by Beth Oliver

Created on: March 04, 2007   Last Updated: April 23, 2007

As with every other aspect of a wedding, picking the time of year is different for all brides. Many brides dream of the strapless summertime gown with her hair down and flowers abloom. That may not be everyones ideal idea of a wedding though. Some brides may desire a winter wrap or shawl and a horse-drawn carriage through the snow. But don't forget to consider location! If you want a gorgeous winter white wedding, well good luck with that one in Arizona. I think the most important thing to consider when choosing a season for your marriage, is the theme and what atmosphere you want from your wedding.

Spring is a good time for weddings since the holidays are over, the warm weather is not quite here yet and people are really looking to beat their cabin fever. The traditional colors associated with spring symbolize a renewal, a refreshing change. Pastel pinks and yellow and greens. Purple and baby blue. The leaves are returning to the trees, the grass is always greener and the days are longer. A nice time to have a wedding in the spirit of rebirth.

If you are looking at a summertime wedding, you probably need to plan far ahead. Summer is the busiest time of the year for weddings so you may be limited with vendors being booked so be prepared with a second choice. Not only are places booked for weddings but that is prime season for proms, reunions, etc.

Summer is great for outdoor weddings. The flowers and fresh fruit that are in season and the blue skies and sunshine. Plan to have tents or gazebos if you are having an outdoor wedding, to keep the heat and sunshine at bay.

Fall is a great time for weddings. I think this is the best time to have a wedding. With all the flowers and greenery that are in bloom, it is gorgeous. Of course, weather depends on where you live but fall is often a mild season. Leaves turning colors is a great backdrop for your photos. If you wanted to do a theme wedding, there are so many amazing fall ideas out there for you to choose from. Maple leafs, Thanksgiving themes, pumpkins and horns of plenty, Halloween, the fruit themes like apples, pears etc.

The color schemes for fall are rich and vibrant, oranges, red, browns, copper and cream. You can use leaves and fruits to decorate the tables, the cake. Bringing in the beauty of nature can not only help you on your budget but really bring the venue alive.

With the holidays and the spirit of wintertime, snow in many areas and mistletoe. Winters are a very romantic time to get married at least I think so. The vibrant reds, greens and cranberry colors against the winter white snow is stunning. While planning a wedding around the holidays can be very difficult, a January or February wedding is nice. The holidays are over and people including the bride can relax and enjoy themselves more.

Another reason the fall and winter are good times of the year for a wedding, most people take vacations in the summertime, the prom and graduation season is over, the busiest time for weddings is over so you may be able to get discounts since it is the "off-season."

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