Weddings Now: What You Can And Cannot Do

Planning a wedding is a complex process, with many factors to consider, from the date and season to the venue and vendors. One of the most important decisions is choosing a wedding date, which can impact everything from the weather to vendor availability and costs. While some couples opt for traditional wedding seasons like summer and fall, others may choose off-season months like winter to take advantage of lower prices and less competition. Regardless of the season, advance planning is crucial to secure the desired venue and vendors.

Wedding season and peak times

Wedding season in the United States typically runs from April or May to October, with weddings peaking in June and September. However, the peak season can vary depending on the region and local climate. For example, in the Midwest, Southwest, and South, spring and fall are considered peak wedding seasons due to more comfortable temperatures compared to the sweltering heat of July and August. In contrast, July and August are considered off-peak months, unless the wedding is held at a lakefront venue, where summer is the busiest.

In the Mountain States and Interior West, summer months are the peak wedding season as venues at higher altitudes offer comfortable temperatures and a range of activities for guests. Spring is less desirable due to unpredictable weather, while fall provides a stunning backdrop for weddings. Winter is generally avoided due to higher hotel room and travel prices during ski season.

On the East Coast, late spring and early fall are the prime wedding seasons, offering mild and pleasant weather. Summer can be hot and humid, while winter is incredibly cold and snowy. January and February are the least popular months for weddings across the US due to unpredictable winter weather and post-holiday fatigue.

September and October are the most popular months to get married, followed by June, November, and April. These months offer mild temperatures, beautiful scenery, and avoid major holidays. If you're looking for a budget-friendly option, consider an off-season wedding in November or December, when venues may offer discounted rates and better availability.

Wedding venue options

When it comes to wedding venue options, there are many types to choose from, each with its own unique advantages and charms. Here is a detailed list of some of the most popular wedding venue options to help you in your search:

Hotels

Hotels are a convenient option, especially if you have many out-of-town guests, as they can offer on-site accommodation and eliminate transportation concerns. Bigger hotels often have a variety of event spaces, from ballrooms to rooftop terraces, and can provide all-inclusive packages that take care of catering, flowers, and other details.

Banquet Halls

Banquet halls are dedicated event spaces, often with all-inclusive packages, offering amenities like catering and rentals on-site. They are usually on the larger side, accommodating bigger guest lists, and their staff are experienced in hosting special events.

Country Clubs

Country clubs are popular for their well-maintained golf courses and manicured grounds, offering both indoor and outdoor options. They are easily adaptable to different themes and colour schemes, and often provide in-house catering and other stress-free amenities.

Farms or Barns

For a rustic wedding, farms or barns offer a casual, rustic-chic atmosphere with scenic backdrops for photos. These venues may require some extra work to bring in decor and rentals, but they are a perfect choice for an upscale, yet laid-back event.

Vineyards or Wineries

Vineyards and wineries provide beautiful scenery and ample opportunities for stunning photos. They typically offer both indoor and outdoor spaces, and, like breweries, provide built-in beverage options with their wine selections.

Historic Homes or Mansions

Historic homes and mansions evoke a sense of nostalgia and vintage charm. They usually feature both indoor and outdoor spaces and offer unique portrait backdrops. However, there may be regulations in place to maintain their historic integrity, so be sure to inquire before booking.

Restaurants

For foodies, a restaurant wedding is a perfect choice. You can expect excellent cuisine and unique decor, and it can be especially meaningful if it's a place that holds sentimental value, like the site of your first date. Just be sure to check that the space can accommodate all your guests.

Modern Spaces or Lofts

Modern spaces and lofts are often found in cities, featuring industrial-chic aesthetics with exposed brick and high ceilings. These "blank slate" venues offer maximum flexibility, allowing you to decorate and transform the space to match your personal style.

Stadiums or Yacht Clubs

For sports enthusiasts, consider a stadium or yacht club wedding. You can tie the knot in the stands or on the water, creating a unique experience for your guests. However, date availability may be limited, and you may need to opt for a non-game day or off-season date.

Gardens or Parks

Nature lovers will appreciate the beauty of an outdoor garden or park venue, surrounded by blossoming flowers and trees. These venues are often budget-friendly, as they require minimal additional decor. However, always have a backup indoor venue or tented option in case of uncooperative weather.

Houses of Worship

For religious ceremonies, houses of worship like churches, synagogues, or temples are ideal. Some may also offer event spaces for receptions, but if not, you can consider hosting the reception in the hall of the same venue, which may provide cost savings.

Museums, Theatres, and Art Galleries

For a truly unique setting, consider a museum, theatre, or art gallery. These venues offer dramatic backdrops, from works of art to historical artifacts. Be mindful of any special rules or regulations regarding vendors, decor, timing, and the handling of exhibits.

Remember to consider factors like location, size, and style when selecting a venue, and don't hesitate to reach out to the venues for more information or to schedule a visit to help you make your decision.

Wedding attire

Deciding what to wear to a wedding can be tricky, especially when you want to look your best for the happy couple's big day. Here is a comprehensive guide to wedding attire to ensure you are dressed appropriately for the occasion.

White-Tie Attire

White-tie is the most formal of all dress codes and is reserved for very formal weddings. For men, this means a long, dark tuxedo tailcoat with fabric extensions to the knee, a white piqué button-down shirt, a white vest, a bow tie, and a cummerbund. Trousers should match the jacket and often include a satin or grosgrain stripe. Women should wear a formal, floor-length gown, either an A-line, sheath, or ball gown style. Elbow-length white silk gloves and glittering jewellery will complete the outfit.

Black-Tie Attire

Black-tie weddings are formal and usually take place in the evening. Men should wear a tuxedo with a black bow tie, a long black tie, or a long string tie. A simple black suit is also acceptable. Women should wear formal, floor-length gowns, and both men and women can accessorise with cufflinks, refined jewellery, and sleek dress shoes.

Black-Tie-Optional Attire

This dress code gives guests more flexibility. Men can wear a tuxedo or a dark suit with dress pants and loafers, and women can opt for a floor-length gown or a knee-length or midi cocktail dress. The time of day can be a helpful indicator: a black-tie-optional wedding in the afternoon may be less formal than an evening event.

Formal Attire

Formal attire is slightly less formal than black-tie and offers more flexibility. Men can wear a jacket and tie or a traditional suit, and women can wear a cocktail dress, a nice pantsuit, or a floor-length dress. Dark, well-tailored suits and gowns are always a safe choice, but you can also experiment with jumpsuits, colourful jackets, or bold accessories. Avoid wearing white, ivory, cream, or light-coloured suits.

Cocktail Attire

Cocktail attire is slightly less formal than black-tie and black-tie-optional. Men can wear a suit and tie with dress pants, and women can wear a short formal dress or an elegant jumpsuit. Tuxes and floor-length gowns are not required, but longer skirts and formal jackets are popular choices for winter weddings.

Semi-Formal Attire

Semi-formal attire is less formal than cocktail attire. Women can wear a midi dress, a chic jumpsuit, or a wrap dress, and men can wear a suit and tie. This dress code offers more freedom to experiment with colours, patterns, and fabrics.

Dressy Casual Attire

Dressy casual is similar to business casual. Dark, formal hues are encouraged for evening events, while light colours and fabrics are more appropriate for daytime weddings. Men can wear a navy blazer, a blue button-down shirt, or khaki pants, and women can opt for a dress with a nice neckline and simple accessories, a sundress, or a jumpsuit.

Casual Attire

Although casual wedding attire is one of the most relaxed dress codes, remember that a wedding is still a formal event. Men can wear a blazer, a button-down shirt, and khaki pants, and women can wear a dress, a jumpsuit, or a nice pair of pants and a blouse.

Wedding customs and traditions

Norway

The bride wears a crown to ward off evil spirits. The crown, usually an ornate diadem made of silver and gold, is decorated with small charms that create a tinkling sound whenever the bride moves.

Mexico

During the ceremony, a "lasso," or a string of rope, is draped over the couple's shoulders in the shape of a figure eight, symbolizing their union and everlasting love.

Armenia

Upon entering the wedding reception, the newlyweds break a plate for good luck. They then eat spoonfuls of honey to symbolize happiness and balance lavash flatbread on their shoulders to ward off evil spirits.

China

In one Chinese tradition, the groom shoots the bride with a bow and headless arrow several times. The arrows are then broken during the ceremony to ensure their everlasting love. In another tradition, brides wear three different dresses throughout the wedding day, with an embroidered dress for the ceremony, a Western-inspired gown for the reception, and a cocktail dress for the evening.

France

In contemporary French ceremonies, the newlyweds walk through a heart cut out of a white sheet. This tradition evolved from a custom in small French villages, where children would obstruct the bride's path with white ribbons, forcing her to cross through them to symbolize overcoming challenges in marriage.

Hawaii

Blowing the pū (a conch shell horn) is a customary way to start a Hawaiian wedding ceremony, symbolizing good luck and blessings.

Greece

The groom's best man, or "koumparos," takes on the role of a barber and shaves the groom's face on the wedding day, demonstrating the trust between them.

Guatemala

When the newlyweds arrive at the reception, the mother of the groom breaks a white ceramic bell filled with grains to bring prosperity and good luck to the couple.

Brazil

Brazilian wedding ceremonies often incorporate the natural elements of sand, water, or fire. For example, couples may blend sand from two different containers into one vessel, symbolizing their union.

Japan

In traditional Shinto ceremonies, the bride wears white from head to toe, including a hood called a "tsunokakushi" to hide her "horns of jealousy" toward her mother-in-law.

Germany

Guests at German weddings throw porcelain dishes on the ground to ward off evil spirits. The couple then cleans up the broken pieces together, symbolizing their ability to overcome challenges as a team.

Nigeria

Nigerian weddings often begin with the symbolic breaking of the kola nut. After blessing the fruit, it is cracked into pieces, with the number of pieces symbolizing prosperity for the host and guests.

India

On the day of the wedding, the bride's sisters and female cousins hide the groom's shoes in a lighthearted ritual called "Joota Chupai." Negotiations are often held to return the shoes to the groom, bringing laughter and blessings to the couple.

Scotland

The day before the wedding, friends of the bride and groom capture them and cover them in substances like molasses, ash, flour, and feathers before parading them around town. This ritual is meant to ward off evil spirits.

Wales

Welsh brides include myrtle, a symbol of love, in their bridal bouquets and give a piece to each bridesmaid. According to tradition, the bridesmaids then plant the myrtle cutting, and if it blooms, that person will be the next to marry.

South Korea

The "Falaka" ceremony involves the groom's friends and family holding him down and beating the bottom of his feet with a stick or dried fish. They also ask him trivia questions to strengthen his memory.

Italy

The night before the wedding, the groom surprises the bride with "La Serenata," serenading her outside her window with musicians. This turns into a party with a lavish buffet and all the couple's friends and family.

Canada

At French-Canadian weddings, the unmarried older siblings of the couple perform a money dance, wearing brightly colored socks and throwing money at the newlyweds.

United States

Engagement rings with diamonds became popular due to the Sicilian belief that diamonds symbolize fiery love. Another tradition is the ring bearer, a young child who carries the rings on a pillow to symbolize innocence and new beginnings.

Wedding costs

The reception venue and catering are typically the two largest expenses, accounting for more than 40% of the average wedding budget. Couples can expect to spend around $7,000 on the venue and $5,220 on catering for an average wedding. Other significant expenses include photography/videography ($3,480), entertainment ($2,610), flowers ($2,320), wedding attire ($2,030), and a wedding planner ($1,740).

To save on costs, couples can consider getting married outside of peak wedding season, opting for a weekday or Sunday wedding, keeping the guest list small, and asking talented friends to contribute their skills instead of gifts.

It's important to note that these averages don't include certain expenses like wedding rings, travel, and accommodation, which can add significantly to the overall cost.

Frequently asked questions