Girl for all Seasons

Perhaps the biggest decision you’ll make in regards to your wedding – besides the engagement itself, of course – is your venue. By locking down a location, you’re also making a final selection on your date, and therefore, your wedding season, which is a huge step toward hosting your nuptials.

As with all aspects of your event, the decisions that you make will have their benefits and consequences, and this notion is particularly the case 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.

Choosing the perfect season for your wedding reminds us of the scene in Grease 2 (if you have not seen it, we suggest that you do!), ‘A Girl for All Seasons.’ For the talent show, the Pink Ladies dress for each season in a sort of calendar girls walk the runway skit. With that in mind, 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 appropriate 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 greens – 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 vacation during the spring, other than parents taking children on trips during their spring break.
Hopefully, this will ensure maximum attendance from your 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.
• The most theme 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
glamor to tropical fun is up for grabs.
CONS:
• Difficult 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!
• 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 photos.

Fall PROS:
• The most reliable, mild weather. Fall is known for generally having more consistent weather – perhaps the least amount of surprise twists and turns. Far often, 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 decorations — especially for a bohemian or rustic-chic celebration.
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 anticipation for the holidays, both couple and guests alike may find this a hard time to shell out extra money.
• A 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 theme has been overdone by the time November rolls around.

Winter PROS:
• More bang for your buck. Winter signifies a major lull in weddings, so often you can get discounts on bigger venues and other professionals 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 while 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.