What's the Best Season to Get Married?
Advice 11.03.2021
We’re all familiar with the tradition of the June bride, and June is still a popular month to get married. But so is September and October as couples opt for autumn weddings or even later winter weddings. The fact is, you can now get married at any time of the year. Just make sure you choose the right outfits and wedding venue, and have a plan in place to deal with the weather. This is Britain after all.
'There is no time like spring': March, April, May
Spring officially starts in March and with its association of new beginnings it seems like the perfect time to tie the knot and start your new life together. There are also two bank holidays and an Easter weekend at this time of the year, which means you could enjoy a long weekend of celebrations.
At this time of year, the gardens of wedding venues spring into life: wildflower meadows burst into colour, hanging baskets spill over with bright colours and pink blossom covers the trees. So outdoor wedding photographs are definitely on the cards. Flowers for your wedding bouquet are also more available at this time with anemones, marigolds, and lily of the valley all in bloom. Or opt for daffodils to decorate the tables.
When it comes to a colour theme, look to Easter for inspiration with pretty pastels like pink, yellow and blue for your bridesmaids and table decorations. Or keep it fresh and natural with green and white throughout.
If you’re getting married near Easter weekend, little bowls of sugar-coated chocolate Easter eggs for the guests look pretty as table decorations. And an Easter egg hunt in the grounds of your wedding venue is always popular with the kids.
So let’s talk about the weather. The evenings are lighter, and the days are fresh but often sunny. But, yes, it can rain a lot too. If you’re opting for an outdoor wedding, make sure you can bring the ceremony inside at the last minute if there’s a sudden spring shower.
''Tis moonlight, summer moonlight': June, July, August
If you’re yearning for an outdoor wedding, the summer months are when you’re more likely to enjoy glorious sunshine, and warm days and evenings.
Getting married in the open air surrounded by friends and family is so romantic. But while you may be happy to stand in the sun while you exchange your vows maybe not all your guests will be. Choose an outdoor venue that offers some shade too, such as a tree or umbrellas.
Nothing screams summer quite like a glass of Pimm’s. Serve these in the garden as guests arrive alongside chilled fizz. Remember to have jugs of water available too to keep everyone hydrated. And how about food? A traditional sit-down three course wedding breakfast may feel too much when the temperature is schorchio. Opt for something altogether more laid back like a BBQ or hog roast. Or a buffet of fresh salads, cheeses and cold meats where everyone can help themselves. Follow this with ice creams for dessert.
A summer wedding is the perfect time to indulge in colour. Think bright reds, fizzy oranges, fuchsia pinks and aqua blues. Big, bold flowers like hydrangeas, chrysanthemums, cosmos, lilies, roses and sunflowers are all in bloom at this time too. Mix them in with palm leaves for a tropical look.
And lastly, what to wear? Short sleeved or strapless floaty frocks for the girls and linen suits for the guys are absolutely perfect for summer weddings. Or go really casual and wear shorts.
'Sing to me, Autumn, with the rustle of your leaves': September, October, November
Autumn is a beautiful season to get married. The leaves on the trees turn orange and red and the days cool. But not too much. September can be pleasantly mild, and Britain often experiences an Indian summer, making this month a popular choice for couples.
But by the end of October and into November there will be a real chill in the air, so it’s best to take the ceremony and celebrations indoors. But with Halloween and bonfire night at this time of the year, you can have a lot of fun with your colour theme, decorations, and food and drink.
Opt for traditional warm colours like russet, burnt orange and honey for your bouquet and decorations. Many flowers are still available at this time of the year, of course but mix them up with leaves, berries and even pumpkins for a really autumnal feel. And serve a hearty wedding breakfast with local seasonal foods too.
As it’s near bonfire night, why not gather your guests around the fire pit, roast marshmallows, serve a hot chocolate (or something stronger) and finish your wedding day celebrations with fireworks and sparklers.
'Late lies the wintry sun': December, January, February
Winter weddings are becoming more and more popular, especially those that are held in the run up to Christmas and New Year. Imagine getting married on New Year’s Eve and starting your new lives together from January 1st?
With Christmas on the horizon, wedding venues look magical with fairy lights and candles everywhere, and everyone is in the party spirit. Combine your wedding with Christmas celebrations and serve mulled wine to guests as they arrive followed by turkey and all the trimmings.
The temperature will be nippy. But if you’re lucky you may seem some winter sun or even a smattering of snow on the ground which always makes for beautiful pictures. The key is to make sure the venue is warm and cosy for guests. And if there’s an open fire somewhere, so much the better. Keep the bridesmaids warm with pashminas that can easily be slipped off for the pictures. And pop a pile of blankets or throws into a basket, and let guests help themselves if they feel chilly.
What about the other winter months? Getting married in January gives everyone something to look forward to and suppliers are less likely to be busy at this time of the year. And hopefully your guests will be happy to give up their dry January or new year’s health kick for your big day. Getting married in February, especially around Valentine’s Day is a perfectly romantic time to tie the knot. Hearts and flowers are everywhere, and the first shoots of spring are just beginning to show. Lovely.