June may be a wedding month, but it doesn’t have a monopoly on your big day. You can have your wedding any time of year. Summer is popular for many reasons, not least because the weather is more likely to cooperate. But, if you want to do something different, save money, and have a greater choice of vendors, consider the advantages of a winter wedding.
1. Saving Money.
This is the biggest advantage of scheduling a winter wedding for a bride on a budget. The peak wedding season is between late summer and early fall if you go off of the most popular days to get married. This varies a little from year to year but is generally true. Nearly three-quarters of all couples schedule their weddings between May and October.
This makes winter the off-season. As with any other industry, the off-season comes with lower prices. You can expect to get lower quotes from the reception site to the vendors you hire for food and decorations than during peak wedding season.
Lower demand equates to lower prices. For instance, a reception site has fewer bookings in the winter. They will reduce the cost of filling in the gaps and avoid losing on an open day. The same is true for food, floral arrangements, and even officiants. Spend less or get more for your money with a winter event.
2. Guest Availability.
Most people pack their summer schedules with events and trips. You can count on more RSVPs with a winter wedding simply because people are more likely to be available.
Another reason you can expect more respondents in winter is that you’ll be avoiding wedding burnout. Many of your guests attend multiple weddings in the summer. They may get tired of the expense and time commitment of so many events and simply turn down some of the invitations. This is less likely to happen in the off-season.
3. A Natural Backdrop.
A winter wedding is a great opportunity to do something different. Most brides have warm weather, blue skies, and abundant gardens. Of course, these are beautiful, but they all tend to blend together.
The winter months will set your event apart. Your guests will never forget the time they went to a wedding with snow on the ground and frosted windowpanes. For your photographs, your entrance to the wedding, and more, the winter backdrop gives you a unique natural setting.
Take pictures of snow-covered trees, or if you’re lucky, while the snow is actually falling. You can create a unique winter wonderland for your guests and create unique moments you can look back on and enjoy.
4. An Enhanced Honeymoon.
Leaving winter behind makes it more special if you plan to take a honeymoon right after the big day. Like most couples, you’re probably planning a warm location for your honeymoon: the Caribbean, Hawaii, or Mexico.
Jetting off to a southern location will feel extra special with a winter wedding. Other brides leave a swelteringly hot July or August wedding to go somewhere even hotter. You and your partner will enjoy the contrast when it’s time to jet off on your tropical holiday.
5. Less Competition.
Getting everything you want for a peak-season wedding can be challenging. You have to plan well in advance and be prepared to pay. The competition during this time of year is fierce, especially for venues. Some brides book their location for a perfect summer day years in advance.
The season is the biggest factor in choosing a venue. What may be out of reach for you in summer is probably easy to book in winter. You’ll have your pick of dates and locations, whether you have your heart set on one particular spot or just want to have more options.
6. Unique Dresses.
If you love fashion, you probably want a unique wedding dress. You want something special that doesn’t look like just another standard bridal gown. Choosing wedding dresses in winter provides you with a unique opportunity to play around and be different.
Colder temperatures let you play with sleeves, coats, shrugs, wraps, and faux furs. You can also have fun with accessories like gloves and muffs to keep your hands warm. Beautiful fabrics for wedding dresses are too heavy for summer events but perfect for winter: velvet, brocade, and mikado.
Off-Season Just May Be Your Time to Shine
Don’t overlook winter just because it’s cold or non-traditional. Winter is a great time to plan an event with more guests, for less money, and everything you dreamed of for your big day. Start planning now for a dreamy winter wedding.