Summer Weddings: Happening Or Hype?

July is considered an unlucky month for weddings, according to superstition. Ancient rhymes warn couples of bittersweet memories and daily struggles. However, July weddings are still happening, and they offer benefits like late sunsets for photographs. July is also a popular month for weddings, with 7% of weddings taking place in July 2023.

July weddings: Superstition or not?

July is considered an unlucky month for weddings, according to a superstition that has endured for generations. The origins of this belief can be traced back to several old anonymous rhymes that warn couples of bittersweet memories, labouring for daily bread, and a quick-tempered bride. Despite these ominous sayings, July is not the worst month for weddings, according to folklore and ancient Roman tradition, which consider May to be the unluckiest.

The superstition around July weddings is believed to have originated from ancient English traditions, where various rhymes were used to discourage weddings in this month. One such rhyme states, "Those who in July do wed, must labour for their daily bread", implying that couples who marry in July will face a lifetime of hard work. Another rhyme describes a July bride as "handsome, but a trifle quick-tempered", suggesting that while the bride may be attractive, she will also have a short temper.

These superstitions may have emerged from the belief that July is a time of mixed fortunes, with sunshine and shadows, as another rhyme hints: "July marriages are apt to be crisscrossed with sunshine and shadow". This could be a warning to couples that their marriage will be filled with both happy and difficult times if they choose to wed in July.

However, it is important to note that these are just superstitions and may not hold any real weight in today's world. In fact, according to recent data, July is the fourth-most popular month for weddings, tied with August, with 7% of weddings taking place in these warm summer months.

So, should you avoid a July wedding? Well, that's up to you! While some may still hold these superstitions dear, many couples are happy to tie the knot in July, taking advantage of the warm weather and outdoor venues. Ultimately, the decision of when to get married is a personal one, and there is no right or wrong answer.

Pros and cons of July weddings

July is considered an unlucky month for weddings, according to superstition. Ancient, anonymous rhymes warn couples of bittersweet memories and daily struggles. However, July weddings are still happening, and there are pros and cons to consider for a summer celebration.

Pros of July Weddings:

• Venue choices: Summer lends itself to a variety of venue options, especially outdoors. Beach weddings, lakeside weddings, garden weddings, and more are all possible.
• Guest availability: Summer is when most people take their vacations, so it can be easier for out-of-town guests to schedule their attendance.
• Climate: Depending on the location, summer weather can be perfect, especially in early June.
• Wedding gown selection: Summer wedding gowns offer a range of styles, including strapless, halter, and shorter dresses, often made with chiffon or silk for a flowing look.
• Lighting for photos: The long summer days offer more flexibility with ceremony timing and provide ample natural light for photographs.
• Floral availability: A wide range of flowers are in bloom during the summer, making it easier to source your desired colours and varieties.

Cons of July Weddings:

• High costs: Summer wedding venues are in high demand and can be expensive. Popular venues may need to be booked up to a year in advance.
• Heat: Very hot weather can be uncomfortable for guests and cause the bride to sweat off her hair and makeup.
• Guest attendance: Some guests may already have plans for summer vacations, affecting their ability to attend.
• Planning time: A summer wedding may require a longer lead time for planning, as top vendors can get booked up quickly.
• Harsh lighting for photos: While there is ample natural light, the bright summer sun can also create harsh lighting conditions for photographs, limiting the spots for the perfect shot.
• Allergies: Allergy season may affect the bride, groom, and guests, causing irritated eyes and runny noses.

So, while July weddings may be considered unlucky by some, there are benefits and drawbacks to consider, just like any other month. Ultimately, the decision depends on the couple's preferences and what aspects of their wedding day are most important to them.

July wedding photography

July is considered an unlucky month for weddings due to superstitions and folklore. However, it is still a popular month for weddings, especially for outdoor venues and beach weddings.

Summer weddings offer one of the best benefits to photographers – a late sunset time! This means more time for portraits and creative shots. The end of June and the beginning of July have the latest sunset times of the year.

For a July wedding, the ideal ceremony time is around 5:30 pm since the sun is setting later. This also means there is more buffer time in case things run behind schedule.

1:15 pm - 3:00 pm: Photography starts with getting ready images and details, couple getting dressed

3:00 pm - 3:15 pm: First look

3:15 pm - 4:30 pm: Wedding couple photos

4:30 pm - 5:00 pm: Family photos

5:30 pm - 6:00 pm: Ceremony

6:00 pm - 7:00 pm: Cocktail hour, any remaining family or wedding party photos

7:00 pm - 7:10 pm: Grand entrance

7:10 pm - 7:15 pm: First dance

7:15 pm - 7:30 pm: Toasts

7:30 pm - 8:30 pm: Dinner service

7:45 pm - 8:00 pm: Sunset portraits with the newlyweds

8:30 pm - 8:15 pm: Family dances

8:15 pm - 8:30 pm: Cake cutting

8:30 pm - 8:45 pm: Bouquet toss/garter toss

8:45 pm - 9:15 pm: Open dancing

For weddings with multiple locations and a larger wedding party and guests, photography coverage may be in the 9-10 hour range.

A first look is when the couple sees each other before the ceremony and is a great way to ensure that portraits are completed before the ceremony, especially if things run behind schedule.

When planning a July wedding, it is important to consider the travel time between different locations and account for potential delays.

Some important factors to keep in mind for July wedding photography:

• Take advantage of the late sunset for bonus sunset portraits
• Plan for buffer time in case of delays
• Consider a first look to ensure portraits are completed before the ceremony
• Account for travel time between different locations
• Allow for 8-10 hours of photography coverage depending on the size and complexity of the wedding

July wedding timelines

July is considered an unlucky month for weddings, according to superstition. However, it is still a popular month for weddings, with its warm summer days a great choice for outdoor venues and beach weddings.

July Wedding Timeline

12-18 Months Before

• Announce your engagement and celebrate!
• Discuss and set a budget.
• Choose your wedding party.
• Consider hiring a wedding planner.
• Choose your wedding style and colours.
• Begin researching venues and vendors (caterers, photographers, entertainment, etc.).

10-12 Months Before

• Finalise your guest list.
• Book your ceremony and reception venues.
• Research and book your vendors.
• Send out save-the-dates.
• Start shopping for wedding attire.
• Begin planning your honeymoon.

6-9 Months Before

• Order your wedding cake.
• Finalise your menu with your caterer.
• Choose your music and entertainment.
• Book your honeymoon.
• Purchase wedding rings.
• Send out invitations.

3-6 Months Before

• Finalise your wedding day schedule and timeline.
• Meet with your vendors to go over the details.
• Purchase any missing attire and accessories.
• Plan the rehearsal dinner.
• Create a day-of timeline for your wedding party and vendors.
• Choose decorations and finalise any remaining details.

1-2 Months Before

• Send your final guest list to your caterer.
• Confirm all details with your vendors.
• Pick up your wedding rings.
• Finalise your vows and wedding day script.
• Break in your wedding shoes!
• Send your final song requests to your DJ or band.
• Have your final dress fitting.
• Obtain a marriage license.

1-2 Weeks Before

• Finalise your seating chart.
• Pack for your honeymoon.
• Host your rehearsal dinner.
• Remind your wedding party of their responsibilities.
• Confirm final details with all vendors.
• Relax and take care of yourself!

The Wedding Day

Enjoy your special day and savour every moment!

July weddings and COVID-19

Planning a wedding during a pandemic

Planning a wedding is stressful at the best of times, but the COVID-19 pandemic has added a whole new layer of complexity. Many couples have had to postpone their weddings, and those who decide to go ahead may face difficult decisions about guest lists, safety measures, and more.

The impact of COVID-19 on weddings

The pandemic has had a significant impact on the wedding industry, with many couples choosing to postpone or cancel their weddings. This has resulted in a decline in revenue for the industry as a whole, although some couples who rescheduled had to pay to keep their venues and vendors for an extra year.

The return of weddings in 2021

As vaccines became available and restrictions on large gatherings were lifted, there was a surge in weddings in 2021, with many couples opting for smaller, more intimate celebrations. However, the pandemic has also led to "postponement fatigue," with couples afraid that they will have to reschedule and replan their weddings multiple times.

Safety measures at weddings

To ensure the safety of their guests, some couples have required all attendees to be vaccinated, while others have offered guests coloured wristbands to indicate their comfort level with physical contact. These wristbands allow guests to communicate their boundaries without having to set them verbally with each person they encounter.

The cost of attending weddings

The average cost of attending a wedding in 2019 was $430, but this number jumped to $1,440 for weddings that required air travel. With the financial strain caused by the pandemic, some guests may be unable or unwilling to incur these costs, leading to lower attendance at weddings.

The future of weddings

It remains to be seen what the long-term impact of the pandemic will be on the wedding industry. While some traditions may persist, it is possible that couples will continue to opt for smaller, more intimate celebrations or choose to elope or have a courthouse wedding.

Frequently asked questions