Eek, you’re engaged—congrats! But now everyone is asking when the big day is, which may also leave you wondering. If you’re asking yourself, “What is the best season to get married?” don’t worry. Our guide will help you determine the best time to get married.
Are you asking, “What is the best season to get married?”
We all have a favorite season. Maybe you recall lazy days lounging on the beach or crave the hayrides and pumpkin-flavored everything that fall brings. No matter what you consider ideal, many couples wish to wed during their preferred time of year. Beyond the temperature, several other factors come into play when deciding which season to get married in.
Determining What Season to Get Married In
Should you get married in the summer?
The months of June, July, and August are perfect if your idea of a great day is lingering outside until the last glimpse of daylight. If you love the water and don’t mind the heat, getting married outdoors is also an option.
Best US Locations for Summer Weddings
Indoor summer weddings can happen just about anywhere. However, if you have your heart set on the outdoors, head north. Get married on a windjammer in Maine, or elope beside a waterfall in Oregon to beat the heat.
Best Locations for Summer Destination Weddings
Northern European countries, such as Scotland and Ireland, are gorgeous—and not too hot—during the summer months. If you crave summer weather in the Northern Hemisphere’s colder months, head to countries like South Africa, Australia, or the islands of the Caribbean to experience the warmth you adore.
What to Wear for a Summer Wedding
Brides, summer is the perfect time to opt for strapless or sleeveless dresses to show off your shoulders. Knee and tea-length dresses are also appropriate for more casual events. Grooms, opt for lighter fabrics like suiting or seersucker if the occasion calls for it.
Foods That Are in Season in Summer
Veggie lovers, unite! If you adore fresh produce—or have a long list of vegetarian or vegan attendees—summer is ideal. Farm-to-table is easiest and at its peak during the summer months.
Summer Color Palettes
Any color palette is an option, as pastels, neutrals, and jewel tones all look lovely for a summer wedding. Pink is also a popular summer hue.
Pros to Having a Summer Wedding
June used to be the most popular wedding month, and it’s no wonder! Summer brides have lovely weather at their fingertips. Plus, guests are more likely to get off from work as they plan vacations around your wedding day. Another bonus is that a plethora of summer flowers are in season, making your floral decor a bit less expensive.
Cons of a Summer Wedding
Summer is one of the most popular seasons for getting married, so be sure to book your choice of vendors early. Of course, the heat is stifling in some areas of the US, which can make outdoor weddings particularly challenging.
What is the most popular season to get married? Summer definitely ranks high on the list.
Should you get married in the fall?
There’s something special about getting married when the leaves change color and the air turns crisp. If you adore the scents and flavors of fall, autumn may be the perfect time to say I do.
Best US Locations for Fall Weddings
Autumn weddings have steadily been gaining popularity over the past decade. Why? It’s primarily due to the changing leaves, which can create a stunning backdrop for a mountainside wedding. States that are not too far north or south, such as Virginia, Colorado, and New York, are ideal. Before heading out, check a fall foliage map for your area if colorful leaves are a priority.
Best Locations for Fall Destination Weddings
If you don’t live in an area with changing foliage, head where the leaves are at their peak. Locations like Germany, Peru, and England offer perfect weather and scenery, making them ideal autumn destination weddings.
What to Wear for a Fall Wedding
Outdoor weddings are still in full swing during autumn. However, brides should cover up a bit in case the temperature drops. Full-length sleeves, blanket scarves, and fuzzy wraps all add dimension to a wedding gown. Grooms can wear tweeds and heavier, textured fabrics. You can even add a bit of fall plaid to your look with a bow tie or pocket square.
Foods That Are in Season in Autumn
Showcase the season by asking your caterer to include locally grown produce in your menu, such as apples, pumpkins, and squashes. If you like carrot cake, consider another savory option, such as pumpkin cake or sweet potato pie.
Fall Color Palettes
Tones of monochromatic brown look lovely for an autumn wedding. However, rust, gold, and deep orange are stunning fall color schemes.
Pros to Having a Fall Wedding
Many flowers are still in bloom, such as sunflowers, roses, and mums. Outdoor autumn weddings also have the advantage of more bearable temperatures than the heat of the summer.
Cons of Having a Fall Wedding
Reach out to your wedding professionals as soon as possible, especially during peak foliage seasons. It’s also a hectic season, marked by holidays and the start of the new school year. Therefore, some guests may have to bow out due to time constraints.
How to pick a season to get married? Consider fall for cooler temperatures and warm colorways.
Should you get married in the winter?
When you and your partner get excited about cold weather and seeing the first snowflake, winter may be for you. Snow and wintry weather can also make for a beautiful backdrop. Plus, a winter bouquet can be the capstone of your look.
Best US Locations for Winter Weddings
First, you and your partner need to decide whether you want a cold or warm weather wedding. Places like Florida and Southern California are ideal temperate climates. However, if you want to embrace winter in all of its snowy glory, head to places such as New England, Utah, and Michigan.
Best Locations for Winter Destination Weddings
Fly to Mexico, the Maldives, or Dubai to escape the chill. For couples who crave snow, the Alps and Canada are perfect to guarantee snow-filled photographs. Also, while the Northern Hemisphere has summer, escape to places like New Zealand and Argentina to get your winter fix.
What to Wear for a Winter Wedding
Bundle up, but don’t overdo it if you’re having an indoor wedding. Brides often wear tartan plaid wraps, longer sleeves, or fur stoles (faux or vintage, please). Grooms can also layer up with heavier fabrics, statement vests, and wool scarves.
Foods That Are in Season in Winter
Although fresh produce is a bit scarcer in winter, you have another colorful option: citrus fruits. Pairing a lemon-flavored cake with an orange twist in your signature cocktail is a refreshing combination. Also, consider starting with comfort foods, such as soup, before moving on to heartier meals.
Winter Color Palettes
Love a monochromatic palette? Take advantage of a classic color scheme of white, gray, and black. However, jewel tones and metallics also look striking in winter.
Pros to Having a Winter Wedding
Winter is the least popular season in most regions, as the weather can be unpredictable. Therefore, many vendors offer discounts for weddings in January and February. Another perk is that most people expect to travel around the holidays. Thus, guests may be more flexible with time off if you choose to have a wedding at Christmas or New Year’s.
Cons of Having a Winter Wedding
December—the most popular month for winter weddings—is busy for everyone. Holiday weddings are gorgeous, but travel tends to surge around Christmas. If you adore winter, it may be best to wait until after the holidays. Additionally, flower prices tend to increase slightly because most blooms must be shipped from more temperate climates.
What is the best season to get married? Try winter for a unique twist on your big day.
Should you get married in the spring?
Springtime is such a refreshing time of year as the landscape comes to life. Flowers are abundant, the weather starts to warm, and everyone is ready to get out and about.
Best US Locations for Spring Weddings
Northern states can still experience frigid temperatures and snow. Therefore, stay mid-range for more temperate, yet still springlike, weather. Spring is also the perfect time to head to a botanical garden or arboretum for your nuptials. However, always have a backup plan for an outdoor wedding in case of unexpected rain.
Best Locations for Spring Destination Weddings
As long as you don’t head there during spring break, the Caribbean islands and Mexico are gorgeous. Tulips are in bloom in the Netherlands, so heading to Europe is also a stunning option.
What to Wear for a Spring Wedding
Gowns in pastel tones of blush, light blue, and pink are the perfect complement to a spring wedding. Short sleeves and lace overlays can help keep brides warm for outdoor weddings. Grooms can seize the opportunity to lighten things up a bit—both in color and fabric choice. Plus, springtime is perfect for adding a bit of color with men’s accessories, such as ties and pocket squares.
Foods That Are in Season in Spring
Spring is when farmers’ markets showcase their produce. Therefore, take full advantage of this in the later weeks of the season. Asparagus, beets, and radishes are fabulous additions to salads and side dishes.
Spring Color Palettes
When it comes to spring, pastels are always en vogue, but don’t discount other color schemes. Muted monochromatic tones, such as cream, sage, and tan, add minimalistic flair. However, the whole rainbow of colors is available, which looks stunning when combined for a spring event.
Pros to Having a Spring Wedding
Spring represents all things fresh and new, and it’s the perfect time to begin your new life together. After a frigid winter, guests will be eager to get outside once the warmer weather arrives. Venues and vendors aren’t booked up quite as much in the early spring. Also, take advantage of the fact that local flower farms start selling their blooms during spring.
Cons to Having a Spring Wedding
If you have your heart set on an outdoor wedding, you will need to come up with a rain plan. Additionally, travel costs to specific destinations tend to surge during spring break. However, school breaks can be advantageous as they allow some guests more freedom to take time off.
How to pick a date to get married? Consider a lovely, springtime event!
Have you decided what season to get married in?
So, whether you adore spring or crave the crispness of winter, there are benefits to each season. You can’t go wrong with any season as long as you carefully plan your big day. Armed with a bit of knowledge, you and your significant other can select the season that’s perfect for you.
Save our tips on deciding your wedding season!
Still wondering how to pick a wedding season? Save our tips so you can come back to them later. Happy planning!
