Photo: Kina Wicks
If you're recently engaged, the first big step in the wedding-planning process is to begin researching potential ceremony and reception sites. Once you've determined your wedding budget, begin calling and emailing venues you've bookmarked to inquire about availability. But are there certain times of the year that are cheaper to get married than others? Is there such thing as a high and a low season when it comes to venues? Our etiquette experts are here to answer your wedding-venue questions in our daily post.
We're beginning our venue search. Are there certain months that are more affordable than others?
Most wedding venues have a high and low season. In general, spring and fall tend to be more expensive (June and September are peak wedding months), whereas the winter months (January, February, and March) are often cheaper. The exception, though, is the month of December, which is considered a prime wedding month due to holiday celebrations. However, each region's climate determines wedding seasonality: summer months in the Midwest, South, and Southwest are off-peak and more economical because fewer people want to deal with scorching temperatures and humidity.
Scheduling your wedding for the off-season lets you take advantage of the law of supply and demand. Venues and wedding vendors not only lower their rates but often are more receptive to price negotiation when business is slow. Opting for an off-season wedding also benefits out-of-town guests who can book off-peak travel and accommodation rates. But keep in mind that your savings will diminish if you pick a date that is also a holiday, such as Valentine's Day, or coincides with a hotel-filling convention or trade show.