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Every summer and fall, wedding bells are ringing, love is in the air, and everyone’s mailbox is flooded with wedding invitations from friends and family. These seasons are prime time for couples to get married, and you may also be thinking about getting hitched during this time too.
The problem that many couples run into when getting married around the summer and fall months is competing with a lot of other couples for the best dates, venues, caterers, photographers, and more. This type of competition can lead to a great deal of frustration, and no one should be stressed out when planning their big day.
While it may not be your favored option, any time between November and April is a great time to say “I do.” We’ve helped numerous couples plan their big day and have seen the benefits of them opting for a wedding during a different time of year.
Here are a few reasons why an off-season wedding might be the better option for you:
Less Competition
A lot of couples have at least a few vendors that they follow on Instagram, love their work, and have their sights set on them for their big day. Unfortunately, if you’re planning your celebration during prime wedding season, it can be a huge disappointment to find that your dream vendors are booked solid.
Having a wedding during the off-season months helps to avoid this obstacle. Since fewer couples get married in the winter, you’ll have a higher chance of securing the services you want from the vendors you’re dreaming of booking.
Better Rates
During the off-season months, you have the opportunity to get cheaper rates. Many venues offer discounted prices during the winter months, which could help you snag your dream location at a fraction of the cost. Other vendors may also be able to offer your more competitive rates because their schedules are more flexible and open than during the summer and fall months.
You can also get better honeymoon rates! Depending on your destination, you may be traveling to a city during its tourist off-season, meaning airplane tickets, hotels, and more will be discounted. Plus winter in Chicago = summer in the southern hemisphere. Get the best of both worlds by planning a winter wonderland wedding and then jet setting to a warm destination south of the equator for your honeymoon.
Less Guest Conflict
From vacations to family reunions to attending other weddings, your guests likely have a packed schedule for the summer. Because of this, you may run into a larger number of guests not being able to attend your nuptials due to scheduling conflicts.
Hosting your wedding during the off-season increases your chances of having more guests RSVP “Yes” to your invitations. But just like with a summer or fall wedding, take a peek at your calendar before choosing a wedding date to ensure you don’t clash with any major holidays, family birthdays or celebrations, vacations, etc.
Winter Wedding Ideas
Winter weddings indeed mean colder weather, but there are also endless unique themes and ideas to create a truly special and personalized day. Plus, how adorable are newlywed photos in the snow?
If you’re a lover of cold weather, consider an outdoor ceremony with fresh snowfall, followed by a candlelight reception with guests content sipping mulled wine and enjoying seasonal eats. Just make sure to give guests a heads-up about your outdoor ceremony so they know to dress warmly! Provide guests with fuzzy blankets and light up the fireplace or fire pit at your venue for a warm and cozy reception.
If you’re planning to take photos around the city, you’ll also face less competition at popular wedding photo spots like the Wrigley Building or the Art Institute Gardens. If your wedding party will be tagging along for photos, provide them with personalized scarves or gloves so that they stay warm and have a thank-you gift to take home with them.
An off-season wedding doesn’t equal a cold day with no attendees. Getting married during this time will help you avoid a stressful planning experience and enjoy a successful wedding you can remember for years to come.
If you’re considering a winter wedding, contact us today to chat through your options and see if it’s the right fit for you!
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