As we transition into the autumn season, you might observe a decrease in the hustle and bustle of the wedding industry – a perfect phase for any rustic wedding proceedings. It’s common knowledge that summer weddings dominate the annual matrimonial calendar, and, unsurprisingly, a summertime wedding comes with hefty bills for entertainment, catering, and venue hire. Nevertheless, for those seeking to save on wedding expenditure (a driving motivation for most, considering that the average wedding cost in 2011 was around $27,021 as reported by the Huffington Post), a strategic decision on the wedding month could be a budget-saving move.
Opting for less popular wedding seasons could considerably shrink your wedding budget. With a bit of study, you could identify the least crowded months for weddings and potentially enjoy significant financial savings. Even though summer is traditionally the peak season for weddings, moving your wedding to autumn isn’t necessarily the most economical choice. Many couples are increasingly favoring autumn weddings, lured by the discounts on honeymoon travel during the fall season and the charm of cooler temperatures. The Huffington Post disclosed that of all the weddings that took place in 2011, 37% happened in the summer, while 36% occurred during the fall.
The least preferred wedding months tend to be those falling between December and March, with January garnering the title of being the least popular month. However, certain times within these months, such as New Year’s Eve or Valentine’s Day, are favored by couples.
There are three key advantages to planning a wedding in an unpopular month. Firstly, you could save on venue and service costs. Wedding venues often have lean periods in the winter months, offering an opportunity to negotiate lower rates. Similarly, service-based providers like bakers may appreciate the extra business during the off-peak months. Secondly, you could potentially enjoy discounted honeymoon travel rates, especially if you travel abroad during their winter season. Though tropical destinations may cost more due to their high demand during the cold months. Lastly, you could save significantly on decoration costs, particularly if you marry near a popular holiday.
However, choosing a winter wedding does come with its challenges. The most significant one being unpredictable weather conditions. If you reside in a colder region, you should plan a winter wedding cautiously. My colleague had her wedding scheduled in mid-January, and, unfortunately, a record-breaking blizzard arrived the day before. Though she managed to tie the knot, none of her out-of-state guests could attend due to cancelled flights.
If you’re someone who doesn’t shy away from a little adventure, willing take on potential weather complications, getting married in one of the least popular months could trim thousands off your wedding bill. But as anyone who has tried, the experience during the “off season” can vary significantly. This is according to SmartAsset.com.
