Planning A Wedding: When To Start?

Wedding planning season starts when you've celebrated your engagement and established your wedding budget. It's important to consider the time of year you want to get married, as this can impact vendor availability and demand. Typically, wedding season starts in late spring or early summer and lasts through mid-fall, with weddings peaking in June and September. Fall weddings have become increasingly popular due to temperate weather, pretty foliage, and the lull between summer and winter holidays. However, each season has its own pros and cons, and couples should choose the time of year that aligns with their vision and preferences.

Peak wedding season

The peak wedding season varies depending on location and year, but it typically starts in late spring and lasts through early fall. During the peak wedding season, prices are higher due to increased demand for vendors and venues, and vendors' availability may be impacted.

In the United States, the peak wedding season months are May, June, September, and October. These months offer a combination of mild weather, beautiful natural backdrops, and longer days, which are ideal for weddings. In 2023, September and October were tied as the most popular months for weddings, each accounting for 17% of all weddings. Similarly, in 2022, October was the peak month, with 20% of weddings taking place during this month.

For mountain venues, the summer months are the peak season, as the venues offer comfortable temperatures and a range of activities for guests. In contrast, spring is less desirable due to the melted snow and the possibility of late-season snow, which can make outdoor weddings challenging.

Fall weddings have gained popularity over the years, with 36% of couples getting married between September and November in 2019, 40% in 2020, and 43% in 2022. The appeal of the fall season includes temperate weather, colourful foliage, and the lull between summer and winter holidays.

Winter is generally considered the off-peak season for weddings, with only 11% of weddings taking place between December and February. However, there are exceptions, such as ski resorts or destinations with mild winters like the Southwest and coastal Florida, where winter weddings are popular.

Off-season weddings

Wedding planning season typically starts in early summer and lasts through mid-fall, with weddings peaking in June and September. However, some couples opt for off-season weddings, which have their own unique benefits.

Another advantage of off-season weddings is the higher availability of top vendors and venues. During the peak season, popular vendors and venues may be booked months or even years in advance. By choosing an off-season date, you increase your chances of securing your favourite vendors and venues without having to compete with as many other couples.

Additionally, off-season weddings can offer cost savings for both the couple and their guests. During the off-season, hotels and resorts often offer lowered rates to travellers, which can benefit those attending your wedding. Furthermore, if your wedding destination is a popular tourist spot during the winter, such as a ski resort, you may experience higher demand and costs, so it's important to consider the location when planning an off-season wedding.

Venue availability

When it comes to wedding planning, venue availability is a crucial consideration. The availability of venues can vary depending on the time of year, with certain seasons experiencing higher demand and others offering greater flexibility.

In general, wedding venues tend to have a peak season and an off-peak or low season. Peak season for weddings typically falls between late spring and early fall, with some sources specifically noting June and September as the busiest months. During this time, venues are in high demand, and you may find that popular venues are booked up to 18 months in advance. If you're considering a fall wedding, you'll be joining a growing trend—in recent years, the number of couples choosing to marry between September and November has been steadily increasing, with 42% of weddings taking place during this period.

However, it's important to remember that venue availability can also be influenced by regional factors. For example, in Texas, the summer months are considered peak wedding season due to the warm weather, while in mountainous regions, summer provides comfortable temperatures and ample activities for guests, making it a popular choice for mountain venues. On the other hand, spring is less favoured due to unpredictable weather, and winter is generally considered the off-season, with fewer weddings taking place during this period.

If you're looking for greater availability and potentially lower prices, consider the off-peak season for your wedding. Keep in mind that winter weddings, especially around the holidays, might still have limited availability and higher costs due to competition with non-wedding events. However, if you're willing to be flexible and choose a date outside of the peak season, you may find it easier to secure your dream venue without having to compete with as many other couples.

Additionally, when considering venue availability, it's not just the time of year but also the day of the week that matters. Venues may have different rates and availability depending on the day, with weekends typically being more in demand and, therefore, more expensive. If you're open to a weekday wedding, you may find more options available to you.

Budgeting and costs

The time of year and season also impact costs. "Wedding season" usually starts in late spring or early summer and lasts through early fall or mid-fall, with weddings peaking in June and September. During this time, prices are typically higher due to increased demand for vendors and venues, and vendor availability may be limited. Fall weddings have become increasingly popular due to temperate weather, pretty foliage, and the lull between summer and winter holidays.

To save money, consider an off-peak wedding during spring or winter, which are considered off-peak seasons in most regions. However, winter hotel rooms and travel prices can skyrocket during ski season, and December weddings may be more expensive due to competition with holiday parties. Additionally, if your wedding venue is a popular winter destination, such as a ski resort, you may experience higher costs and limited availability.

When creating your budget, it's essential to consider your priorities and allocate funds accordingly. The venue is typically the largest expense, followed by catering, which includes food, cocktail hour, service costs, and cake or dessert. Other costs to consider include rentals (tables, chairs, dishes, etc.), photography and videography, wedding planner or coordinator, beauty treatments, wedding favours, and gifts for the wedding party.

To stay organized and informed, utilize resources such as wedding budget breakdowns, cost estimators, and checklists. It's also important to have open and honest discussions with your partner and families about financial contributions and priorities to create a budget that works for you.

Weather considerations

Weather is a key consideration when planning a wedding. The season and location of your wedding will determine the weather conditions you can expect, which will impact various aspects of your wedding, from venue availability and pricing to guest comfort and entertainment.

In general, peak wedding seasons tend to coincide with milder weather. For example, in regions with cold winters, late spring and early fall are considered prime wedding seasons due to their mild temperatures. Fall weddings have gained popularity in recent years, with couples citing temperate weather, colourful foliage, and the lull between summer and winter holidays as appealing factors. The months of September, October, and June are particularly popular, with vibrant colours and comfortable temperatures.

Summer is also a popular season for weddings, especially in mountain venues, where venues at altitude offer comfortable temperatures and a range of activities for guests. However, summer can be unpredictable, with the possibility of rain, so it's important to have a backup indoor space for your wedding.

Winter is typically considered the off-season for weddings due to colder temperatures and unpredictable weather. However, this can vary depending on the location. For example, in regions like the Southwest and coastal destinations, winter is a peak season due to mild temperatures and sunny days.

Additionally, weather conditions can impact the availability and pricing of wedding venues and vendors. During peak seasons, demand and prices are usually higher, and vendor availability may be limited. Therefore, it's essential to plan ahead and book venues and vendors early, especially if you're aiming for a popular date or season.

When considering weather conditions, it's also important to think about the comfort and convenience of your guests. For instance, extreme temperatures or inclement weather may deter guests from attending or impact their enjoyment of the event.

Lastly, weather can influence the theme, decor, and overall atmosphere of your wedding. Whether it's a summer beach soirée, a fall celebration with vibrant foliage, or a winter wonderland theme, the weather plays a significant role in setting the tone and style of your special day.

Frequently asked questions