22
vary with different churches and religions. So call your church, synagogue or temple and get the
information you need.
If you are planning an outdoor wedding, consider the weather possibilities for the date you are choosing.
Consider the seasonal from a cost standpoint as well. If you will be having an outdoor wedding, you may
need to budget for fans or space heaters or other weather protection.
Consider area activities for the location and the date you are planning. For example, if you are scheduling
your wedding in a town that will be hosting a major event like the Olympic Games, Super Bowl or a large
annual festival or convention at the same time, you will be challenged by transportation, suppliers,
location and hotel room availability to say the least.
Find out what the peak season is for the location you desire. Off-season you will get better rates and
availability. Off-season there will be fewer crowds. In-season you are likely to have better weather. If you
are planning a destination wedding in a remote location you may have to weigh the better rates against the
possibility of hurricanes, for instance, in making your decision.
What is the climate of the location at the time of year you are considering? Will guests have to travel and
maneuver through blizzards for a Christmas wedding in New York state? Will you be able to wear the
long-sleeved velvet dress of your dreams if it’s over 110 in the summer in Phoenix?
Just as tourist seasons affect rates, wedding seasons can also control the fees you will be charged for
services and the availability of locations Find out what the prime wedding season is in the area where you
would like to have your wedding. June is popular in most places but there are other months that also rate
high. December can be a busy month for weddings in some places and Valentine's Day is usually booked
well in advance. If you are choosing a busy time, plan everything early. If you are having a wedding in a
national park, consider when their heavy tourist season is and plan accordingly. (Reserving a year or more
in advance may be necessary for some prime locations.)
• Will weather affect your mode of transportation. If you plan to make a grand exit by hot air
balloon you won't get off the ground if it's a hot summer day in Albuquerque. If you look
forward to a horse-drawn sleigh, the snow sleigh bells should be at least a possibility for
inclusion.
• In choosing a day, consider the holiday work-load of various suppliers which can affect
both their availability and effectiveness. Mothers Day and Valentines Day are
overwhelming for florists. The Christmas season and June are busy for musicians who
are playing for holiday parties, proms, and graduation parties as well as weddings. If this
is your choice, make arrangements in advance and work with your suppliers to help make
things flow easily during their busy time.
• In considering the season, you might also give thought to seasonal flowers. If you have
your heart set on particular flowers, find out when they are available in your area. Keep in
mind that it may be difficult to get flowers out-of-season and the cost to do so may be
exorbitant.
• Do you want a particular officiant and does the date work well with the officiant's
schedule? Often a relative or special friend will be a member of the clergy or wedding
officiant and you may want them to be a special part of your ceremony.
• The bottom line is: Choose the date you want, but plan well in advance if it is a busy
season and budget extra to cover costs. If the advantage of discounts available in off
season times. Either way, you can avoid surprises by making an informed decision.