So he (finally) asked, you said yes and then started dreaming of this beautiful summer wedding – sun is shining, perfect temperature, everything just as you had pictured.

Sounds pretty good to us (we’re all for a summer wedding) BUT in the interest of playing devil’s advocate – there are some awesome reasons to consider getting married in winter. Here are 6 things you may want to consider:

1) Your pick of all the best venues – most venues are booked solid over the spring/summer months and charge a premium as they know this is the most popular time. Getting married in winter will mean not only your pick of venues, but you will likely be able to negotiate a better deal (especially if you may not have the minimum numbers the venue would normally require – many will drop this requirement in winter).
2) It costs less – as with the major things like venues and wedding catering, most wedding vendors including florists, photographers and car hire book up quickly during the summer months. A major advantage of winter wedding plans is that these vendors are usually more available, and, because business slows down in winter, may be willing to negotiate on price.
3) Less stress – one thing you generally don’t have to worry about when having a winter wedding is the weather. Summer weddings = outside ceremonies and/or receptions. The risk of rain, wind or extreme heat can make the lead up to the wedding very stressful. Winter weddings typically take place inside so removing mother-nature from the equation will definitely reduce the stress levels. You’ll also likely find that with vendors being less busy, they will be less stressed and have more time to dedicate to you and YOUR special day.
4) No humidity – Auckland summer weddings can be brutal. Let’s face it who wants to be a “hot mess” on their wedding day – spending all that money on hair and makeup only to have it melt away!
5) Avoid wedding-itis – the warmer months can get so busy with weddings, Christmas and New Year celebrations and other parties that friends and relatives can often get ‘celebration fatigue’. Wedding caterers and caterers in general are usually booked solid during this time. Holding your wedding in winter means that you won’t have to worry about anyone’s vacation plans or other weddings clashing with your date. You’ll have guests and vendors who are fresh and happy to attend, not worn out from “wedding season”.
6) It’s different – you can play with different themes that you wouldn’t have otherwise been able to do (think winter wonderland). Winter weddings also lend themselves to a black tie/more formal affair. No one will complain about donning a suit and tie in winter (different story in summer when people want to wear less layers). So winter makes for the perfect season for a more formal affair.

Planning a wedding can be stressful. If budget considerations are a big part of your planning process we’d definitely advise you to consider a winter wedding. We’ve catered to a bunch and can tell you that they are no less memorable – if anything they can be more spectacular (and fun) that a summer affair. Happy planning!