Which season is best for your wedding?
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.
