When you think of weddings, you probably picture wedding bells ringing, bluebirds singing, flowers blooming . . . but why do the summer months come to mind automatically? June through August are by far the most popular months to get married in, but they are not the only months that lend enchantment to wedding nuptials.
So many brides feel tied by tradition to say their vows in the summertime. Especially now when Americans are encouraged to express themselves and their personal styles, brides should take advantage of their options and get married when they want to, not when tradition says to!
Many photographers, caterers, DJs and reception sites offer considerable discounts to couples getting married in the “off-season” - October through April. Venders during this time are so desperate for customers that they may negotiate their prices down to get business or list reduced prices right on their Web sites and fliers.
Not only do weddings held in the off-season potentially cost much less than warm-weather weddings, but they also rival those in the summer months in both beauty and originality.
Having a wedding during the fall provides the opportunity to use seasonal flowers like dahlias and chrysanthemums, colorful leaves and branches and autumn favorites like pumpkins and corn stalks in the decor. Popular bridal shops offer attendants’ gowns in fall hues of deep red, brown, burnt orange and olive green, just to name a few. Tuxedos are also available in corresponding colors. Even if you are a fall lover but not necessarily into autumn themes, traditional wedding colors can be alternatively used in a fall wedding.
Winter as well is becoming an increasingly popular wedding season. Using traditional Christmas colors as well as including Christmas trees, wrapped gift boxes and poinsettias in wedding decor is a popular alternative. But many brides are opting to use a "winter wonderland" theme during the winter instead. Colors like silver, blue, ivory and champagne are classy and chic options for cold-weather weddings, and faux fur stoles, Christmas ornament favors and spiced cider and gingerbread men are fun seasonal additions.
Although some might view it as a cliche, a Valentine’s Day wedding pulled off right can be very classy. If you love pink or red, go all out on the V-Day theme with conversation heart favors, heart-shaped invitations and all-rose bouquets. If you just love "love," dress your party in your favorite colors and include as little or as much reference to the holiday as you like.
In addition to unique decorations, brides can also opt to use seasonal themes in other ways during their special day as well. Riding to the venue in a horse-drawn sleigh adds a nice touch of winter elegance, or for a fall twist hayrides are always popular. Have guests throw leaves at a fall wedding instead of the traditional birdseed or rice and at the winter celebration have favorite Christmas carols played at the reception. At a Valentine’s Day soiree invite married guests to send in their love stories or wedding photos and display them at the reception.
When planning your wedding, think outside the box. Besides rescuing your wallet, having a wedding in a non-traditional season shows off your personality and style and gives guests something special to look forward to.

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