When planning a wedding, one of the most crucial decisions a couple has to make is their wedding date. However, before you settle for any date, you need to look at the calendar carefully and narrow down the choices of the days of the year.
There are many factors to consider when picking a day to be married. The first one is the specific time of the year you want your wedding. The other ones are the vendor’s availability and demand, venue, and guest availability.
Most weddings usually happen in summer and early fall. A study by Knot revealed that around 43% of weddings happened between September and November, with October being the leading month. Each season has pros and cons, which you should evaluate before picking a date.
So what is the best time to get married? Read on to learn more.
Key Takeaway
- Consider the weather and prices during different seasons when selecting an ideal date.
- Spring offers pleasant temperatures and scenery, but chance of rain and allergies.
- Summer provides warmer weather but potentially very hot conditions and higher demand.
- Fall gives beautiful foliage backdrops though unpredictable weather changes.
- Winter allows festive holiday celebrations but less daylight hours and possible travel issues.
Spring Weddings
Spring is a beautiful time of the year to get married as you and your guests enjoy natural beauty. It is when the trees have blossomed, and the weather is beginning to warm up. The season does not have lots of holidays.
Therefore, you should not have trouble getting guests to attend your wedding. After the isolated winter days, many people yearn to go out and refresh their minds.
Additionally, the season enjoys pleasant temperatures and a full bloom. You may choose early spring or March, but it can be risky because the cold may persist, or you can opt for late spring or May.
Best Spring Wedding Months
March, April, and May are the months for spring weddings. May is the most popular, but March and April are great options.
Pros of a spring wedding
Comfortable weather – As it is beginning to warm up, you do not have to worry about your guests showing up or restrictions about your wedding gown. You can comfortably wear sleeves without overheating or light clothes without feeling cold.
Natural beauty – Imagine saying your vows where the trees are full of cherry blossoms. Lovely, right? The spring season brings pastel colors and a soft, romantic, pop nature color that blends perfectly with your wedding theme.
Low prices – Spring is not a peak wedding season, and most weddings tend to happen after the spring months. So, the prices of things are generally lower compared to summer and fall, and you can expect to get the best vendors and venues without being overpriced.
Cons of a Spring Wedding
Potential for rain – The weather can be rainy when planning an indoor or outdoor wedding. Rain can damage your hair or cause mud. Planning your wedding in certain weather during this season is a gamble.
Pollen allergy issues – While the weather is getting nice and people are starting to go outside, spring is also the start of allergy season. Congestion, watery eyes, and sneezing are mostly experienced in this season, and these are not symptoms you want to have on your special day.
Summer Weddings
A summer wedding may be ideal if you and your partner love to spend time outside on days with extended daylight and don’t mind the heat. Most weddings occur during the summer months because of the pleasant weather.
Most of your guests will come to your wedding since the season is close to the holidays, and they would love to enjoy summer vacations.
But the high temperatures can make planning difficult. That is why many people opt for early summer before the summer heat sets in full.
Best summer wedding months
June, July and August are the summer months, and June is by far the most popular month of these three months and the whole year.
Pros of a summer wedding
Warmer weather – Sunny weather and many in-season flowers make summer a great option, especially for an outdoor ceremony.
After school is out – One of the reasons that makes summer a popular season is many people are in vacation mode. Students and those in education fields have a summer off, and most offices enjoy summer Fridays or the flexibility to schedule vacations.
Long daylight hours – Days are generally longer during this season, meaning you have ample time to enjoy your big day before the night sets in.
Cons of a Summer Wedding
Scorching temperatures – Your guests want to be comfortable during your wedding. But summer days can get extremely hot, making everyone uncomfortable.
Higher prices – Summer is a peak for weddings. So many venues and vendors charge higher prices because of the demand. Think about your budget when planning for a summer wedding.
Popular wedding months – Since summer months are popular for weddings, you may not get the venue or the vendor you want as many people book them months or years before.
Fall Weddings
Fall is a favorable season for weddings, especially the early fall. Many people love the cooler weather and fall foliage, which create awesome fall colors. Most take advantage of the pumpkin spice and include it in their wedding theme.
Best Fall Wedding Months
September, October and November. October is the most popular wedding month, like June.
Pros of a fall wedding
Mild temperatures – Fall enjoys pleasant temperatures and humidity levels. It is a perfect season for an outdoor wedding.
Scenic colors – The sight of changing leaves creates a pleasant environment to get married in. You can enjoy the hues of different leaves.
Lower prices – Since the peak vacation season will be over, you may enjoy low prices from vendors and venues. Also, most of your guests may come to your destination wedding.
Cons of a Fall Wedding
Unpredictable weather – The temperatures may get too chilly, leaving people wanting warmth during the celebration. The chilly temperatures can also damage your skin and hair as they dry out.
Fewer daylight hours – Fall comes with long nights and short days, which means less time to enjoy your special day.
Winter Weddings
Getting married in the winter can be the best time of the year if you don’t mind snow. You can even choose to exchange your vows on New Year’s Eve. The only challenge is some parts of the country are closed.
Best Winter Wedding Months
December, January and February.
Pros of a winter wedding
Festive ambience – People are preparing for the holidays, which means they’ve created a festive atmosphere and are ready to party.
Lower prices – Winter is a slower time of the year, and many vendors are not booked. So, you may be offered low prices.
Less competition for vendors – Most weddings do not happen around this time. Often, vendors don’t have lots of work. You may get the best ones at a good deal.
Cons of a Winter Wedding
Inclement weather– weather can be severe in some parts of the country, like Texas.
Few daylight hours– winter months receive less daylight, affecting the window in which you can enjoy outdoor pictures.
Difficult travel– the roads can be impassable in some situations.
Choosing the Best Wedding Season for You
Here are some factors to consider when deciding when to get married.
- Your favorite season – This depends on what you and your partner love. Rain? Sun? Some chilly temperatures?
- Wedding theme – Choose a season that complements your wedding theme, like a winter wonderland.
- Color scheme – Determine which colors fit the season; for example, deep reds are perfect in autumn.
- Color palette – Choose a palette that goes well with the season hues.
- Wedding colors – Décor, flowers, and attire should match the season’s colors.
- Outdoor vs. indoor venue – Some seasons may suit one type, but others go well with both types of wedding.
- Destination wedding location – Consider the prices, weather, and accessibility when choosing the location.
- Budget – Compare costs between high and low seasons.
- Guest comfort and travel – Consider factors influencing guest attendance, like holidays, weather, etc.
Honeymoon Considerations Based on Wedding Season
When choosing when to get married, you should also consider the honeymoon. The season you choose affects the weather, prices, and activities of your honeymoon. Here are some things to consider:
Spring weddings
These are perfect for campers, road trippers, and those who love vacationing on the beach. Some popular destinations include Mexico, Florida, the Caribbean, and parts of Europe that enjoy favorable weather.
Summer weddings
Perfect if you plan on going to Europe, the Caribbean, or the Mediterranean for your honeymoon. However, remember that you may be charged high prices, especially if you have chosen tropical destinations. Also, prepare for crowds on beaches and national parks.
Fall weddings
A fall wedding is perfect if you love tropical honeymoons before the rain starts. However, places like Jamaica, Costa Rica, and Hawaii may still have hot weather. A scenic tour in Napa/Sonoma or Tuscany regions is a good vacation.
Winter weddings
Tropical honeymoons and skiing can be enjoyed in the winter. If you’re planning a trip after your wedding, consider researching honeymoon destinations in summer for a variety of experiences, from beach getaways to mountain retreats, ensuring an unforgettable start to your married life.. Choose favorable weather destinations like Hawaii, the Southern Hemisphere, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Consider winter-themed adventures such as dog sledding in Alaska when choosing a destination.
Conclusion
The best wedding season depends on what appeals to you most. The good thing is you have endless options in choosing a season that works for you and your spouse.
You can’t go wrong with any month with careful planning and being mindful of the weather. But remember to weigh the pros and cons of each season.