season and yes, I talk about it every year. See here for last year’s post about engagement season.
Around 40% of proposals in the US happen during this season. Now you might be wondering…
Why winter for proposals?
So why is winter the prime time for proposals? From my perspective, the season is basically tailor-made for romance. As Frank Sinatra croons, “It’s that time of year when the world falls in love…”
With holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, and Valentine’s Day all packed into a few short months, there are endless opportunities for couples to pop the question in a setting that’s naturally festive and intimate. Between cozy gatherings with family, fireside cups of cocoa, and snow-dusted backdrops, winter has a way of adding magic to any moment—and what better a moment to propose? It’s also a good 6-10 months out from “wedding season”(more on wedding season here), giving couples plenty of time to plan their special day before those peak warm weather months.
The role family & friends in proposals
In addition to the festive atmosphere, family and friend involvement has become part of engagements. Since the holiday season is also a time when families and friends gather together, it provides plenty of opportunity for couples to share this milestone with those who mean the most to them. Not to be a cliche, but I too said “Yes!” during engagement season in January of 2010 (see here for more on that story).
According to industry surveys, nearly 2/3 of people proposing involve their parents/family/friends in their proposal in some way. Whether it’s asking for them to capture the moment on video (you can always just tie a video camera to a tree in the woods like my partner did) or planning a family-filled celebration afterward - the more the merrier!
Most popular engagement dates
Thinking of an engagement season proposal? Here are the most engagement season days for proposals:
Christmas Day (12/25) – Christmas magic is in the air, and so are proposals! A true favorite.
Valentine’s Day (2/14) – The ultimate day of love, making it a classic for popping the question.
Christmas Eve (12/24) – Nothing like an early Christmas present!
New Year’s Day (1/1) – A perfect time to pop the question and celebrate new beginnings.
New Year’s Eve (12/31) – The excitement of midnight creates a beautiful moment for a proposal and the ultimate New Year’s Eve kiss.
Day before Valentine’s Day (2/13) – For those who want to celebrate Valentine’s as a newly engaged couple.
December 17th – The Saturday before Christmas Eve is ideal for a family and/or friend -filled proposal.
December 10th – Two Saturdays before Christmas, giving couples time to savor the engagement without being over shadowed by the holiday bustle.
December 23rd – For couples wanting to celebrate Christmas as a newly engaged couple
Personally, I think it’s a bit odd November dates didn’t make the list. I would think more couples would want to enjoy the whole holiday season as newly engaged humans. Then again, trying to split the holidays amongst families BEFORE you’re officially married can definitely pose a challenge.
What to do after the proposal?
So what happens after you say yes or after you pop the question? First things first - CELEBRATE!!! This is such a special time for you and your partner. Take a moment to enjoy it. Don’t let anyone push you into planning faster than you are ready. Chat with your partner and agree to how long you want to just soak in the engagement without discussing wedding plans. That way you’ll both be on the same page, when friends and family inundate you with “When’s the big day?” questions. Trust me, they’ll ask literally the moment after you tell them you’re engaged.
Once you’ve ridden the engagement high for as long as you agreed to, you might want some help with getting into wedding planning - that’s where I come in! Later this month, I’ll be launching my Engaged 2 Planning mini-course. This mini course will help guide you through the 3 key decisions you need to make in order to get your wedding planning off on the right foot.
The course will include slides, videos, and PDFs to help make your wedding planning journey easy. Know someone who is newly engaged? Be sure to share this post with them! They can sign up for the course waitlist through this link.
With so many moments designed to bring people together in the coming months, engagement season has become a beautiful reminder of how family, friends, and love come together to create unforgettable memories.
So, get ready for love to be in the air and social media to be full of engagement announcements because Engagement season has arrived, and with it, all the magic, excitement, and sparkle that comes with celebrating love.
Happy Engagement Season!!!
Which season is best for your wedding?
This post offers an in-depth comparison of getting married in spring, summer, fall, and winter, highlighting the pros and cons of each season. It caters to engaged couples searching for advice on wedding planning by discussing key factors such as weather conditions, cost implications, natural scenery, and practical considerations for guest attendance.
There are sooooo many decisions to make when it comes to designing your dream wedding. If you’re feeling overwhelmed but are dying to get started on your wedding design, landing on which season your wedding will be in is a great place to start. See here for another key wedding decision that makes everything else feel easier.
Each time of year poses its own unique set of pros and cons to consider. Now I know I’ve been droning on and on for the past few weeks about fall weddings (see here and here), a fall wedding might not be for you (I’ll try to find it in myself to forgive you for this).
Maybe you’re one of those summer people and you’re just dying to enjoy the summer sun on your big day. Or perhaps you’ve dreamed your whole life about a Christmas wedding (I’ve been to one and it was breathtaking!). Whatever you might have in mind, understanding what each season offers can help you and your partner choose the best season for your special day!
Spring Weddings
Spring (March to May) offers a newness that draws a perfect parallel to the beginning of your life as a married couple. As nature awakens with blooming flowers and fresh greenery, it sets the stage for a picturesque wedding.
Pros:
Natural Beauty: Flowers are in full bloom, providing vibrant colors and natural décor for your ceremony and reception.
Mild Weather: Spring typically offers mild, comfortable temperatures, especially for outdoor weddings.
Fresh Menu Options: Seasonal foods like asparagus, berries, and fresh herbs are abundant, allowing for a lighter, more vibrant menu.
Cons:
Unpredictable Weather: While temperatures are mild, spring showers can be frequent and unpredictable, making outdoor weddings a little risky.
Allergy Season: Pollen from blooming flowers can be a nightmare for guests with seasonal allergies. Read more on my summer wedding warnings here.
Higher Costs (later in spring): Late spring is a popular wedding season, so vendors and venues may be in high demand, potentially increasing costs.
Challenging Travel: Spring is not always easiest for guests to get away from their day to day commitments to travel to your wedding.
Spring weddings offer stunning flower options and beautiful pastel color palettes.
Summer Weddings
Summer (June to August) is a popular choice for couples who want long days, sunny skies, and outdoor fun. Summer can create a fun and carefree wedding vibe.
Pros:
Outdoor Weddings: With warmer weather and longer days, summer is perfect for beach weddings, garden parties, and outdoor celebrations.
Vacation Time: Many guests will already have time off during the summer, making travel easier and ensuring higher attendance.
Lush Backdrops: The greenery is at its fullest, offering lush landscapes for stunning wedding photos.
Beach Wedding: If you’re wanting a beach or coastal wedding, summer can be the perfect season for your event!
Florals: Flowers are readily available in the summer, meaning you won’t have to pay a premium price to get the flowers you want.
Cons:
Hot Temperatures: In some locations, summer can be uncomfortably hot, especially for outdoor events. Heatwaves and humidity can make the day uncomfortable for both you and your guests. Please note I got married in July and it was outdoors, over 90 degrees - many guests ended up dehydrated and sunburnt. We guzzled down so much water that day!
Higher Costs for Venues: Summer is peak wedding season, and venues tend to charge premium rates.
Competition for Vendors: Popular photographers, florists, and caterers may book up quickly, requiring early planning.
Summer weddings are great if you want an outdoor venue.
Fall Weddings
Now you know this season has my vote! Fall (September to November) is ideal for couples who love rich colors, crisp air, and a more intimate feel to their wedding. With the leaves changing colors and cooler temperatures, fall offers a cozy and romantic backdrop.
Pros:
Beautiful Foliage: The changing leaves provide stunning reds, oranges, and yellows, perfect for outdoor ceremonies and photographs.
Pleasant Weather: Temperatures in early fall are often mild, creating a comfortable atmosphere for both outdoor and indoor weddings.
Unique Menu Options: Fall offers an abundance of delicious seasonal foods, including pumpkin, squash, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
Cons:
Shorter Days: As the days get shorter, you may need to adjust your schedule to accommodate less daylight, especially if you’re planning an outdoor ceremony.
Unpredictable Weather: Fall can bring sudden temperature drops and unexpected rain, so having a backup plan is important.
Travel Challenges: With holidays like Thanksgiving, you’ll want to avoid scheduling your wedding too close to major holiday weekends to prevent conflicts for guests. Fall is also a harder time for people to take vacation days, so your guest list might be smaller thank you wanted.
Fall weddings allow for rich textures and colors.
Winter Weddings: A Magical Wonderland
Winter (December to February) might not be the first season that comes to mind for weddings, but it's an excellent choice for couples seeking something unique and budget friendly! The season can add a magical ambiance to your special day.
Pros:
Romantic Atmosphere: Twinkling lights, cozy fires, and snowy backdrops can make your wedding feel like a magical winter wonderland.
Lower Costs: Since winter is the off-season for weddings, many venues and vendors offer lower rates, helping you save money (as long as you avoid holiday weekends).
Holiday Cheer: If timed right, your wedding can coincide with holiday festivities, adding an extra layer of joy and celebration.
Cons:
Cold Weather: Depending on where you live, freezing temperatures and snowstorms could pose logistical challenges, especially for travel.
Limited Outdoor Options: If you're dreaming of an outdoor wedding, winter probably won’t be the best time for it.
Holiday Conflicts: Winter weddings can overlap with Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and other holidays, which could make scheduling tricky for guests.
Winter weddings allow for unique floral choices and incredible photo backdrops.
Not Sure Which Season is Right for You?
Deciding on the best season for your wedding involves balancing your vision with practical considerations. Still not sure? Take our Free Quiz to find out which season best suits your wedding style and personality! Whether you're drawn to the warmth of summer or the coziness of winter, this quick quiz will help you figure out the perfect time of year to say, "I do."
Take the quiz to figure out the ideal time of year for your wedding!
Each season offers its own charm and ambiance. Ultimately, the best time to get married is the time that feels right for you and your partner.
