Need to Reschedule Your Wedding? Why Fall and Winter are Perfect Seasons for Weddings
COVID-19 has thrown a wrench into many people’s wedding plans, prompting couples to delay the big day until it’s safe for family and friends to gather. In 2020, the typically busy spring and summer months were low on nuptials as hopeful individuals adjusted their expectations and rescheduled their ceremonies for later in the year.
Though it can be heartbreaking to miss your dream wedding date, there are benefits to fall and winter weddings. In fact, planning a ceremony for the year’s end can be less stressful and offer unique opportunities that make wonderful memories for all in attendance. If you’ve had to delay your wedding, here are a few reasons you should consider a fall or winter date.
You Can Get Beautiful Wedding Photos
Spring flowers and summer beaches may offer beautiful backdrops for photos, but autumn and winter have their own brand of wonder. When you plan your wedding for the end of the year, you can count on one-of-a-kind photographs you’ll be proud to show on your mantle.
For example, fall weddings mean gorgeous foliage, which you can work into the shoot. Imagine the beautiful spread of color framing you and your spouse as you immortalize your special day; the brilliant reds, oranges, and yellows will be as vibrant as any spring flower.
Similarly, winter weddings offer the chance to capture the magic of snowfall. Your photos will be filled with a winter wonderland of sparkling snowflakes and crisp blue skies.
You Don’t Have To Deal With the Heat
One of the most obvious benefits of choosing an autumn or winter wedding is the temperature. While spring and summer are fun in theory, a scorching day can lead to a mess. If you want to wear a large, layered gown, you’ll have to deal with sweating and fatigue, which can ruin the day’s charm. There’s also the issue of makeup and hair; sweat can threaten a perfectly made-up face and turn hair greasy. If you’re outdoors, you also have to worry about sunburns and, depending on where you’re getting married, even heatstroke.
On the other hand, end-of-year weddings guarantee that no one is going to faint from the heat. You’ll most likely be inside, which means the temperature will be perfect the whole day through. You can choose as heavy or as light of a dress as you want without worrying about being uncomfortable.
You Can Have a Black Tie Formal Wedding
If you’ve always dreamed of a formal wedding, then fall or winter is the ideal time to schedule it. Tuxedos and evening gowns are much more comfortable to wear in the cooler months, which means guests may be more willing to attend.
You can also create a more formal atmosphere by choosing a stunning venue filled with glitz and glamor. A winter’s evening filled with chandeliers and sequined gowns is a recipe for a magical night.
You Can Have a Winter or Fall Theme
Certain color palettes only work during the autumn or winter months: berry hues, evergreen shades, and chocolate tones, to name a few. If you’re a fan of darker colors, a spring or summer ceremony just won’t do.
There’s also the opportunity to incorporate the season into your wedding with winter- or fall-inspired floral arrangements or table settings. For example, couples who adore December can arrange for a winter wonderland theme that uses snowy and icy aesthetics.
You can also base your décor on your favorite holiday. Fans of Halloween can transform their reception into a witchy soiree or a gothic shindig. Couples who love Christmas can take advantage of the holiday décor by incorporating it into their own festivities. Whatever you choose as your theme, it’s sure to set you apart from the pastels and wildflowers that accompany summer and spring nuptials.
You Don’t Have To Plan Around Other Events
Spring and summer are typically filled with weddings, which means you need to fit yours in between or risk a scheduling conflict with family and friends. There’s also the issue of vacation, which not only presents scheduling issues but may also create a financial strain. For example, if family is coming from out of town or you have a destination wedding, attendees may not be able to afford to travel twice within a few months.
People are much less likely to have conflicting trips during the fall, making it the perfect time to schedule a wedding. If you prefer a winter wedding, you can aim for January or February when the holiday traveling is over. On the other hand, if you don’t mind having an anniversary close to Christmas, you can have the ceremony in December when family members are already gathering to celebrate.
You Can Save Some Money
Wedding planners agree that having a wedding in the fall or winter is a great way to save money. Since it’s considered the “off-season” for wedding venues and vendors, you can get better deals. You may even get better service since your ceremony won’t be one of many; planners and venue staff can give your ceremony more attention since they don’t have a full schedule.
Additionally, with the money you’re saving on the venue and catering, you may be able to get options you otherwise couldn’t afford. You may also have some extra cash to put toward decorations, favors, and your honeymoon.
Finally, travel and hotels are more affordable during fall and winter. If you plan on a destination wedding or expect loved ones to travel, you can help your guests save money by scheduling your nuptials for October or January.
You Don’t Have To Deal With as Much Stress
With less financial strain and fewer travel plans to accommodate, you can plan your wedding with minimal stress. This allows you to actually enjoy the planning process and make choices you’re happy with.
Guests may also have less stress as well, which means more fun at the reception. This is a time of celebration, and you should be able to relax and savor the moment. When you choose a winter or fall wedding, you have a better chance of doing so.
You Can Serve Your Favorite Holiday Foods
Finally, an autumn or winter wedding is the perfect excuse to indulge in some delicious holiday dishes. For example, if you love pumpkin spice cake, October may be the ideal month to get hitched, as your wedding cake will be on-theme. If you’re a peppermint fan, you may prefer a December wedding.
Additionally, you can choose richer, more decadent foods for autumn and winter. During the spring and summer, the heat may make heavy food uncomfortable, leading to guests’ poor time. When it’s colder, however, rich foods can be comforting and cozy.
If you’ve had to reschedule your wedding for a fall or winter date due to COVID-19, know that there are many beautiful venues available. In fact, Ellicott Development has many locations perfect for getting married, including hotels. To find out more, visit our hotels page.
