Haven't Set a Date Yet? This Wedding Planner's Guide to the Seasons Will Help You Narrow It Down

So you’re getting married. Congrats! After the Instagram hype around your engagement ring selfie has died down, get ready for the question everyone’s going to ask: have you set a date yet? This question can be daunting if you haven’t given it any thought. The first step is deciding on a time of year.

So, will it be Spring, Summer, Autumn or Winter? These tips will help you weigh up the pros and cons of each wedding season.  

Spring

Symbolism-wise, you can’t go wrong with a Spring wedding. Spring is the time for new beginnings and fresh growth—not to mention the birds and the bees—so there’s something really special about marking the start of your marriage during this time of year. Spring punches above its weight in the floral department, too. If flowers are a priority for you, it’s worth picking a date in this season of abundant bloom. 

If you’re thinking of an outdoor wedding, Spring offers the tantalising potential of a warm sunny day, but you will need to bear in mind that the weather can be very temperamental. If you’re planning your wedding a year ahead, don’t think that you can base predictions for next Spring on how this Spring has been. A part-indoor part-outdoor wedding is ideal, so you’ll always have the option of enjoying the sun or taking shelter. 

Summer

Summertime is about long lazy days and warm nights with friends and family. It’s no wonder that this season is the most popular for weddings. The weather is more reliable than in Spring, so you’re more likely to pull off an outdoor wedding. If you’d like to invite children to your wedding, Summer is a good time because of the school holidays. However, if you’re not going to have children at the ceremony, bear in mind that during the school holidays, your guests might not be able to attend your wedding without help with childcare. Speak to your wedding venue about potential childcare options either at the location or in the area. 

Autumn

The most striking thing about this season of mists and mellow fruitfulness is the colour. Depending on the trees that grow around your wedding venue, your Autumn wedding could be graced with a spectacular show of reds, oranges, rusts and browns. Even if you’re having an indoor wedding—which would probably make sense if you hold your wedding late in the season once it’s started to get a little chilly—don’t be afraid to bring the glorious colours of the outside into your décor. If you like a rustic look for your wedding, you don’t get better than Autumn. And your photographer will thank you. Not only will you enjoy the benefit of beautiful light on the day, but the all-important wedding album will be filled with rich, sun-bathed snaps.

Winter

Though winter isn’t everyone’s first thought when it comes time to decide on a wedding date, this season can have its charm. The winter holiday season is already imbued with a festive atmosphere. Inserting your own celebration into a series of celebrations means your guests will bring that festive mood to your winter wedding.

When people start asking if you’ve set a date yet, don’t panic! The first thing you need to decide on is which time of year will suit you best. If you simply can’t decide, remember you don’t have to limit your wedding celebrations to the big day. Whether it’s a bridal brunch or an engagement party, you’re free to spread your other key dates throughout the year to make the most of all the seasons.