Congratulations on your engagement! Are you getting the magical, yet annoying question from your family and friends: Have you set a wedding date yet? I’m sure they mean well, but don’t let the pressure of this question stress you out and cause you to rush the decision. Take your time and chose a date for the right reason (what matters most to you both). After all, this will be your anniversary date for years to come. A simple choice could be to make your wedding date your dating anniversary date or another significant date for you as a couple.
If you want to be more selective, consider the following:
- Your work, school or family commitment schedules
- Travel peak seasons, honeymoon cost, and more importantly future anniversary celebrations
- Travel weather conditions
- Holidays or other annual traditions
- Etc…
For my husband and I, we factored in our work schedules, the potential for inclement weather, and the best time of the year for us financially. We also considered a date between our birthdays since we like to celebrate big. We finally landed on a date in April, but somehow failed to consider Easter and Spring Break. Needless to say, there have been years where traveling far for anniversaries was not ideal. While this was our experience, I suggest taking a more global look at each of the four seasons to help you decide or reinforce your date decision.
Here are a few pros and cons by season.
- If you are having/planning a Fall wedding (September – November)
“Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower. “– Albert Camus
- Pros:
- Beautiful fall colors for a rustic theme wedding
- Cost could be less for vendors and venues due to off-season for non-holidays
- Seasonal decorations may be cheaper due to holidays and the availability of natural backdrops
- Cons:
- Weather conditions can be unpredictable due to early winter conditions and limited daylight
- There may be financial impacts in this season due to post-summer vacations, the start of the school year, upcoming holidays, etc…
- Limited availability for outdoor events/activities due to weather conditions
- If you are having/planning a Spring wedding (Mar – May)
“Spring adds new life and new beauty to all that is.” — Jessica Harrelson
- Pros:
- Beautiful pastel colors are available for spring themed weddings
- An ideal time to offer lighter food options
- Flowers are beginning to bloom and floral arrangements usually are plentiful.
- Cons:
- Weather can be unpredictable due to extended winter conditions or excessive rain
- There may be financial impacts in this season due to taxes, graduations, etc..
- Potential date conflicts due to holidays, graduations, spring break, etc…
- If you are having/planning a Summer wedding (June – August)
“A life without love is like a year without summer.” – Swedish Proverb
- Pros:
- You can utilize almost any wedding themes such as beach, tea/garden, bold colors, etc…
- Most flowers are in-season and you will have more of your favorites to choose from
- Typically, this season has great weather condition and longer daylight for outdoor celebrations
- Cons:
- Peak season – vendors and venues are typically pricier during this time
- One way to get around this is choosing a non-Saturday wedding date (consider weekdays, Fridays or Sundays)
- Potential date scheduling conflicts due to holiday, family vacations schedules, family reunions, etc…
- If you are having an outdoor event you will need to make accommodations for hot weather, bugs, and possible rain
- Peak season – vendors and venues are typically pricier during this time
- If you are having/planning a winter wedding (December – February)
“The fire is winter’s fruit.” – Arabian Proverb
- Pros:
- Can utilize snow or winter wedding theme
- Cost could be less for vendors, venues, and travel due to offseason except for holiday dates
- You can incorporate creative nontraditional ideas since the wedding date may already be considered nontraditional. Creative ideas such as:
- Using fireplaces, candles or other warming agents in your decor
- Creating intimate surroundings/activities
- Utilizing silk flowers if your favorite flowers are out of season
- Having signature warm soothing drinks
- Cons:
- Potential for unfavorable weather conditions – will need to adjust wedding attire to accommodate
- Limited availability for outdoor events/activities due to weather conditions
- Potential holiday season conflicts
This list is not a full blueprint for choosing a wedding date just a few helpful hints to consider. I hope these were helpful. Of course, no matter what season you chose this is an exciting time for you and your fiancé. Enjoy the planning process and don’t let the stress keep you from appreciating the special moments leading up to your special day.
For additional season details – see specific season blogs:
Spring Season – https://jasblueprint.com/2020/05/02/spring-season-blog/ Summer Season – https://jasblueprint.com/2020/05/02/summer-season-blog/ Fall Season – https://jasblueprint.com/2020/04/05/example-post/ Winter Season – https://jasblueprint.com/2020/05/02/winter-season-blog/
Article Sources:
Bailey, B. The Pros and Cons of Each Wedding Season. Retrieved from https://www.bridalguide.com/planning/the-details/season/pros-cons-wedding-season
Green, R. (2016) Helpful Tips For The Four Wedding Seasons. Retrieved from https://www.weddingsonline.ie/blog/four-wedding-seasons/
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