August Weddings: Happening Or Not?

August is a popular month for weddings, with 17% of all UK weddings taking place then. However, the ongoing coronavirus pandemic has thrown many weddings into doubt. Some couples have been forced to postpone or cancel their weddings, while others have had to drastically reduce the number of guests. In the UK, weddings with up to 30 people were able to go ahead from May 17, 2021, and from June 21, 2021, the number of attendees was determined by how many people the venue could safely accommodate with social distancing measures in place. The Omicron variant has also caused concern for weddings, with some couples requiring guests to be vaccinated or show a negative COVID test.

August wedding colours and themes

August is a versatile month for weddings, with a wide range of colour options to choose from. Whether you're looking for seasonal shades or neutral hues, you can find a colour scheme that suits your wedding vision. Here are some inspiring colour combinations and themes for an August wedding:

• Yellow, Tangerine and Grey: This combination captures the essence of summer with its sun-kissed yellow and vibrant tangerine hues, while grey adds a timeless and elegant touch. It's a unique blend that naturally complements each other, creating a light and airy atmosphere.
• Sage Green and Taupe: Sage green is a muted and earthy shade of green, offering a sophisticated and intriguing colour choice. Taupe, a soft brown, pairs beautifully with sage green, creating a natural and organic theme. This colour palette is perfect for a rustic or outdoor wedding.
• Yellow and Dusty Blue: Yellow is a quintessential summer colour, and when paired with dusty blue, it creates a charming and inviting atmosphere. This combination is ideal for a garden party-themed wedding, with bright flowers, vines and daisies as decorations.
• Light Blue and White: This colour combination exudes youthfulness and sweetness, making it perfect for an August wedding. It evokes a crisp and pure feeling, reminiscent of a cloudless summer sky or a seaside escape.
• Lavender and Green: Lavender is a refreshing and feminine shade, while green adds a touch of elegance and romance. This colour palette is ideal for an elegant and fancy wedding, either indoor or outdoor. From bridesmaid dresses to invitations, this combination will create a memorable and charming ambiance.
• Dusty Blue and Peach: This colour combination is perfect for an outdoor August wedding. The dusty blue adds a touch of drama and contrast to the soft and breezy peach hue. It captures the transition from summer to autumn, creating a unique and captivating aesthetic.
• Hot Pink and Khaki: For a fun and colourful summer wedding, hot pink and khaki are an unexpected but delightful combination. The vibrant pink adds a playful touch, while khaki provides a subtle earthy tone, resulting in a unique and memorable wedding palette.
• Purple, Blue and Black: This moody and sophisticated trio creates a classy and mature atmosphere. From lavender to dark blue, this colour scheme offers versatility and unexpected edges. Whether through drapes, flowers, or table settings, this combination will make a stylish statement.
• Shades of Brown: Brown continues to be a popular choice, regardless of the season. Its earthy and natural tones provide a soothing and aesthetic appeal. For an August wedding, consider pairing brown with champagne, rich ivory, orange or icy blue. This colour palette is perfect for a rustic or winery wedding theme.
• Teal: Teal is a stunning choice for a unique and eye-catching wedding. From bridesmaid dresses to decorations and cakes, this cool-toned palette makes a statement. It is a versatile colour that can be paired with orange or blue for a vibrant contrast or used as a standalone shade for a more subdued approach.

August wedding insurance

August is a popular month for weddings, marking the end of summer and the beginning of harvest in many cultures. It's also the middle of storm season in many regions, so it's important to keep an eye on the weather forecast.

With so many variables at play, August weddings can be unpredictable. Wedding insurance can help you prepare for the unexpected and protect your investment. Here are some things to consider when thinking about August wedding insurance:

Types of Wedding Insurance

Wedding insurance typically offers two main types of coverage: liability insurance and cancellation/postponement insurance. You can usually purchase these separately or together.

• Liability insurance covers injuries or property damage during the event. It often includes host liquor liability insurance, which is important if you plan to serve alcohol. Liability limits typically range from $500,000 to $5 million, and policies can start as low as $75.
• Cancellation/postponement insurance reimburses you if you have to cancel or postpone your wedding due to unforeseen circumstances, such as extreme weather, illness, or vendor issues. This coverage can also include additional expenses, such as non-refundable deposits, lost or damaged gifts, special attire, and photography/videography. Cancellation insurance policies usually start at around $130.

When to Buy Wedding Insurance

It's recommended to purchase wedding insurance as early as possible, especially if you want coverage for extreme weather. You typically need to buy cancellation insurance at least 15 days before the wedding to be covered for severe weather. Liability coverage can often be purchased up to the day before the event.

What Wedding Insurance Doesn't Cover

It's important to note that wedding insurance usually doesn't cover changes of heart, rainy days (instead of extreme weather), theft or loss of engagement rings, or cancellation/postponement due to COVID-19. Be sure to read the terms and conditions carefully to understand the exclusions and limitations of your policy.

Cost of Wedding Insurance

The cost of wedding insurance can vary depending on the coverage limits, options chosen, and the number of guests. Liability coverage can range from $75 to $235, while cancellation policies can start as low as $100 and go over $1,000. You can often save money by purchasing both liability and cancellation coverage together.

Choosing the Right Policy

When choosing a wedding insurance policy, consider the following:

• Review your existing homeowners or renters insurance policies to see if you already have some coverage.
• Check the deductibles to ensure they are lower than your deposits.
• Choose coverage limits that match your wedding budget, including the honeymoon, for cancellation coverage.
• Read the terms and conditions carefully, paying close attention to the exclusions and limitations.
• Verify the refund policy, as some wedding insurance policies are non-refundable.

August wedding costs

August is a popular month for weddings, marking the end of summer and the beginning of a new season. It's also a busy time of year, with many people returning to work and school, so it's important to plan ahead and book venues and vendors in advance.

The cost of an August wedding will depend on several factors, including the location, the number of guests, and the type of venue and catering.

Location

The cost of a wedding varies significantly depending on the location. In the US, the average cost of a wedding in 2020 was $20,300, but this can range from $12,217 in Arkansas to $30,489 in Massachusetts.

Number of Guests

The number of guests is a major factor in determining the cost of a wedding. In 2023, the average guest count was 115, and the cost per guest was $304. So, for example, a 100-person wedding would cost around $30,400, while a 200-person wedding would cost around $60,800.

Venue and Catering

The reception venue is typically one of the most expensive parts of a wedding. The cost of renting a venue can range from thousands to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the location and size. Catering is another significant expense, with an average cost of $4,075 for 66 guests in 2020. This works out to $62 per plate.

Other Costs

Other costs to consider for an August wedding include:

• Engagement ring: $5,204 on average
• Band or DJ: $2,000 to $7,000
• Photographer and videographer: $3,000 to $6,000 each
• Florist and decor: $1,764 on average
• Wedding cake: $441 on average
• Invitations: $7.88 per guest on average
• Transportation: $706 on average

August wedding weather

August is the most popular month for weddings, with over 20,000 weddings taking place in the UK in 2023, accounting for just over 15% of the year's weddings.

August is known for its sunny temperatures, making it perfect for a sunny outdoor wedding. However, it is also one of the wettest summer months, with over 3mm of rain on average.

August is a busy month for more than just weddings. It is home to a number of observances, religious holidays, and celebrations, including the Islamic New Year and the Hindu festival of Krishna Janmashtami.

August is also the middle of the storm season in many regions. It is the third month of hurricane season for places in the Atlantic and Eastern Pacific, and a peak month for wildfires along the US West Coast.

If you're planning an August wedding, it's a good idea to stay locked in to your local weather forecast and be prepared for any possible weather changes.

Pros of an August Wedding:

• August is the only month of the year that is fully covered by national school holidays, making it the most family-friendly month to get married.
• August has gorgeous sunny temperatures, making it perfect for a sunny outdoor wedding.
• August is a great month to get married if you're planning a UK mini-moon as the warm weather offers plenty of options.
• August is a busy month, so there are lots of deals and options for venues and suppliers.

Cons of an August Wedding:

• August is the most expensive month to get married, with a Saturday in August being the priciest wedding date.
• August is a popular time for holidays, so some guests may be unavailable.
• The weather can be unpredictable, with the possibility of rain or even storms.

Tips for an August Wedding:

• Be mindful of the possibility of evacuations due to wildfires or hurricanes and keep your guests informed of any weather changes.
• Take advantage of the summer harvest and incorporate seasonal flowers and foods into your wedding menu and decor.
• Provide parasols and personalised water bottles for guests if it's a hot day.
• Be prepared for busy schedules and book your vendors well in advance.
• Give your guests plenty of notice to save your wedding date, especially if they have children.
• Have a backup plan in case of bad weather.

So, if you're planning an August wedding, don't let the weather worries get you down! With a bit of preparation and flexibility, you can have a beautiful and memorable wedding day.

August wedding dates to avoid

August is a popular month for weddings, but there are some dates to avoid.

Holiday Weekends

Holiday weekends can be great for weddings, as they give you an extra day for festivities and recovery. However, travel and hotel costs may be higher, and your wedding may conflict with guests' plans. In the US, August is home to the following holidays:

• August 1: Lammas/Lughnasadh (Gaelic festival)
• August 2: British Columbia Day (Canadian holiday)
• August 9-10: Hijri New Year (Islamic holiday)
• August 18-19: Ashura (Islamic holiday)
• August 22: Raksha Bandhan (Hindu holiday), Obon (Buddhist festival)
• August 29-30: Krishna Janmashtami (Hindu celebration)

Religious and Cultural Holidays

It's important to be mindful of religious and cultural holidays when picking a wedding date. There may be restrictions at your house of worship, and you may want to avoid clashing with your guests' celebrations. In August, these include:

• August 9-10: Hijri New Year (Islamic holiday)
• August 18-19: Ashura (Islamic holiday)
• August 22: Raksha Bandhan (Hindu holiday), Obon (Buddhist festival)
• August 29-30: Krishna Janmashtami (Hindu celebration)

Days of Remembrance

The somber nature of days of remembrance deserves to be honoured without the distraction of wedding festivities. In August, these include:

• August 1: Lammas/Lughnasadh (Gaelic festival)
• August 22: Obon (Buddhist festival)

Major Sporting Events

If you're worried your guests might struggle to choose between your wedding and the big game, avoid holding your wedding during popular sporting events. These are the major sporting events taking place in August 2024:

• Friday 26 July to Sunday 11 August: Summer Olympics
• Wednesday 28 August to Sunday 8 September: Paralympic Games

Unlucky Dates

If you're superstitious, you might want to avoid Friday the 13th. There are no Friday 13ths in August 2024, 2025, or 2026, but there is one in February 2025 and two in 2026.

Dates When Vendors Are Booked

Vendors are the backbone of any wedding, so make sure they're available before finalising your date. August is one of the top five most popular months for weddings, so book well in advance.

Frequently asked questions