Winter, Spring, Summer, or Autumn Wedding?
Getting a wedding date secured is the foremost and vital step in the wedding planning process. This date will govern all aspects of your wedding, ranging from the venue to the photographer, florist to wedding planner. It’s quite a daunting task!
Choosing a date that is perfect for you involves considering numerous factors like the season, special dates, the venue’s availability, or the availability of your near and dear ones. Remember, you will cherish this date for the rest of your life, so choose it wisely. Your wedding pictures, the only tangible memory of your special day, will be influenced by the date and the season. But fret not! Our photographers at Mango Studios have ample experience shooting weddings in all seasons and weather conditions, from winter wonderlands to summer pool parties.
Each season has its own merits and demerits. Depending on the season you choose, the theme, colors, and menu of your wedding day will have to be adjusted accordingly. We asked our photography team at the studio and compiled a list of all the advantages and disadvantages. We hope this information will help you make an informed decision and choose a wedding date that not only holds significance but also results in stunning wedding photos.
1.Summer (June-August)
Who doesn’t love summer? Long, sunny days, warm nights and spectacular weather are just a few of the summer’s pros. However, people tend to forget unbearable heat and higher vendor rates that tend to come along with it thanks to its popularity.
Pros:
- Long, sunny days: There are about 9 hours of sun on a summer day depending on where you live. It makes for great flexibility when it comes to planning your wedding day timeline. With more sunny hours, you can have your wedding portraits taken at any hour!
- Warm summer nights: With a summer wedding, you don’t have to worry about your guests getting cold in the night. The weather is comfortable enough to get the dancing to the whole new level and beat that 4 a.m. dancing record.
- Vacation season: Vacation season is in full swing, which means that even your Aunt Nanny who lives on the other side of the country will get to make it to your wedding.
- Variety of flowers: If you’ve been obsessing over that peony bridal bouquet on Pinterest, you’re lucky! Because in summer, pretty much any flower is in season.
Cons:
- Heat: There’s nothing worse than seeing a frustrated bride sweat through her makeup. Be aware of high temperatures and schedule your outdoor portraits and ceremony until late afternoon to save yourself and your guests from a summer heat.
- Higher rates: With so many weddings happening in summer, this season is on fire! Venues and vendors will have to put a cap on how many weddings they can take on and charge a higher rate. The law of supply and demand at work, ladies and gentlemen!
- Vacation season: Avid summer vacationers may have already made plans to travel abroad, so that Aunt Nancy I mentioned earlier might not be able to watch you walk down the aisle after all. Send Save-the-Dates early in order to avoid the attendance drop.
- Harsh summer light: Having plenty of sun during your portrait session is great, but not to the point where the light is too harsh. Be mindful of that and schedule your photo session late in the day. After all, you’ll remember the day by the photos, so make sure all conditions are good.
2. Autumn (September – November)
Autumn foliage is everyone’s favorite sight to see. It’s so breathtakingly beautiful during the autumn season that sometimes even surpass our love for summer weddings. However, the frequent rainfall and sudden temperature drops would set off second thoughts.
Pros:
- Mild temperatures: A charming, rustic outdoor wedding in the fall? Absolutely doable. With the heat dialing down, your outdoor wedding fantasies can come true as long as you plan your wedding before mid-October.
- Autumn foliage: The beauty of nature reaches its peak during the autumn season. Your wedding photos will be awe-inspiring, and people will talk about them for years to come.
- Cost-effective: The fall season is so picturesque that you can use the natural scenery as your wedding decor, saving you a lot of money. Incorporate a darker color scheme into your bouquet, and you’ll have an elegant wedding that may even come with discounts from vendors. Although autumn weddings are becoming more popular, you might still be able to find some great deals.
- Food choices: When it comes to harvesting, autumn offers a plethora of options. Use this to your advantage and create a wedding menu that features locally grown autumn produce. From savory root vegetables to juicy fruits, the options are endless!
Cons:
- Weather: The autumn weather can be unpredictable, so be sure to have some stylish umbrellas on hand for your wedding party and guests. With the rainy season approaching, prepare yourself mentally for some fall showers.
- Cooler temperatures: If you’re having an outdoor or barn wedding during the autumn season, make sure you invest in blankets and heaters. Cooler temperatures also mean scheduling your portraits earlier in the day to avoid cold feet during your bridal photography session.
- Financial considerations: After summer vacations and with the school tuition season approaching, some guests may be strapped for cash during the autumn season. While you shouldn’t base your wedding season on the gifts you’ll receive, be aware of this and adjust your expectations accordingly.
- Limited indoor locations: Autumn weddings are typically held indoors, and finding available venues during this season might be challenging. If you have your heart set on a specific indoor venue, be sure to book it far in advance.
3.Winter (December-March)
A magical snowfall can add an extra touch of beauty to your already perfect wedding day. Winter weddings have their benefits, but they also come with a few challenges that you should consider before making your final decision. Winter wedding can be a magical experience with the right preparation and planning. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons before making your decision and work with your wedding planner to create a memorable event.
Pros:
- Lower Rates: Winter is a slow season for the wedding industry in Toronto, so take advantage of it and benefit from lower rates for venues and vendor packages.
- Winter Fairytale: Snow can make for incredibly beautiful wedding photographs, and the whole scene is filled with wintertime magic that is priceless.
- Variety: With a wide range of venues and vendors available during the slow season, you can finally bring your entire Pinterest board to life without breaking the bank.
- Overcast: The winter sun is not as harsh, allowing you to schedule your wedding portraits at any time of the day without worrying about harsh light.
Cons:
- Weather Alerts: Snowstorms or icy rain can make transportation tricky for you and your guests. Check the weather forecast ahead of time and inform your guests of any road closures or transportation delays.
- Freezing Temperatures: While winter photo shoots can be stunning. However, it’s important to keep in mind that it’s difficult to endure below-zero temperatures for an extended period. This may result in shorter photo sessions and fewer pictures overall.
- Indoor Locations: Winter weather conditions can limit your outdoor location options, which may not have a lot of variety. Be creative but also keep in mind that you may have to spend more time indoors.
- Holiday Season: When deciding on a winter wedding date, remember that the holiday season can compete for your guests’ attention. Many guests may be traveling home, leaving you with fewer guests in attendance than expected.
4.Spring (April-May)
While allergy season and unpredictable weather swings might be serious drawbacks. Tt’s cherry blossoms and nature’s awakening that make me fall in love with Spring weddings over and over again.
Pros:
- Romantic atmosphere: Springtime’s cherry blossoms and vibrant blooms make for stunning backdrops that create a romantic atmosphere perfect for wedding photos.
- Better attendance: Unlike the holiday season, spring doesn’t have many major holidays or vacations. As a result, you can expect a high RSVP rate from your guests.
- Flexible wardrobe options: Spring allows you to wear any outfit you desire without the risk of overheating. Whether you want a ball gown or a two-piece dress, the weather is perfect for any attire.
- Ideal lighting conditions: Springtime showers and overcast skies provide excellent lighting conditions for flawless wedding photographs.
Cons:
- Unpredictable weather: Spring weather is always uncertain. A clear day may turn into a thunderstorm in an instant. Make sure to be prepared for any weather changes.
- Allergy season: While the blossoms are pretty, they can trigger allergies in some individuals. If you or your guests are susceptible to allergies, consider having antihistamines on hand.
- Rain showers: Springtime showers are common, and you must prepare for them by having umbrellas for your bridal party. While rain can make for beautiful wedding pictures, being prepared is crucial.
- Higher prices: Spring is the start of wedding season, and vendors may have already booked up their schedules. Therefore, prices may be higher, and you may need to plan accordingly to get the best deals.
Overall, Spring weddings offer a unique and enchanting experience that you won’t find in other seasons. However, it’s essential to consider both the pros and cons before making a final decision.
