Traditionally, weddings are held on the weekends, which leaves you around 52 options for a wedding weekend date. You probably already have some idea as to when you’d like to have your big day, but if you are struggling to get a grip on a date for your wedding, then this blog is for you. To decide on the very best time of year to have your wedding, learn the temperature ranges for each season as well as the effect Mother Nature can have on your ceremony.
Spring
Spring is a glorious time of year, and it officially kicks off wedding season. Birds are chirping, flowers are blooming, and everyone is generally in a good mood thanks to warmer weather. Spring weather typically runs from March to mid-May. The temperature ranges from the mid-60s to high 70s, increasing as the season progresses. Nights remain mild and hover around the 40s to mid-60s.
Pros: Temperature ranges stay within comfortable levels, leaving you the option of any gown you’d like. The natural colors are bright, with fresh greenery and blooming flowers. Lighting is also on your side as the days are getting longer.
With a wedding set between March and June, you won’t be competing for guests’ attention between holidays or summer vacations. Expect your invitations to get tons of “Yes!” RSVPs. If you dream of a large wedding, a spring wedding is ideal for you.
Cons: This season can bring on the rain. If you are planning an outdoor wedding, prepare to take a chance. Consider booking a venue with a backup indoor option, just in case the weather doesn’t go your way. Be sure to book your dream venue well in advance since spring weddings are extremely popular, so venues and caterers book quickly.
Summer
Wedding season is in full swing. Late May through August marks the arrival of summer and now is the most popular time for weddings. Temperature ranges are generally quite warm with highs consistently in the 90s and lows in the 70s.
Pros: Summer means flowers, of any kind really. If you envisioned your wedding to have gorgeous florals, a summer wedding may be your prime time. On top of that, who doesn’t love a summer night? With more flexible schedules, people are willing to stay out later to enjoy the fresh, evening air.
Food menus can also be kept light and fresh while still filling your guests up. This gives you the ability to use delicious produce at its peak. Guests will be delighted to join in on your celebration as the days are long and school is out.
Cons: Hot, hotter, and hottest. Don’t even think about doing an afternoon ceremony in East Tennessee heat. The air becomes humid and hot, leaving you and your guests sweltering in the mid-day sun. Although ceremonies in the summer are always well lit, be sure shade is available to protect you and your guests against harsh lighting and the sun’s rays.
Fall
Fall, or as we know it, football season, extends from September to November. The fall encompasses a wide range of temperatures, decreasing in warmth as the year moves closer to December. Highs fall from 80 degrees to 50 degrees, while lows stretch from the mid-60s to the mid-30s.
Pros: In East Tennessee, the natural beauty of the area truly shines through. The foliage is at its peak which leaves a backdrop of rich reds, oranges, and yellows, making your photos the best they can be. The weather is also cooling off but doesn’t get so cold that you can’t spend a few hours outdoors. Fall is the perfect time for an outdoor wedding, as the weather is a bit more predictable and enjoyable.
Cons: This is a more popular time for weddings, indoors and out. Be sure to book your venue, band, and caterer well in advance to ensure you have everything you have dreamed of. Travel can be more difficult in the fall, as school is back in session and people have gone back to work. If your wedding is in East Tennessee, be prepared to pay higher hotel rates during home games for the Tennessee Vols. Any die-hard fan might be a little irked if the ceremony coincides with a big game.
Winter
Although winter is the least popular time to hold a wedding, the season offers a warm intimacy that can’t be achieved any other time of year. Winter months extend from December through mid-March. Temperatures stay relatively cold, hovering in the 50s and warming to the mid-60s in March, with lows staying in the 30s. Occasionally the temperature may bottom out and you may have to endure temps in the low to mid-30s and 20s.
Pros: Weddings are not commonly held in the winter; however, a wedding in the colder months gives you great rates on venues as most will have discounts or specials available. Winter weddings can also be a great way to create a cozy, intimate environment using candles, fur wraps, and warm foods. Color palettes are normally dark and rich during this season, and people are in a festive mood as they are ready to celebrate.
Cons: Winter can mean grey skies and cold, dry air. An outdoor wedding is most likely out of the picture in East Tennessee, especially in the cold days of January. Barren trees and few blooms highlight the natural beauty of the Smokies differently, but beautifully. While rates for venues may be down, your guests may struggle with empty pockets after the holidays.
No matter when your big day is set, let it be a day you will always remember. Your wedding day is a time to celebrate with friends, family, and, of course, your new spouse regardless of the time of year! Whether your wedding is in the summer, winter, spring, or fall, let Bradford Catered Events help you pull off the celebration of your dreams. With customizable menus, bartending services and years of experience, Bradford Catered Events has everything you want for your biggest party of the year. Once you’ve set the date, give us a call at (865) 522-5552 or visit us online to book today.
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