CWPR 2015 Fall/Winter

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B A N Q U E T S , R E C E P T I O N S , S H O W E R S & P A R T I E S
C H I C A G O W E D D I N G & P A R T Y R E S O U R C E
6
Seasons of Celebration
What is the best time of year to get married? Here, a look at the pros and cons of each season
By Anna Sachse, CTW Features
Fall is here. The leaves are changing color.
The air is crisp. It’s a beautiful, colorful time
of year to tie the knot. But is it for you?
Here is a look at each of the four seasons
and the pros and cons of saying I do to each
for your wedding.
AUTUMN
Pros: Fall is full of fabulous décor inspi-
ration, from colorful leaves to pumpkins,
gourds and corn stalks. You also can have
a sunset ceremony that’s reasonably early,
and you may still be able to have an outdoor
party. Even better? Travel is typically cheap-
er during this time, so you may find great
honeymoon deals.
Cons: Cold or wet weather can hit out of
nowhere, so you’ll definitely need tents or
an indoor backup plan. Autumn also is the
second most popular time for weddings, so
you’ll need to book your vendors well in ad-
vance.
WINTER
Pros: Hotels and venues will likely do their
own decorating for the holidays, supplying
you with free décor that feels festive and
warm. December can be costly, especially
around Christmas and New Year’s Eve, but
prices often drop drastically in Novem-
ber, January, and February. Use some of
the money you save to serve an indulgent
spread of seasonal treats like spiked eggnog
and gingerbread cookies.
Cons: It’s a busy and expensive time of year
for people, so chances are not everyone on
your list will be able to make it. Further-
more, severe weather could make traveling
treacherous or downright impossible.
SPRING
Pros: Spring usually is the off-season, thus
more venues and vendors should be avail-
able, perhaps at a discount. You’ll also find
a greater selection of blooms, fresh-feel-
ing menus, and bright color palettes. Add
to that the possibility of sunshine without
sweltering heat.
Cons: With the exception of Spring Break,
kids will be in school, making it more diffi-
cult for families to travel. And there’s a lot of
potential for a cool, rainy day that you didn’t
properly plan for.
SUMMER
Pros: The weather! If you’ve got your heart
set on an outdoor wedding, there’s no better
season. There also are three great three-day
holiday weekends – Memorial Day, Inde-
pendence Day, Labor Day – and guests are
more willing to take vacation time in the
warm months and/or when kids are out of
school. Other advantages include season-
al produce and flowers, and more daylight
hours, which is great for photos.
Cons: Summer is the most popular season
for nuptials in the U.S., which means pric-
es generally are the highest and there’s a lot
more competition for vendors. In addition,
guests may have already made vacation
plans – or have another wedding to attend
– during your wedding weekend. And that
sunshine you were hoping for? It may not
seem so spectacular when you’re dripping
in sweat.
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