The Pros and Cons of Each Wedding Season

As with all aspects of your event, the decisions that you make will have their benefits and consequences, and this notion is especially true when the timing of your vow exchange is concerned. You may have your heart set on having your celebration during a certain month, but it’s important to do your research on what problems you may encounter before you sign that contract.

We’ve gathered a list of the main pros and cons of each season as it relates to your wedding to help you make this pertinent choice!

Spring

Pros:

-   The natural beauty. It’s a time of rebirth, and Mother Nature does not take that lightly. Think of the abundance of bright blooms and lush verdure – all highly photographable with the soft lighting of spring!

-   Timing will be ideal. There aren’t many major holidays and people are less likely to be taking any kind of vacation during the spring, other than parents taking children on trips during their spring break. Hopefully, this will ensure maximum attendance from your invited guests.

Cons:

-   It’s peak wedding season. Because the timing and weather come together quite nicely, spring is often thought of as “wedding season.” This means that prices will be higher and vendors will be more difficult to book.

-   Allergies are in full swing. If you manage to avoid the April showers, you could still be caught up in the midst of annoying allergies. Stuffy noses and lots of sneezes don’t make for the best wedding atmosphere. 

Summer 

Pros:

-   Extended celebrations. Those long summer nights make for great party-til-dawn receptions, as the sun sets much later and the climate stays mostly mild in the evening. You have the option of a much-longer wedding.

-   Arguably the most motif options. This season is typically the most friendly toward every kind of concept you can think of – minus a snowy wedding, of course. Everything from rustic chic to garden party to ballroom glamour to tropical fun is up for grabs.

Cons:

-   Hard to beat the heat. In most places, the scorching summer sun could pose a major problem for any outdoor element of your big day. In some places, this can limit you to an entirely indoor celebration – you’d better hope the air conditioning doesn’t stop working!

-   Lighting won’t be ideal. The harsh light in the summer is the opposite of the picture-perfect lighting of a cloudier day. This could negatively alter the outcome of your professional photos. 

Fall

Pros:

-   The most reliable, mild weather. Autumn is known for having generally more consistent weather – perhaps the least amount of surprise twists and turns. Far more often than not, you’ll get exactly the kind of day you’re envisioning.

-   Minimal décor required. The changing leaves, rich colors, and organic splendor of this season can make up about half of your planned adornments – especially for a bohemian or rustic-chic soirée. 

Cons:

-   Finances could be tough. This is notably the time of year when budgets are a little tighter. In the aftermath of summer vacations and in anticipation for the holidays, both couple and guests alike may find this a hard time to shell out extra money.

-   Popular time for a rustic-chic theme. One of the most popular concepts for a fall wedding is rustic, which means many barns and lodges will have been booked up long in advance. Additionally, you may feel that your motif has been overdone by the time November rolls around.

Winter

Pros:

-   More bang for your buck. Winter signifies a major lull in weddings, so oftentimes, you can get discounts on bigger vendors and venues that would typically cost far more.

-   There’s such a sense of romance. Tying the knot around the holidays – or even in January or February when it’s still crisp and cold – can be so lovely and warm. What better feeling to have whilst celebrating your commitment to one another?

Cons:

-   Attendance might dwindle. If you’re hosting December nuptials, you could be interfering with the plans of your friends and family, whether it’s finishing a school semester, big work projects, or holiday travel plans.

-   The most-limiting time of the year. You will find that a winter wedding doesn’t allow for much flexibility. Due to the cold, you’ll likely have to be indoors, which can limit your concept options drastically. Additionally, due to the holidays, the beginning of a new semester, and Valentine’s Day, your available dates are also quite limited.

See six of our favorite trends from spring ceremonies, discover seven reasons to consider a winter wedding, and find out what you should do after the "I dos."

Opening photo by Lauren Brown Photography