Selecting the date of your impending wedding is one of the most important—if not the most important—tasks in the planning of your wedding. It essentially establishes your complete plan for the day and can even specify who you invite and what to wear. Furthermore, the time you decide to say “I do” will have a significant impact on the total cost of your wedding preparations.
For example, couples getting married during the busiest wedding season frequently have to pay extra for their location, décor, and flowers, among other expenses, because of high demand. On the other hand, couples that choose to tie the knot during off-peak months may find that their wedding planning costs save thousands, even hundreds of thousands of dollars.
We asked the experts to list the most economical months to tie the knot ahead of time. But before getting started, Jimmy gives some tips to individuals looking for an inexpensive place to say “I do”: “Understand exactly what you’re seeking first, then plan a wedding that meets those needs versus picking a month that you don’t like so you can afford it.” Continue reading to learn more.
1. January
That January isn’t the most popular month for weddings ever surely doesn’t come as a surprise, especially to those who reside in frigid, wintry locations. But if you don’t mind the possibility of a winter wonderland setting, you may save a ton of money if you schedule your special day during this season.
Event planner , located in New England, points out that January is usually less expensive because it’s not the busiest month for weddings. This means that because demand isn’t as high, prices for hotels, delivery services, photographers, and DJs can all be reduced. “There will be more options overall, including specialty rentals, linens, and vendors to choose from who might not have a waitlist for those dates,” Williams continues. Concurring, Clark notes, “Venues and vendors may offer some discounts because they want to fill those dates.”
However, that is not to imply that January is without its drawbacks. Carter emphasizes that, given the location of the site, couples planning a January wedding should closely monitor the weather and consider how it may affect the entire guest experience. This includes keeping in mind that a guest’s flight or road trip could be delayed or canceled due to a significant snowstorm.
Since January is usually the least popular month for weddings, venues, photographers, and other wedding service providers may offer reduced rates. In order to fill their calendars at this off-peak time, vendors are frequently more available and might even offer discounts.
2. February
February’s chilly weather makes it an inexpensive month for wedding ceremonies, just like January’s. However, there are a few drawbacks to being married in this month of love. Couples should avoid going on dates around Valentine’s Day, advises wedding and event planner Jess, as there may be a spike in the cost of flowers due to increased demand. Moreover, February and January will cost extra at a ski resort wedding because it’s usually their busiest month. Finally, Jimy mentions that February is high season in tropical regions, along with other winter months. She says that since “people are running away from the snow to get to the beach,” it’s advisable to avoid getting married around this time if you’re thinking about having a destination wedding.
February can also be a budget-friendly month, particularly if you skip Valentine’s Day. Because winter weddings are less prevalent, vendors are keen to schedule events in these slower months, which could result in discounts.
3. March
March is known for its unpredictable weather, so getting married in this “fringe” month will help you save a lot of money because there won’t be as much demand. Therefore, you may probably locate the venue of your dreams for a fraction of the price if the unpredictable weather doesn’t worry you (just remember to have a rain contingency plan). According to Jess, “Spring weddings are inspired by the essence of new beginnings, fresh starts, and growth, but the weather can still be unpredictable during this time of year.”
March is a transitional month with mild weather and more affordable prices because it signals the end of winter and the start of spring. This is an excellent opportunity to benefit from the reduced prices prior to the hectic wedding season commencing.
4. November
November is a great month to get married if you’re looking to save money because peak wedding season ends around late September (with some weddings trickling into early October). However, keep your location in mind when determining if November is the right affordable month for you, as some areas of the United States experience beautiful fall weather, while others may experience sleet and snow. Additionally, avoid scheduling your wedding around Thanksgiving as this will likely result in higher prices—plus, it’s a convenient time to ask guests to travel.
Another month where wedding expenses may be less is November. Couples can get decent prices since, aside from Thanksgiving, venues and vendors are less busy than they are in the summer and fall.
5. December
Arranging a wedding during the holidays could be challenging, but if you can pull it off, the cost could be lower. According to Jess, “many venues and vendors offer lower rates to start the year off strong during the slow season due to the numerous events and holiday gatherings in December.” Securing a date during this period could help you save money, as she also notes that “Most events, including weddings and holiday gatherings, aren’t booked past December 16th until early January due to holiday time and travel fatigue from holiday events.”
Due to the holiday celebrations, December may appear to be a busy month, but it may really be fairly inexpensive for weddings—especially if you steer clear of the weekends around Christmas and New Year’s Eve. With more appealing prices, a lot of vendors and venues are trying to fill dates during this quiet time.
Keeping this in mind, understand that just because you schedule your wedding during a budget-friendly month, it doesn’t necessarily imply the entire cost will be less. “It’s all about choices,” Taylor adds, noting that expensive bars have expensive prices, musicians charge more than DJs, and décor might go into the hundreds of dollars or almost nothing at all. “My best recommendation to a couple looking to cut costs on their wedding is to have a smaller guest list and to be honest about the budget before making decisions and hiring vendors. It will be simpler to handle your finances if you stick to your budget from the beginning.
Read Also: