When it comes to sharing your engagement news with family and friends, the inevitable question (after “Who’s the lucky guy or gal?” of course) is, “When are you getting married?” If you’re trying to decide when to have your wedding, thinking seasonally may help. Each season has a different tone that will certainly influence the look and feel of your wedding, whether or not you decide to incorporate seasonal elements into the celebration.

 

 

Fall is that colorful time of year between the bittersweet end of summer and the onset of the holidays. There is something classic and traditional about fall weddings and when done right they can be quite romantic. Fall weddings work best in spaces that compliment a foliage backdrop, like barns, inns, and old churches. For outdoor weddings, mountainous locales, orchards, and vineyards help capture the fall atmosphere.

 

Locations: The Forest House in Foresthill, California provides a cozy, lodge feel with a stunning backdrop of fall foliage on the Sierra Nevadas; for a piece of history, try the 1830s Meeting House at Old Sturbridge Village in Massachusetts.

Color schemes: Rich golds, warm oranges,   berries, plums, and browns

Flowers: Delphiniums, calla lilies, hydrangeas, Gerber daisies

           

 

 

Although a bit chilly, a classy winter wedding can be elegant and magical—think Cinderella dashing to the ball.  Consider holding your winter wedding in cavernous and warm spaces that are easily enhanced by candlelight, such as ski resorts, museums, and richly decorated cathedrals.

 

Locations: Set against the Presidential Range, the historic Bretton Woods ski resort in New Hampshire, has a majestic air; for a modern twist, consider the spiral rotunda of the Guggenheim museum in New York City.

Color schemes: Deep purples, magentas, reds and creams, black and white

Flowers: Roses, amaryllis, poinsettias, chrysanthemums

 

 

 

Spring is a time of new life and new beginnings. With the flowers blooming and birds chirping, spring is the perfect time to start your new life together and, since it’s one of the less common wedding seasons, more vendors are likely to be available. A good time for big, formal weddings in churches, you can also take advantage of the nicer weather with outdoor locations like botanical gardens, an historic estate, or a national park.

 

Locations: Consider an elegant garden wedding at Bacara Resort and Spa in Santa Barbara, California; for some old New Orleans charm, try the Victorian House of Broel’s blossoming courtyard in the Big Easy.

Color schemes: Pastels, also bright colors like coral, chartreuse, and violet

Flowers: Lillies, tulips, primrose, hyacinth 

 

A season associated with fun and relaxation, summer is the most popular time to get married. Whether you have a traditional, destination, or outdoor wedding in mind, summer is sure to provide everything you’re looking for. Summer weddings work best anywhere outside, preferably near water, such as sandy beaches, harbor-side resorts, lake retreats, or simply a gleaming white tent on a fresh green lawn.

 

Locations: The lush green grass and striking Newport Harbor setting make the Inn at Castle Hill in Rhode Island an excellent choice; for a bit of Southern hospitality, look at the Wild Dunes beach resort outside of Charleston in South Carolina.

Color Schemes: White, bright blues and deep navy, vibrant pinks, greens, and purples

           

Flowers: Orchids, dahlias, gladiolus, snapdragons

 

 

You can also weave the season into your wedding through the reception menu, with hints of nutmeg and cinnamon in the fall, hearty broths and rich sauces in the winter, and fresh fruits and vegetables in the spring and summer. No matter which season you choose, all good wedding planning takes the season into consideration in some way.