Pros and Cons of a Winter Wedding

Planning a wedding can be a big task. It requires carefully thought out decisions—choosing the right flowers, choosing the color scheme, choosing the appropriate menu and caterer, and on and on. One other decision—that has to come before all the others in some respects—is when will you get married. If winter is on your radar, here are a few pros and cons of a winter wedding to consider.

Choosing your wedding date us one of the most important and probably the most difficult decisions to make. Between your schedule, your fiancé’s schedule and your families’ schedules, picking a date for your special day can be a challenge.

Challenge aside though, don’t discount a winter wedding rather than a more traditional outdoor wedding in the summer wedding season. Winter weddings can be beautiful and, while there are a few disadvantages, there are some real advantages too, including potential costs savings.

Pros of a Winter Wedding

A Winter Wedding Can Save You Money

A winter wedding can be less costly than a summer wedding. And who doesn’t like to save money–maybe even a thousand dollars. Because winter is the “off” season for weddings, many venues offer reduced rates during the winter months. Similarly, wedding vendors, such as florists, caters, and such, may offer winter discounts because they may not be as busy as they are during the summer and spring months and are eager to have some money coming in.

With the savings made possible by a winter wedding, you may be able to have the wedding you’ve always wanted without as much wedding debt.

You Have a Unique Date

Another benefit of having a winter wedding is that your wedding will have a unique date. You can even choose a more unique theme. Consider an outdoor winter wedding in the snow—neither you, nor your guests, will forget it. With a winter wedding, you don’t have to share your date with as many other couples. And your anniversary will more likely be remembered by your friends and family.

It’s Naturally Beautiful

Let’s face it; even snow has its benefits. While it causes a lot of traffic and can mess up a lot of travel, there are few moments considered more beautiful than a solemn winter night. With the right decorations and lighting, you can easily combine the beauty of winter with your wedding venue and design to boost the aesthetic appeal of your wedding. And think of your wedding photos! Even if you opt for an indoor winter wedding, thin of the possibilities of outdoor winter photos.

Picture carriage rides through the snow under twinkling lights surrounded by your family and friends as you and the person you’ll spend the rest of your life with exchange “I dos.”

For people, winter can be a tough time of the year, because the weather is cold, and the nights feel endless. A winter wedding gives you and your guests a way to turn winter dread into a magical day or night filled wonder.

The Cons of a Winter Wedding

The Weather Outside Could Be Frightful

We all know the winter weather isn’t the best. No one wants a blizzard on their big day. But, weather is unpredictable all the time, and rain has dampened more than a few spring and summer weddings. Summer or winter, have a weather contingency plan that covers everything from alternate locations to alternative picture venues to possible postponement.

And if you opt for an outdoor winter wedding in a colder climate, plan for it. Have blankets, coats and portable heaters. Consider a canopy just in case there is snow or wind. With some planning, it could be a lot of fun.

Perhaps the biggest risk of a winter wedding is that a large storm will make it difficult for guests to get to your ceremony. The odds are low if you plan ahead, but have a plan B in your pocket just in case. Also prepare yourself for the possibility of your some people, including older relatives, may not make it or even plan on trying.

If you live where the winter storms are particularly strong, take that into account. If you can afford it, consider reserving a resort where your friends and family can stay for a few days.

You May Not Get the Flowers You Want

It’s possible that the flowers you would normally choose could be out of season during the winter. You may have to opt for seasonal alternatives. The good news is that there are still some excellent flowers available in the winter including ranunculus, Phalaenopsis orchid and stephanotis.

Conflict of Interest

Remember, your wedding date will be your anniversary date known by family and friends forever. Having a winter wedding, especially one around the holidays, can mean that your date may conflict with plans made by friends and family.

You don’t want your wedding—and subsequently your anniversary date—to distract other people from their holiday plans and get-togethers. Also, anniversaries usually mean trips, but since your anniversary falls within the holidays, you may have to deal with holiday travel and crowded airports later on.

At the end of the day, the decision on when to host your wedding belongs to you and your partner. Whether your choose a summer or winter wedding, congratulations and celebrations!

Get everything you need to master your credit today.

Get started for free