Spring and summer are the most popular times to get married, but there are major advantages to off peak wedding season.
Is everybody you know getting married this spring?
Are you maybe getting a little tired of all these summer weddings?
Maybe you just got engaged and you want to try doing things a little differently when your time comes around.
If any of these sound like you, then you’ve come to the right place.
If you’ve been wedding planning, or even just doing research on weddings, then you’ve probably heard about peak wedding season and off peak wedding season.
And you might be wondering which time to get married is the best option for you.
What does it mean to get married during the off peak wedding season?
What are the popular months in which to get married and why is it a good idea to pick a not-so popular time?
Hopefully we are able to answer all of your questions and more.
Here is the ultimate guide to off peak wedding season.
Why Get Married During the Off Peak Wedding Season?
We must admit, it does seem a bit counter-intuitive not to get married when everyone around you is saying that you should get married during a certain time of year.
However, your gut is telling you that you don’t want to get married during what is known as “wedding season”, and we think that going with your gut is always right right thing to do.
Especially for an occasion as important as your wedding .
So, what are some reasons you should get married during the off peak wedding season?
Keep reading for why we think you should march to the beat of your own wedding-planning drum.
Off Peak Wedding Season Is More Affordable for Everyone
When venues and vendors are in high demand, you can only expect for prices to continuously increase.
So, by that same logic, when there isn’t such a scramble for wedding amenities, you’re going to get far more affordable wedding prices.
Venues will usually be far cheaper to rent, and during slow seasons, it’s more likely that vendors will be more willing to negotiate their own prices.
And as a bonus, your wedding will be much more affordable for your guests.
For starters, since you’re the only wedding in sight for a while, they may be more likely to go all out and not have to budget with the other dozens of weddings they have to attend in mind.
And if you’re having a destination wedding, at a popular wedding spot, the flight and hotel rates won’t be sky high like they normally are during the peak wedding season.
Your guest will definitely be grateful to you in the long run!
You Have More Vendor Options
Do you have a certain caterer in mind whom you need to book months in advance?
Is there a giant waiting list for your dream venue?
Chances are, these challenges mostly apply to peak wedding season.
There’s going to be much more availability and options for you to choose from during the off season.
Frankly, An Off-Peak Wedding Season Is More Unique
Of course you don’t want your wedding to be exactly like everybody else’s.
And a good way to make your wedding stand out is if you get married during the off-peak wedding season.
There won’t be a lot of competition you have to worry about, and it’ll stand out in people’s minds because of the season.
The off season months bring their own charms to a venue that we’re sure will stick out when your guests think back at your big day.
When Is Peak Wedding Season and Why?
So, what does off peak wedding season actually mean?
We think that right now is a good time to discuss what these terms actually mean, and how they could apply to your wedding planning process.
In general, wedding season goes from late spring into early fall with a big surge in June and December.
We here at Round Barn are based in Vermont, and this certainly applies to the northeast and East Coast.
Late spring and early fall are certainly the mildest times of the year, which can make for some pretty ideal weather to host events.
(Fall weddings have actually become increasingly popular over the years, with October being the most popular month to get married in 2022).
But that doesn’t mean you can’t have summer or winter weddings at all! You can always have a glamorous indoor option and avoid the extreme heat or cold.
In fact, winter weddings are a beautiful and unique option, and you’re bound to get better deals if you’re getting married in January, February or March.
Off Peak Wedding Season: Why You Should Have A Winter Wedding
Less than 5% of weddings happen during the winter months, so this is really the most off peak time to get married.
But this doesn’t mean that weddings don’t happen at all.
In fact, there are lots of hidden benefits to getting married during this time, many of which we discussed earlier in the blog.
Winter weddings are the most affordable, and winter brings with it its own beauty.
Why else should you get married in the winter?
Here are just a few reasons.
You Can Take Some Amazing Pictures
When you think of having to take pictures during the hot months, what sort of challenges come up?
We can think of a few.
It can get pretty uncomfortable and sweaty having to wait around.
Plus, a lot of people end up having to squint.
Make the most of the glittering snow and stunning snowflakes and take some truly magical winter photos that won’t involve everyone having to melt.
You’ve Got A Pretty Awesome Wedding Menu
When it’s cold outside, nothing tastes better than some hot, delicious food.
And you get to serve it at your wedding!
You can have a hot drink station (who wouldn’t want hot chocolate at a wedding?)
And you can serve other winter comfort foods like grilled cheese and tomato soup.
Plus, take advantage of seasonal favorites, like peppermint flavored desserts.
Show Off A Killer Winter Wardrobe
The colder months are the absolutely perfect time to layer up and show off your style without worrying about overheating.
You can rock a gorgeous sleeve on your dress, or bring out some of your best coats.
Your winter wedding will be the perfect opportunity for you and your guests to wear your best cold-weather fashion staples.
You Can Honeymoon Somewhere Warm
With a winter wedding, you get to have the best of both worlds.
There are plenty of places that stay hot all year round that make for great honeymoon options.
You can make the most of what the colder season has to offer, then go and get some sun with your new spouse.
Our Final Thoughts
We’ve walked you through peak wedding season, and we’ve walked you through off peak wedding season.
Hopefully you have a better understanding of what each of those possibilities mean and which time of the year is the best option for you to hold your wedding.
Again, just because winter isn’t a popular time to get married, that doesn’t mean you can’t do it all!
There are tons of benefits, financial and otherwise, to holding your big day during this time.
And no matter the season, know that we here at Round Barn will respect and celebrate your choice, and work to make it the best event possible.
