Photo: Erin Lane Photography
It happens every year. You get a ton of wedding invitations and suddenly your summer and fall weekends are tied up with more weddings than you can count. And while the peak season exists for a reason, it’s worth considering getting married during the wedding off-season as well.
The wedding off-season, which typically runs from December to March, can be a great option for couples looking to stretch their dollar more and aren’t afraid to embrace chilly temperatures.
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Here are five reasons why getting married in the off-season is an amazing idea.
Deep discounts
If you decide to get married during the off-season wedding, be prepared to save some money in the process. Although not all providers offer off-season rates, many are willing to be flexible on pricing during their downtime. Venues, in particular, often have special rates during the winter, potentially giving you the space of your dreams at a fraction of the price. However, when broaching the subject with a venue or vendors, always remember to be courteous and respectful rather than demanding discounts of any kind.
Less competition
If you’ve started the planning process, you may have already set your heart on some of your favorite providers. Maybe you’ve been following your favorite photographer on Instagram for years or daydreaming about the place you just have to have. But as couples soon discover, those amazing vendors and venues are often booked months, if not years, in advance for the most popular wedding dates. Getting married during the off-season of the wedding gives you a much better chance that the best sellers will be available on your chosen date. Less competition means more professionals in the vendor lineup to make your dream wedding come to life!
Photo: James Hancock Photography
Open calendars
Summer Saturday weddings, while charming in their own right, often lead to scheduling conflicts with your guests. Think of weekend vacations, family reunions, not to mention the many other weddings on your calendar. All of this potentially leads to fewer loved ones present than you expected. By receiving your nuptials during the off-season of the wedding, it is more likely that you will have all your favorite people available to celebrate. Just swap the ice cream bar for a hot cocoa stand and you’re ready to embrace the season with your family and friends.
Winter romance
Of course, there are many things to consider when planning a winter wedding. But if the weather isn’t an obstacle to your big day, off-season weddings can be very romantic. Imagine a cool snowfall outside, a candlelit reception, fresh garlands adorning each table, and all of your guests sipping mulled wine in the wee hours of the evening. Consider it a huge plus if you pick a wedding date around the holidays for fancy decorating options. In fact, your venue may already be dressed for the holidays, giving it a bigger impact on your design budget.
Reduced Honeymoon Rates – Sometimes
Similar to the off-season wedding, most hotels and resorts offer lower rates to travelers during their off-season. Depending on where you travel, of course, you can earn a lot of money on a dream honeymoon with fewer people in the period from December to March. Be sure to research what your destination is like during the winter months (keep in mind that many hot destinations are in peak season during winter) and shop around to find the travel package that best suits your honeymoon style.
Getting married during the off-season wedding is not for everyone, but for those willing to embrace the magic of the winter months, it offers some great perks. With careful planning and the right provider team by their side, couples can marry off-season with confidence while saving a lot of money in the process.