Wedding Season Is Fast Approaching: 7 TIPS FOR PLANNING YOUR FALL & WINTER WEDDING

Fall and winter weddings can be absolutely stunning. Whether you’re embracing the beautiful foliage of fall or the stark beauty of winter, your wedding is sure to have something special. Planning for a wedding during these key seasons, however, can present a few unique challenges. These tips and tricks for planning your fall and winter wedding will allow you to make the most of your special day during these amazing seasons.

A smooth wedding day — How can you make sure everything runs as smoothly as possible on your wedding day? First and foremost, make sure everyone in the bridal party arrives at least 15 minutes before the scheduled appointment time. This makes sure you’ll get started on time and keep running with your timeline. Individuals should arrive with their hair completely clean and dry. Make sure you’ve run through your schedule with your hairdresser as well, so they know what time they are working with!


 Tip# 1: BOOK EARLY

If you would like a fall Saturday wedding at a popular venue, those dates are some of the highest in demand. I would recommend as soon as you are engaged to begin thinking about your venue options. Sometimes couples want to take some time to enjoy their engagement before they begin planning.

If you know what you want, I recommend going ahead and getting the major elements of your day nailed down before taking a bit of a breather in the planning.  

Once you have reserved your wedding date at your venue, you will need to begin securing your other vendors. While I know it is a bit overwhelming to think about photographers, caterers, florists, hair and makeup artists and all of the rest of the team who will make up your big day, locking those down as early as possible will help ensure you get the vendors you want. 

September, October, and November Saturdays are always some of our first days that book. Some places book those days up to 18 months in advance. So, book as soon as you can, but if you are planning a fall wedding closer to your big day, don’t be afraid to ask you favorite vendors if they have availability.

Tip #:2 SCHEDULE PHOTOS APPROPRIATELY 
Since you know that you’re not going to have a lot of light following the ceremony, consider what photos can be shot before the ceremony. Some couples still follow the tradition of keeping the bride and groom separate prior to the ceremony itself for that amazing ‘first look’ moment as the bride comes down the aisle, while others choose to buck tradition and go ahead and take those important pictures before the ceremony begins. Even if your groom is choosing not to see the bride before the wedding, there are still a wide range of great shots to be had–and taking them before the ceremony will ensure better lighting as well as shortening the delay between ceremony and reception so that you can spend more time with your guests.

Tip #3: PARKING OR TRANSPORTATION 

Homes are not designed to accommodate many cars, never mind catering vans, tent delivery trucks or portable bathrooms. Make an action plan for where vendors can park their cars after unloading and a transportation plan for guests so they don’t need to have a car on site. Contacting the local police department is a good place to start. They will be able to help orchestrate your guests being able to park in a municipal lot such as a local public school or town hall building. A shuttle bus route from the local hotels is a convenient option for guests. You may also want to get a few golf carts for use on-site, so that older guests don’t need to walk across the property or far distances during the celebrations.

Tip #4: CONSIDER A WEATHER CONTINGENCY PLAN 

Weather is always something that is closely watched, regardless of the location of your celebration. While rain or other inclement weather is a possibility for Fall weddings, there is a greater chance that the weather could be nasty on your wedding day. Don’t let that stop you from booking a fall wedding, though. Gorgeous fall days can’t be beat, and the temperatures are often milder than the scorching heat of the summer. Just consider what your backup plan will be, if the weather is bad. Will you be just as happy if you had to, say, get married inside instead of outside under the beautiful tree?

Tip #5: FIND AN ALTERNATE INDOOR LOCATION FOR PORTRAITS

Work with your venue to discover whether or not you have the option to take photos inside. Many venues will allow you to come in and shoot for an hour or two before the event itself. There may be a fee involved, but it’s a great way to be sure that you’ve got the space you need! You may also find that another local area is the perfect venue for gorgeous wedding shots if the weather doesn’t cooperate on your special day.

Tip #6: ELECTRICITY DISTRIBUTION 

So you know you’ll need a generator. But are you distributing that power appropriately? Bands, tent lighting, and catering ovens all require electricity so it’s important to make sure you have a distribution box with your generator that will allocate electricity to each vendor. If you have everyone on the generator without the distribution box, you run the risk of surging and causing a power outage. 

Tip #7: ENJOY THE SEASON

Fall is one of my favorite seasons and I love a great fall wedding. If you love fall and want to incorporate it into your wedding, go for it, and enjoy all that it has to offer. 

Thanks so much for reading. Have a great week y’all! XO


 

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Len Parent

“The most important thing to remember is that you can wear all the greatest clothes and all the greatest shoes, but you’ve got to have a good spirit on the inside. That’s what’s really going to make you look like you’re ready to rock the world.” —Alicia Keys

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