Wedding Seasons: The Pros and Cons

Did you get a marriage proposal on Valentines Day? Congratulations!

Now one of the most important decisions you need to make is when you’re actually going to tie the knot. So before you start sending out save-the-dates, take a look at our guide to the pros and cons of each wedding season of the year.

WINTER

Pros

1. Living in the UK, we’re sometimes lacking in the snow department but, when it does, freshly fallen snow can add an extra touch of magic to your day, amplifying colour schemes and casting an ethereal glow.
2. With a winter wedding, there are so many options when it comes to catering; think rich desserts, hot chocolate bars, spicy winter cocktails and endless amounts of comfort food.
3. Roaring fires, candlelight and twinkly fairy lights can make the perfect setting for calm, cozy and romantic winter wedding.
4. Winter is typically a slower time of year for wedding suppliers and vendors, allowing you to save extra money in your wedding budget.

Cons

1. Christmas and New Year weddings can be absolutely stunning, but it’s worth considering that your guests may be travelling elsewhere for the festivities.
2. With all the usual celebrations, and increased mail, it’s important to give your guests sufficient notice before they start making plans and commitments to other parties and events.
3. Here in the UK, we’re partial to the odd storm, often involving a variety of weather conditions, all of which can play havoc with road and travel links for both your guests and suppliers.
4. Despite having tons of fabric and many layers, it can still be cold wearing a wedding dress all day! Think about adding a jacket, stole or cape to your outfit and make sure your bridesmaids stay warm by providing tights and wraps for theirs too.

SPRING

Pros

1. Spring’s natural beauty can be so romantic, with trees full of blossom, soft floral and pastel colours everywhere and the fresh bursts of nature’s greenery that are in abundance at this time of year.
2. With Christmas behind us and the summer holidays still a little way off, spring is a safer time for a wedding in terms of ‘yes’ replies, meaning you can send your invites out a little later if you need to.
3. Your choice of bridal gown is less restricted in spring, allowing you to wear sleeves without overheating or choose a sleeveless dress and not be too chilly.
4. Lighting is everything in photography, especially on one of the biggest days of your life! In spring, there is usually more cloud coverage which is ideal for flawless photos.

Cons

1. Unfortunately spring weather can often be unpredictable, so while you may have been dreaming of a sunlit, blossom-filled wedding day, the reality may turn out to be rain-soaked or even snow-covered.
2.  Spring is normally the time of year when pollen levels and therefore allergies are at their peak, and even though you may not suffer, your bridal party, guests and even your bridegroom may not be so lucky. Watering eyes and running noses are definitely not a good look for photos.
3. They don’t call it wedding season for nothing, and having a wedding in spring is incredibly popular. Vendors and suppliers often up their prices accordingly to account for demand, and some may already be booked for the date you have in mind.
4.  If you have your heart set on an outdoor wedding bathed in warm sunlight, then waiting an extra couple of months would be your best option if you really don’t want to compromise and hold your nuptials indoors.

SUMMER

Pros

1. Catering and menus for summer weddings can be lots of fun, with loads of different options utilising local cheeses, ripe produce and fresh meat and fish.
2.  In summer months, daylight can last as late as 9pm, allowing for more flexibility in your ceremony scheduling to avoid the hottest parts of the day and still get great photos.
3. Summertime also brings longer, warmer evenings, meaning the party can carry on for longer. Think fires and candles under the stars in the evening, with soft twinkling lights for an added romantic glow.
4. Flowers are everywhere in summer, with a flower for every colour scheme that will be in perfect bloom at this time of year. Your bouquet, arrangements and centrepieces will be as perfect as you’ve been dreaming they’ll be.

Cons

1. Summer weather means high temperatures (if we’re lucky!) which can wreak havoc with you and your bridesmaids’ hair and make-up, not to mention making it uncomfortable for your guests.
2. The summer months are normally when families have booked to go on holiday, so think about who you’d like to be part of your big day and make sure you send out your save-the-dates early.
3. Top vendors and suppliers are often booked up for months beforehand, so if you’re planning a summer wedding, make sure you have enough lead time or consider a longer engagement to plan the wedding of your dreams.
4. Strong summer sunshine means harsh lighting for your photos, and not all photos can be corrected, so think about where and when you pose for photos during the day.

AUTUMN

Pros

1. Even though leaves may be falling from the trees and temperatures are a little cooler, you can still have endless options planning a late September wedding, whether you prefer an indoor or outdoor ceremony.
2. Autumn weather is slightly more dependable than spring, and there’s still a fair amount of daylight left in the evenings, allowing you to plan a later ceremony and reception if you wish.
3. Deep, dark colour schemes are perfect for this time of year; complementing the natural décor of your venue with rich bronze, orange, deep purples, reds and greens will create a stunning look for your wedding.
4.  Incorporating the nature around you into your wedding scheme can be a great way to reduce costs and boost the budget of your wedding, and autumn is the perfect time to do it.
   

Cons

1. You may find you get fewer ‘yes’ replies with an autumn wedding, especially if your guests would be travelling from further afield, having used up their holiday entitlement during the summer and saving the rest
   for Christmas and New Year.
2. As the weather changes, skin starts drying out and losing its summer
   glow, causing flakes, spots and dry patches -  not a good look for the photographs!
3. With the summer holidays over, school starting again and Christmas looming, autumn can be a difficult time for many people financially, meaning that your guests may not be able to afford to attend your wedding, especially if they have to splurge on travel and accommodation costs to be there.
4. Many autumn weddings take place indoors, especially in the UK where it can start getting chilly in September! Having an indoor wedding can sometimes place greater restrictions on your colour and décor ideas, so make sure you’re happy with any compromises you may have to make before you commit to booking.