Summer vs. Fall Wedding: Which Season Is Right for Your Big Day?

Wedding season is smack in the middle of the year, usually from May through October. Summer and fall are wonderful seasons to get married, but choosing between the two may be challenging. Carefully considering both can help you decide which would best complement your preferences for your wedding day.

How to Choose a Wedding Date

There are many factors to think about when you’re choosing a wedding date. For starters, you might want to consider the dates themselves. Maybe some specific dates don’t hold the greatest memories for you, but other dates such as a parent’s anniversary or the day you and your partner got engaged might inspire you to have your wedding on the same day. On the other hand, you may prefer to keep special dates reserved for those events or happenings that have already occurred. Whether certain numbers are perceived as good or bad luck can also influence your decision. For instance, while some consider Friday the 13th unlucky, others see it as auspicious, making it the perfect day to showcase their bridal jewelry.The choice of day of the week is also important, such as if your heart is set on getting married on a Saturday, which significantly limits the number of available dates. Additionally, if you or your partner are expecting a baby, it’s a major life event you will also want to consider. You might be cautious about scheduling the wedding close to the baby’s due date because there is always the possibility of an unexpected early or late arrival. When thinking about the seasons, keep in mind that the temperatures and scenery aren’t usually the same throughout the entire season. Late summer and early fall are often more alike than early vs. late summer. For instance, early fall may have green leaves still on the trees and somewhat warm weather, the middle of fall usually features gorgeous brightly-hued foliage, and the end of fall typically has more winter-type weather and many bare trees. Those who aren’t a fan of hot weather might automatically want to cut summer dates from contention. When considering weather, you must also account for the conditions typical of your chosen season. For instance, if your wedding will be in the southeast, the Atlantic hurricane season spans all of summer and partially extends into fall, which may put an unexpected damper on your wedding plans, especially if you want to have an outdoor wedding.

Summer and fall also have multiple holidays, such as the Fourth of July, Labor Day, and Halloween. You might either shy away from those dates or consider them perfect for your wedding day. However, the holidays may also mean that some guests might already have plans and will be unable to attend your wedding. If you already have your venue picked out, they may also have a say in your wedding date because it depends on what they have available. Highly sought-after venues may be booked months or years in advance, significantly limiting your options for what day to have your wedding if you’ve decided it’s the perfect place for the two of you. If you or your partner have children or either of you are in school, you might need to consider your school schedule, too. School being out during the summer could be a much easier time to finish up the final stretch of the wedding planning rather than in the fall when the new school year is ramping up.

Benefits of a Summer Wedding

Summer is filled with warm weather and plenty of sunshine. The days are long, the kids aren’t in school and busy with related activities, while some businesses also close for vacation during part of this time. Those who love warm or hot weather may relish the chance to have a summer wedding, especially if they want an outdoor ceremony and/or reception. Beautiful weather and longer daytime hours can also inspire some breathtaking photos, such as taking a sunset picture of engagement rings for women combined with wedding bands in a clam shell on the sand. Summer is typically ideal for a wedding day spent on or near the beach.

Benefits of a Fall Wedding

One of the biggest perks of a fall wedding is the potential for fall foliage to create a beautiful scene and exceptional pictures, especially in a park or with mountains as a backdrop. There’s a chill in the air and a cozy, comforting vibe. Bouquet and floral arrangement options are breathtaking, offering what many might consider just the right amount of vibrancy. Those who cherish fall-inspired foods, like everything pumpkin spice, will eagerly embrace the opportunity to enjoy a reception featuring their favorite autumn delicacies. Fall is a season that seamlessly blends elements of summer and winter, offering a comfortably moderate temperature range for both indoor and outdoor wedding ceremonies and receptions, depending on the chosen date.

Deciding Between a Summer and Fall Wedding

One of the best ways to determine whether you want a summer or fall wedding and what date would be best is to make a list of dates you know aren’t contenders and work from there. This can give you a multitude of dates to work with where you can start considering other aspects, such as venue availability and temperatures. There’s no rush to determine the perfect date. Take your time, and you and your partner will know when you’ve picked the ideal one for the best day of your lives.