The Advantages and Disadvantages of Weddings by Season
When it comes to choosing your wedding date, it’s hard to know the best wedding season to get married in the UK. Ultimately, choosing the right month to get married is a totally unique decision that will depend on your own priorities and preferences.
The best time to get married for you will be determined by a number of factors including what your wedding budget is, what your vision is for the day and what seasons you love the most. There’s a lot to consider, and it’s worth noting that popular wedding venues can get booked up two to three years in advance, especially during peak wedding season.
Whether your wedding date is based on availability, budget or you’re hoping to hold your wedding on a sentimental date, we’ve created a guide that runs through the advantages and disadvantages of getting married in each season to help make the decision-making process easier for you.
Which is the Most Popular Wedding Month in the UK?
There are a few months many soon-to-be-weds repeatedly choose for their wedding no matter the external circumstances. This period falls between May to October each year and it is commonly known as the ‘wedding season’.
This time of year often promises warmer weather and longer daylight hours, making in an ideal time of year to get married for many couples. However, prices during the wedding season are typically higher, as there is more demand for wedding vendors and wedding venues.
Which is the Most Affordable Wedding Month in the UK?
If you’re looking to save your pocket on your big day, then you should consider getting married during the low-season months of November to April. With fewer couples getting married, wedding venues and wedding vendors often reduce their prices to attract bookings.
Often couples can save themselves hundreds or thousands of pounds and still experience a fabulous wedding day to remember. A mid-week wedding during this period can be an even smarter choice for couples looking to save while still having a memorable day!
Which is the Best Month to get Married in the UK?
There are no rights or wrongs when it comes to the best month to get married – each has its own pros and cons.
Those who get married during peak wedding season, for example, have access to a wide variety of seasonal wedding flowers which can enhance the aesthetic appeal of your wedding, may have warmer weather (though there is no guarantee here in the UK) and experience beautiful natural lighting that will elevate your wedding photographs.
On the other hand, couples who opt for off-peak months often find wedding venues at lower rates, have more options for popular wedding venues and wedding vendors, and face less competition for wedding dates and services. In addition, couples who get married in off-season months will also experience many of the same advantages of weddings held in high-season months, just at a lower cost!
With that being said, we’ve created a useful guide to help you determine when the best month for your wedding is and offer insight to help you plan your perfect day.
Weddings by Season
Winter Weddings (December, January, February)
Advantages
More availability - with fewer people getting married in the winter, you’ll have more flexibility in choosing your perfect wedding date.
Off-season discounts - many winter wedding venues, including The Lawrence Hotel, offer discounts during the off-peak winter season, which means more savings for your dream honeymoon!
Lots of dress options - when it comes to winter wedding dress shopping, there are endless options. Why not opt for a wedding dress that has detachable sleeves to allow you to style your dress in two ways?
Cosy atmosphere - the colder weather allows for a cosy atmosphere. Winter wedding ideas include candles (if your wedding venue allows), twinkling fairy lights and festive cocktails.
Festive decorations - embrace the season with winter wedding décor like evergreen and pinecone decorations, Christmas trees, mistletoe and wreaths. Tis’ the season of crisp forest greens, crimson reds and sparkles.
Disadvantages
Unpredictable weather - winter weather can be unpredictable here in the UK, often bringing grey and overcast skies which could impact the aesthetic of your wedding photographs or even snow which can disrupt transport.
Short daylight hours - daylight hours are shorter in the winter wedding season, which means less natural light for capturing moments on your big day.
Limited outdoor options - outdoor ceremonies and receptions may not be practical in cold weather, restricting your choices for venue and style.
Spring Weddings (March, April, May)
Advantages
Natural beauty - a spring wedding offers a backdrop filled with lush greenery, blossoming trees and vibrant flowers, providing endless inspiration for your décor.
Symbolic significance - there is a huge amount of symbolism involved in getting married in any of the spring months. Spring signifies new beginnings, brighter and warmer days and rebirth.
Beautiful blooms - spring is abundant with various blooms, creating a dreamy and enchanting atmosphere. From delicate lily of the valley to charming hyacinths, these flowers add a touch of elegance to spring weddings. Check out our blog ‘the best wedding flowers for each season’ to find out more.
Excellent lighting - spring sees longer and brighter days than winter, which means you can party and enjoy the day with your nearest and dearest for longer. The lighting also allows for excellent wedding photography.
Idyllic honeymoons - from beach holidays in Greece to thrilling adventures in Iceland, you’ll find an abundance of great honeymoon destinations during this season, without the costs and crowds of the summer holidays.
Disadvantages
Unpredictable weather - we’ve all heard of the saying “April showers bring May flowers”. The truth is spring is one of the most unpredictable weather seasons, so you should be mindful of what venue you choose.
High demand and competition for venues - due to the high demand this time of year experiences, couples might need to secure their desired wedding venue well in advance.
Increased costs for popular wedding dates - as wedding venues start to experience more demand, they often up their prices. If you’re working with a tighter budget, you might want to keep this in mind.
Summer Weddings (June, July August)
Advantages
Indoor and outdoor options - the longer days provide enough natural light for capturing precious moments and the hope of warmer weather allows couples the opportunity of having an outdoor ceremony or evening reception under the night sky.
Variety of seasonal flowers - the great thing about the summer month is the abundance of seasonal flowers like cosmos and peony. With so much variety to choose from, summer provides couples with endless possibilities for a summer wedding.
Twilight weddings - if you hold your wedding ceremony later in the day, you can enjoy the view of the sunset in the evening, providing awesome photo opportunities. The Lawrence Hotel is the most magical twilight wedding venue for your twilight wedding ceremony and evening wedding reception.
Theme variety - summer weddings open up a world of options for choosing wedding décor themes. Whether you envision an elegant garden party or a rustic indoor affair, the versatility of summer allows you to tailor your wedding to match your unique style and preferences.
School summer holidays - a summer wedding is ideal for couples who plan on having children at their wedding as it aligns with the school summer holidays.
Disadvantages
Less availability - we recommend contacting your dream wedding venue well in advance if you are hoping to book a summer wedding to avoid disappointment.
Holiday clashes - while it is an advantage that summer weddings align with the school summer holidays, clashing with your friend’s and family’s holidays is always a risk with a summer wedding.
Increased costs for popular wedding dates - because summer is peak wedding season, wedding venues may charge more for their services, particularly on weekends.
Autumn Weddings (September, October, November)
Advantages
Beautiful natural scenery - autumn’s stunning natural scenery creates and picture-perfect backdrop for your wedding photos.
Seasonal decorations - one of the most significant benefits of hosting an autumn wedding is the opportunity to incorporate the season’s rich natural colour palette including hues of reds, yellows, oranges and browns.
Mild weather - autumn typically offers a more temperate climate than the spring and winter months, ideal for indoor and outdoor events.
Lower costs for less popular dates - with ‘off-peak’ prices, the later months of autumn are the way to go if you’re looking to reduce the budget for your big day.
Cosy atmosphere - crackling fireplaces and soft twinkling lighting create a cosy atmosphere that is unique to autumn.
Disadvantages
Competition for venues - though autumn is generally less busy than the peak summer wedding season, it has experienced a surge in popularity in recent years as a desirable wedding season, leading to competition for sought-after autumn wedding venues.
Shorter daylight hours - as the days grow shorter during the autumn months, there’s less daylight available for outdoor ceremonies.
Limited floral availability - autumn’s flower selection can be more limited at this time of year than spring or summer.
Ultimately, the best wedding season for your wedding is one that reflects your personal priorities and preferences. Choosing the right season for your wedding involves weighing up the advantages and disadvantages unique to each time of year. Whether you’re drawn to the pastel palette of spring, the vibrant blooms of summer, the rich colours of autumn or the cosy charm of winter, each season offers different opportunities and challenges. By carefully considering factors such as weather, venue availability and cost, you can make a decision that aligns with your vision and budget. For a venue that looks great, is reasonably priced and has excellent service, The Lawrence is the perfect wedding venue all year round. Your dream wedding is just an enquiry away. We can't wait to hear from you!
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