Determining when the best time of year to get married is a very subjective topic. Each season has pros and cons and it ultimately comes down to your preferences, venue choice, budget, and what you want from your wedding. For many couples, the availability of the venue plays a large role in deciding the date of the wedding. Popular wedding venues can be booked up years in advance, leaving you with the less favourable dates if you book too late.
Another factor to take into account is the weather in the UK, especially in the North West. UK weather largely differs from North to South. Manchester receives an annual rainfall of 829mm, whereas London receives 592mm. Even so, Manchester is still the perfect place for a wedding.
Whether you’re choosing your wedding date based on your budget, a sentimental date, or the availability of a wedding venue, below we have highlighted the best reasons to get married in each season:
Winter
Throughout winter you will have a wide choice of venue availability as it is the low season. Many people will be feeling the pinch on the run-up to Christmas and may also have corporate Christmas events to attend. On the other hand, many people have time off in December and are in high spirits; ready to let their hair down without feeling guilty about work piling up.
January is often the cheapest month to get married and is a great way to start the new year. You may also be able to take advantage of the cheaper prices and get a great deal. However, your guests may be less keen to spend money on travel and accommodation post-Christmas.
Spring
Spring represents new life; the perfect time to signify the start of your life together. With the arrival of lighter days and flowers beginning to bloom, the rebirth of spring ensures picturesque weddings as the countryside is engulfed in colour. May is the most popular month to get married in spring. With warmer afternoons and later evenings, and the addition of two bank holidays, May marks the beginning of ‘peak season’ which runs up until October.
If you want a spring wedding but don’t want to pay ‘peak season’ prices, March offers crisp and sunny weather with signs of life beginning to emerge. Weddings in April can still take advantage of the cheaper prices, and the term ‘April showers May flowers’ isn’t always accurate as for many years March has received more rainfall than April.
Summer
If you’re looking to get married on a Saturday in the middle of August, be prepared to book way in advance. The weather, school holidays, warmer evenings and the lighter and brighter photograph opportunities are all reasons as to why summer is the most popular season to get married.
Throughout summer you are more than likely to have great weather, making it the perfect time for an outdoor wedding, however, be prepared to pay a premium price. In addition, be sure to get your invites out early to prevent your guest booking holidays around your chosen wedding date.
Autumn
If you aren’t a fan of the summer heat and don’t want a wedding in the middle of winter, autumn can be the perfect time to get married. A favourite with wedding photographers, autumnal weddings offer beautiful golden backdrops and an abundance of natural light, making for magical photograph opportunities. The vivid reds and oranges can also provide great inspiration for your wedding colour scheme.
Although September and October are considered ‘peak wedding season’, it can often be cheaper than a summer wedding and often has better availability. With ice underfoot and the festive season ahead, November is great for couples on a budget as prices drop entering ‘low season’.
At Manchester Hall, we cater for weddings all year round. Check out our extraordinary wedding venue in the heart of Manchester.
Category: Blog