Deciding Which Month You Should Get Married: A Helpful Guide
Planning your wedding has often been described as the happiest time of your life.
A wedding is something that a lot of people dream about from an early age, taking ideas of songs and dresses from some of the classic rom-coms of our generation.
But when it comes to the specifics, that is something that often catches people out when it comes to planning their actual wedding. One main specific being the date. The date of your wedding is perhaps one of the most important parts of your wedding, simply because there are so many things attached to that date.
That date will be something that you celebrate every year going forward for your anniversary, so it is important that you choose one you like. As well as affecting your anniversary, that date will impact so many other aspects of your wedding. From colors themes to the people who are able to attend, there really is so much to consider when you are choosing the date of your wedding.
Thankfully, save the dates is one of the first steps in wedding planning, so you can get the stressful bit out of the way early on.
Things to Consider
As we mentioned, the date that you choose impacts so many other parts of your wedding day, so there are some things you should consider before choosing. Some people have a date set in their head, perhaps an anniversary of loved ones or a birthday of someone who has passed.
Other people haven’t got a date in mind. If you are one of these people, there are some things you should consider when you are choosing your date. Let’s take a look at what they are.
You should consider:
- Colors and themes – these are usually dependent on specific seasons.
- Culture, Folklore and Luck – some cultures and religions have months which they prefer to marry in.
- The weather – while the weather is totally unpredictable, there are some months which have better weather than others.
- Cost and Budget – if you are working to a tight budget there are some months which are cheaper to marry in than others. These months are generally considered “off season”.
As well as these factors, you also should consider where in the world you are planning on getting married. There has been a recent trend in people opting to get married abroad in countries where good weather is almost guaranteed. As well as having a good chance of getting nice weather, a lot of people also choose to marry abroad as it can often be less stressful from a planning perspective, as the majority of the work is done for you. This means that you can focus on enjoying your wedding rather than worrying about things that need to be done. But wedding planning doesn’t have to be stressful. If you budget your time and money correctly then planning your big day can be so fun, and a great way to bring you and your partner together. While the factors above might impact the date of your wedding, there is another thing that might impact your choice, and that is your venue. If you have your heart set on a popular wedding venue, then it is likely that their calendar is pretty full up.
If you want to get married here, you might find that the only way to get married sooner is to choose a date in the “off season”. With that in mind, let’s take a look at which month is the most popular for weddings.
What is the Most Popular Wedding month?
You only need to look at the booking diary for a wedding venue to see which months of the year are the most popular. They are June and October.
Generally speaking, these months are the most popular due to the climate at this time of the year and the fact that the weather is usually dry and sunny. So while these months might not guarantee hot climates, there is a very high chance that it won’t rain on your wedding day. June is also a popular month to get married due to its links to Greek legend. The name given to the month of June is derived from the name of the Greek Goddess of marriage, Juno.
So a lot of people believe that it is good luck to get married in June, and that your marriage will be prosperous should you do so, for this reason.With these months being the “on season” for weddings, they tend to be the most expensive months to get married in. If you are looking for a cheaper month, then November, January, March and April tend to be popular. But the most important thing when it comes to choosing your wedding date is picking one that suits you. This seems easy at first, but it can be very tricky, so to help you out we’ve put together this complete guide to deciding which month to get married in.
We’ve put together all the pros and cons of every month of the year to help you decide which is the best for you, starting with the most popular month, June.
June Weddings
If you want to marry in the wedding season, then June is the month for you.
With warm weather and sun almost guaranteed it is clear why this is the most popular time of year to marry, but it is its links back to Greek legend that have so many Bridges vying for a June wedding spot.
“The June Bride hears the song of spring that lasts all summer long” –Seven Brides for Seven Brothers
- June Wedding Colors: light pinks, pale greens, peaches and pastel colors
- June Wedding Themes: summer celebration, summer solstice, nautical
Pros of a June Wedding:
- Good weather – June is often considered the height of summer with the longest day of the year occurring on the Summer Solstice in the middle/end of the month. This also links to the Shakespeare play ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ which is a common theme for June weddings.
- Popularity – June is the most popular month of the year to get married in and this can generate a lot of excitement about your big day. The month of June has always been linked with weddings dating back to Ancient Greece, so marrying in June you are sticking with tradition.
- Scenery – In June the environment is a lot more beautiful, flowers and trees are all in full bloom creating perfect opportunities for wedding photos throughout your big day.
Cons of a June Wedding:
- Cost – June is the most popular month to marry in, so you will find that a lot of venues hike up their prices for wedding packages in this month.
July Weddings
In colder climates, July is often a popular wedding month as it is the middle of the Summer months.
But in warmer climates, July can be very hot which is why it might not be the best choice depending on the style of wedding you are planning. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of this month.
“Let July bring nothing but positive vibes and great memories” –Anonymous
- July Wedding Colors – neutral colors such as pink, peach, light green, lavender and white
- July Wedding Themes – barn dance, Independence Day, carnival
Pros of a July Wedding:
- Guaranteed Hot Weather – If you book your wedding in the month of July, you are almost guaranteed hot weather. The amount of rainfall in July is also significantly less than the rest of the year, meaning that your wedding will probably be dry too.
- Party Season – July is a feel good month with everyone ready to party in the weeks following the 4th of July celebrations. So you can guarantee that you will get good vibes from your wedding guests.
- Summer Season – Most of your wedding guests would have already planned to take time off work in July, so it should mean that more people will RSVP to your wedding than in other months.
Cons of a July Wedding:
- It’s Very Hot – Some may say that July is almost too hot for weddings. This might be a point of concern if you are planning an outdoor wedding because it could lead to a hefty bill for air conditioning on the day.
August Weddings
The final month of summer is often overlooked when it comes to wedding planning, and there’s no clear reason behind this.
Perhaps it is because August is closely followed by September which is when the weather begins to take a turn for the colder months.
But whatever reason, there are lots of great reasons you may choose an August wedding, starting with the possible themes.
“An August bride is alluring, alive, adventurous and absolutely ace” –Anonymous
- August Wedding Colors – light brown, ivory, watermelon green and pink, mustard
- August Wedding Themes – rustic, garden parties
Pros of an August Wedding:
- Lucky Number 8 – In China, the number ‘8’ is regarded as lucky, and August is the 8th month of the year. The number ‘8’ is connected with wealth and fortune in Chinese tradition bringing luck to your marriage should you wed in August.
- Pleasant Weather – In August, the extreme heat of July begins to cool down, bringing a more enjoyable climate that will cost you less in AC bills.
- Latin Heritage – The name ‘August’ is derived from the Latin word ‘Augusta’ which is related to the word ‘auspicious’ which means success. So if you marry in August, your marriage will be successful.
Cons of an August Wedding:
- Storm Season – In the Eastern States of the USA, hurricane season begins in August which could affect outdoor weddings.
September Weddings
As fall begins, you have September. It was once uncommon to have a wedding in September as most people opted for Spring/Summer weddings.
But since the rise in popularity of October weddings, the fall month of September has also become a popular choice.
“Marry in September’s shrine, your living will be rich and fine” – Anon
- September Wedding Colors – mustard, lilac, dark purple, midnight blue, coral
- September Wedding Themes – woodland theme, rustic style
Pros of a September Wedding:
- It’s Lucky – Just like the numbers ‘7’ and ‘8’, the number 9 is also lucky according to Chinese tradition. This number is linked with the word ‘enduring’ which suggests that if you marry in September your marriage will last.
- Mild Climate – It is much cooler than the summer months, but it is still warm meaning that you can enjoy your wedding without worrying about the health of your guests.
- Lots of Color Options – September may not have that many theme options for weddings but as it is at the turn of the season, you have lots of color themes to choose from. Allowing you to make your wedding your own.
Cons of a September Wedding:
- It is Gaining Popularity – Ever since October became a popular month to marry, September has also become more popular. This means that you might find it costly to book your wedding in the month of September.
October Weddings
June has always been the most popular month to marry, but October has quickly caught up since fall weddings became in fashion.
It was once all about summer, but now everyone loves fall and the color tones and fashion that comes with it, which is why it has become a much more popular time to marry in recent years.
“As Autumn leaves turn their brilliant hue, two hearts will join and say I do”
- October Wedding Colors – warm tones, pumpkin orange, browns, gold, royal blue
- October Wedding Themes – harvest, spooky season, Halloween
Pros of an October Wedding:
- Photo Opportunities – Fall is undoubtedly the most beautiful season of the year, and in October you will find that most of the greenery will have turned orange and began to lose their leaves. This creates the perfect setting for wedding photos
- Excellent Weather – The weather is dry and warm but not so warm that it makes you uncomfortable on your special day.
- Cozy and Personal – Everything just feels more cozy in the fall months, making your day even more special (especially if you have a small wedding).
Cons of an October Wedding:
- The Cost – October is now the most popular month to marry, so weddings will probably charge extortionate prices.
November Weddings
November is (technically) a fall month, but for many people this is the beginning of Winter. This is the month when temperatures really do start to drop, which can make the weather unpredictable.
This is one of the main reasons why November isn’t a popular month for weddings in the USA, but this could benefit you as it means you can often get very good deals for November weddings.
“If you wed in bleak November, only joys will come, remember”
- November Wedding Colors – rich colors, dark blue, dark purple, natural greens and browns
- November Wedding Themes – giving thanks
Pros of a November Wedding:
- Low Cost – This is one of the least popular months to marry, so you can typically get an excellent deal from most wedding venues as they are desperate for custom in this month.
- Thanksgiving Month – November is the month in which Thanksgiving is celebrated, this means that your guests will generally be in a good mood as it is the time of year when you reminisce and enjoy having time with friends and family.
- Beginning of Winter – In November you can achieve winter wedding vibes without having to deal with the extremely cold temperatures which December and January can bring, so you get the benefits without the cons.
Cons of a November Wedding:
- Travel can be Tricky – As it is getting closer to Christmas break, and Thanksgiving occurs in November you might find that some of your guests will be able to get the time off work to be able to attend your big day.
December Weddings
If you have inquired with a wedding venue about December booking prices, you might think that December is a popular wedding month.
But this couldn’t be less true. For some unknown reason, venues charge the same prices for December weddings as they do for June/October weddings, despite the fact that it is one of the least popular months to marry in.
“When December snow falls fast, marry and true love will last”
- December Wedding Colors – royal blue, burgundy, rich red, indigo, cream, mint green
- December Wedding Themes – Christmas, fairy tale, the Nutcracker, winter ball
Pros of a December Wedding:
- Holiday Spirit – That holiday spirit that started back in November with Thanksgiving will continue right through to Christmas at the end of December, so your guests will be joyous.
- Magical Vibes – You only have to watch a Christmas movie to see how magical the month of December is. Everyone just seems to be happier when Christmas is near, and it is truly a month when miracles can happen, and what better way to celebrate your marriage than during the festivities.
- It Might Snow – If you like the idea of a December wedding, then you are likely a fan of Winter and the chance of snow that comes with it. By getting married in December you have the best chance of getting snow on your wedding day.
Cons of a December Wedding:
Work Christmas Parties – The main reason why wedding venues are expensive to book in December is because they are often used for corporate Christmas parties during this time, this can make booking your dream location hard if you don’t book early.
January Weddings
Even though December is perceived as the peak of winter, January is actually when the temperatures plummet to their coldest.
For a lot of people, this is enough to put them off getting married in this month, but for others it is the perfect way to guarantee their Winter Wonderland wedding (at a fraction of the cost of a December wedding).
“Marry when the year is new, he’ll be loving, kind and true”
- January Wedding Colors – navy, royal blue, silver, berry red, burgundy, emerald, gold
- January Wedding Themes – Winter Wonderland, New Year, 1920s/Great Gatsby
Pros of a January Wedding:
- Low Prices – January is one of the cheapest months to marry (January 1st excluded) so if you want a wedding with Christmas vibes but don’t want to pay December prices then January is a great time to get hitched.
- New Beginnings – January is the month of new beginnings and fresh starts, and what better new beginning is there than marrying the love of your life? January can be a bit depressing as the Christmas feeling wears off, so marrying in January is a great way to cheer up your friends and family on your special day.
- Ancient Greek Tradition – While June is derived from the name for the Greek Goddess of marriages, it was actually ancient Greek tradition to marry in January as this was seen as the best month.
Cons of a January Wedding:
- It is Freezing – There is no denying that January is a freezing cold month, so if you want an outdoor wedding then this is the wrong month for you.
February Weddings
If there’s a month of the year that is internationally associated with love, then it is February.
It is, of course, the month in which Valentine’s Day occurs and a lot of people want to marry in this month to fall in line with Valentine’s Day.
A lot of people also choose to marry in February due to existing relationship anniversaries which commonly happen around Valentine’s Day.
“If we had no winter then spring would not be so pleasant”
- February Wedding Colors – red, burgundy, blush pink, cream, silver, gold
- February Wedding Themes – Valentine’s Day, fairy tale, Parisian winter
Pros of a February Wedding:
- Out of Season – Just like January weddings, February weddings are out of season, so you will likely get a good deal for your wedding package.
- The Month of Love – February is the month of Valentine’s Day and Leap Years (where a woman may propose to her boyfriend) so you will be getting married in the season of love.
- Lucky – Lunar new year usually occurs in February which means that your wedding will take place in one of the luckiest times of the year, according to Chinese tradition.
Cons of a February Wedding:
- Super Bowl – if your partner, or any of your family, are huge fans of American football then you might want to check the date of the Superbowl before you book your wedding, just in case they should fall on the same day.
March Weddings
With March comes Spring and new beginnings as farm animals begin to birth the new generation and the flowers begin to bloom after a harsh winter.
For a lot of people, the fresh start that March promises is enough to make them want to marry in this month, so let’s have a look at the pros and cons.
“The highest happiness on Earth is the happiness of marriage” –William Lyon Phelps
- March Wedding Colors – yellow, pastel pink and green, mint, navy blue, cream
- March Wedding Themes – enchanted garden, end of the rainbow, fresh starts
Pros of a March Wedding:
- Ahead of the Season – With a March wedding you’ll be ahead of the wedding season, and have a good chance at being one of the first weddings of the year.
- No Expectations – Unlike summer months, with March weddings, there is no expectation for the weather to be good. So if it does rain it won’t be a huge disappointment because you would have already planned for this.
- Lower Costs – March is still off-season when it comes to weddings, so you will likely be able to get a good deal for your wedding venue.
Cons of a March Wedding:
- Indoor Weddings Only – If you want an outdoor wedding, March isn’t the best time of the year for you to have your wedding because of the bad weather.
April Weddings
April is a month that is traditionally associated with bad weather, and more specifically, rain.
So if you have your heart set on an outdoor wedding, it is best not to arrange it for the month of April.
But if you are not bothered by the weather then an April wedding could be an excellent choice.
“April hath put a spirit of youth in everything” – William Shakespeare
- April Wedding Colors – green, yellow, pink, cream, apricot, lilac, fuchsia
- April Wedding Themes – spring awakening, butterfly paradise, cherry blossom
Pros of an April Wedding:
- Live like a Royal – April is traditionally the month in which the Royal weddings of the British Royal family occur, with the most recent being the marriage of Prince William and Katherine Middleton in April 2011.
- Fool for Love – April Fools’ Day has often been linked with the saying “fool for love” and April is also the month for the Greek Goddess of love, Venus, so you would be marrying in a month of love.
- New Flowers – You will generally be able to get a good deal on wedding bouquets during April as this is when the new flowers of the year have bloomed.
Cons of an April Wedding
- April Showers – April has a high risk of rain, so an outdoor wedding in this month would not be possible. It can also make outdoor wedding photos rather tricky, you may have to be creative.
May Weddings
For a lot of people, May is the month in which Spring finally blooms. With it comes a whole load of festivities, including May Day, so why not add your wedding into the mix?
May also marks the beginning of the wedding season, which encourages a lot of people to get in there early, but let’s have a look at some of the pros and cons of this month.
“All things seem possible in May!”
- May Wedding Colors – pastel blue, pastel yellow, pastel pink, pastel everything
- May Wedding Themes – May Day, Beltane, spring surprise
Pros of a May Wedding:
- Season of Celebrations – May is generally a season of spring celebrations including May Day and the traditional celebration of Beltane for those of Pagan origin.
- Wedding Season Begins – May is the first month of the wedding season, so if you want yours to be one of the first weddings your friends attend that year then May is a great choice.
- Better Weather – Finally the harsh winter (and rain) have broken, and you have a much better chance at getting fine weather on your wedding day.
Cons of a May Wedding:
- Popularity – May is the start of the wedding season which also means the beginning of price hikes for wedding venues.
Summary
In short, we have given you absolutely everything you need to know about getting married in each month of the year to help you make the decision that is perfect for you on your big day!