Top Reasons to Have a Fall or Winter Wedding

There are so many amazing reasons to have a fall or winter wedding versus a more traditional spring or summer wedding.

Depending on where you live, the weather might be completely different, but that often brings some of the most incredible elements to life in these “off-seasons” for weddings. The perks to skipping the more common months of the year, which are typically May to September, to opt for a fall or winter wedding are endless. 

We know that planning a wedding can be stressful and sometimes it even feels like there is only this small window of the year to book it. We hope to show you that you truly can have a wedding any time of the year and enjoy all the season you choose has to offer. Let’s take a look at some of the top reasons to have a fall or winter wedding!

Colour Palettes

One of the best reasons to have a fall or winter wedding is the incredible colour palettes you get to choose from that are unique to these cozier times of the year. In fall, you are going to have the warm colours of copper, deep red, orange, cream, and dark greens. Not to mention, anything in the neutral family. 

In winter, you can choose from bold and rich colours like burgundy, navy, gold, or even add elements of dusty rose and black. If you choose to get married around the Christmas holidays, that opens even more options for colours to use. The limits are really endless for your colour palettes in these seasons when it comes to bouquets, decor, fabrics, textures, and attire. 

Outdoor Photo Opportunities

Another great reason to switch to the slower seasons for weddings is the amazing opportunity to capture images outside that are different from the vibrant greens and blue skies of spring and summer. Instead, you will have trees with beautiful leaves of yellow, orange, and burnt red looking incredible blurred behind you and your spouse. Or alternatively, if you live somewhere that you get true winter, snow looks so romantic in pictures. Yes, you might have to brave the cold for a little bit, but the outcome is so worth it! To see those rich colours from your bouquet, wedding party, and even a pop of lipstick against the winter wonderland white is timeless and stunning.

Avoid The Heat and Smoke

Having a fall or winter wedding is also another chance to avoid those scorching summer days. You know the ones where you have your heart set on an outdoor ceremony and/or reception, but the forecast decides to try to melt your guests (and your cake)! Not to mention, if you live anywhere in North America that inevitably deals with fire season each summer, you know how hot it can be once you add the dreaded air quality of smoky skies. By skipping the spring or summer months, you will ensure that you aren’t playing with fire (literally and figuratively) by hoping you get the perfectly balanced forecast. There’s no risk of having a wedding day that feels like you’re standing on the sun and you can offer heat in so many other forms during the fall and winter months that will make up for it not being a hot August day!  

Vendor Availability

Having a fall or winter wedding might also give you easier access to all your vendors. While so many vendors in the wedding industry are in their peak season between May and September, you stand a higher chance of getting every vendor your heart desires by booking in fall or winter. Whether it’s the photographer of your dreams, the DJ that always books up years in advance, the hair and makeup team that brings the glam, or the venue you’ve been eyeing up before you even had a ring on your finger, chances are high you’ll have more access to all of them. Trying to find an officiant, caterer, videographer, or even a wedding planner during peak season can send any couple into a spiral of anxiety. By choosing a quieter season, you’ll feel more calm finding that your date is available by many, if not all, of those incredible vendors. 

Indoor Venues

Of course, having a fall or winter wedding might mean that you have to forgo having a ceremony or reception outside, but that doesn’t mean you have to compromise your vision entirely. For starters, all of your photographs can still be outside! It might be chilly depending on where you are, or it could even be a complete blizzard, but anyone can brave the elements to get the shot! For the inside portion, which is the majority of the day, you can find venues that offer such ambiance that you are going to be eternally grateful that Mother Nature is lowering the thermostat outside and keeping you tucked inside. Whether it’s flickering fireplaces with stone mantles or dim-lit corners to create cozy lounges, you will find that there are just as many opportunities to turn indoor venues into the wedding of your dreams as the outdoors. This also means that all of your guests will be completely comfortable the whole night and protected from whatever might be happening outside!

Wedding Attire

Remember those beautiful colour palettes we mentioned back at the beginning? Well now envision them coming to life in your wedding party’s attire. Imagine all bridesmaids donning dresses in different hues of copper and holding bouquets of warm-hued, fall-inspired flowers. And the groomsmen wearing deep blue suits with cognac shoes and ties. Or in the winter, black on black looks so elegant in both suits and dresses with a bouquet of rich burgundy and ivory.

If it’s winter, faux fur shawls always look classic and elevate the look of any dress as well. Also, let’s not forget dresses with sleeves! Whether it’s bridesmaids or the bride herself, sleeves have come a long way and look stunning, not to mention they do add a bit more protection when you go outside to snap some pics!

Halloween Weddings

Last but not least, one of the funnest things you could do for a fall wedding is to have a Halloween-themed event. You could have your reception be completely Halloween-inspired. These days, there are so many edgy but elegant options that won’t look cheesy. All-black linens, white and green pumpkins everywhere, tons of candles, and fall leaves on the tables can make this vision come to life. Even if you and your spouse wear traditional attire, you can have all of your guests come in costume and maybe even offer a prize for the “best dressed!”  We know this isn’t for everyone, but this can be one of the most unique ways to leave traditional weddings behind and give everyone a night to remember! 

As you can see, there are countless reasons to have a fall or winter wedding instead of spring or summer. Regardless of what you ultimately decide, your wedding day is going to be one of the best days of your life. We hope we’ve helped clear up any doubts you may have about booking a wedding in the “off-season” and have instead given you all the amazing reasons why it can be just as perfect as any other time of the year. Happy planning! 

-K
xo