What time of year to set the wedding date can be a difficult decision to make. A spring wedding has its charm, but so does a winter wonderland setting. Every season has its specific advantages and disadvantages.
Planning A Spring or Summer Wedding
It is no surprise that most couples opt for a spring or summer wedding. The weather is warm and the flowers are in bloom. This is the perfect time for planning an outdoor wedding in a park or lawn. Spring and summer is also a time when many people are free from work or school obligations, or able to schedule vacation time. The nice weather also makes the spring and summer months a good choice for honeymoon travel.
One disadvantage of a spring or summer wedding is that this is the busiest time of year for caterers, photographers and others involved in wedding planning. Spring is a busy month for most people, especially those with school-aged children. When planning a spring wedding, it is a good idea to pick a date that doesn't conflict with final exam time or graduation ceremonies. By the end of May, most school sessions will be over, and it will be easier for people with children to travel.
Scheduling A Fall or Winter Wedding
Fall can also be a pretty time for a wedding. Colorful fall foliage can make a glourious background for an outdoor wedding. Or, for the snow-loving couple, an indoor winter wedding set in a ski lodge or hall can be a spectacular event. A lodge or hall decorated with a winter theme can also promote a feeling of holiday cheer.
The biggest problem facing a winter wedding is the weather. If a couple lives in a snowy climate, air flights and highway traffic may be affected, making it difficult for many guests to travel. When planning a winter wedding, it is best to avoid setting the date too close to the Christmas holidays, as many guests have other obligations at that time and may not be able to attend.
Most Popular Months for Weddings
June and July are the most popular months for weddings, with December and November being the least popular. In the United States, according to 2007 statistics, there were 238,000 June weddings and 148,000 November weddings.
Below is a list of the top ten months for marriages in the United States in the order of their popularity:
- June
- July
- September
- August
- May
- October
- April
- March
- December
- November
Source: National Center for Health Statistics
A beautiful wedding can be planned in any season. A wedding tailored to the personalities and tastes of the prospective bride and groom can be a big success, whatever month is chosen.
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